7 Common Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid

7 Common Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid7 Common Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid Theres definitely an art to writing the perfect titelseite letter , and its one that many job binnenseekers dont take the time to learn. While it does require some effort to get right, once you learn how to write an effective deckblatt letter, it gets easier and easier each time you do it. Here are the biggest cover letter mistakes career coaches and job search pros see, and what they tell their clients to do instead to seal the deal.When candidates dont know what to write in their cover letter, they often resort to restating their job history. But this isnt a great tactic. Remember, the employer already has your resume, so theres no need to repeat your entire work history, points out Amanda Augustine, career advice expert for TopResume . Focus on making your career narrative and relevant qualifications crystal clear. In other words, tell the reader a story about not just your past jobs, but how you got where you are today and why you think this position youre applying for is the right next step.Its also okay to make things a little personal, as opposed to your resume, which should be totally professional. Your cover letter should not only whet the readers appetite, but also add value to your entire job application, Augustine says. Use this opportunity to give the reader a sense of your personality. While the resume can be a dry document, your cover letter is your opportunity to imbue your personality so the reader can begin to assess your cultural fit for the organization.I often see cover letters that were obviously copied-and-pasted, says Christopher K. Lee, founder and career consultant at Purpose Redeemed . Basically, you dont want to use the same cover letter for every job with just the contact name, company name and position title swapped out. Even when the hiring manager and company name are correct, you can tell that its a generic template letter.Instead , take time to review the job listing again and identify the top three things the hiring manager appears to be seeking in an ideal candidate, Augustine suggests. Use this information to customize your message. Explain how you are a good fit for the role by summarizing your qualifications based on their requirements. Better yet, open your cover letter with a story that provides proof of your skills the employer cares about most.For an added personal touch, look up the hiring manager on LinkedIn or Twitter, Lee recommends. If you can find something you have in common, like a school, volunteer organization or hometown, find a way to slip it naturally into your cover letter. Dont force this, however - it must be a genuine connection, he says.The worst mistake I see in cover letters is candidates adding too many soft skills rather than focusing on job-related skills, says Nancy Spivey , a career coach. Many fill the cover letter with content about how they are reliable, motivated a nd dependable. Well, lets hope that youre reliable, motivated and dependable. Those characteristics are bare minimums that a hiring manager expects from any applicant. Instead, do your best to set yourself apart by explaining how your hard skills and experience could add value to their organization. Tell them about your accomplishments with those skills as it relates to the job, Spivey says.An overly wordy cover letter is a waste of time and a big mistake, states Jessica Hernandez, an executive resume writer and president and CEO of Great Resumes Fast . Keep the body of your cover letter to 150 words or less, she suggests.Employers are pressed for time and simply do not see the value in investing their time reading a lengthy cover letter, Hernandez says. Additionally, many employers and recruiters are reading on their mobile devices, so keeping your cover letter brief will ensure it is easier to read which increases the chances that it actually will be read.The main thing you want to get across in your cover letter is why youre the right fit for the job . That means everything you include should be specific to the company and the position youre applying for. The manager doesnt need to read about extracurricular activities that are not work-related or about every book youve ever read, Spivey says. In fact, an applicant that I know had a hiring manager respond to his cover letter once to give him some advice. The manager stated that he had initially thought that the candidate was a close match for the position based on his resume. However, the cover letter had changed his mind because of the way it rambled and included so much unnecessary and irrelevant information.Outs could be You are originally from the area, you have family in the area or your partner/spouse accepted a position in the area, he says.Dont miss the opportunity to plant the seed of an interview in the recruiter or hiring managers head. This is one of the oldest sales strategies known to man, b ut it works, Cranford says. Close your cover letter by giving the employer your interview availability. By doing this, the reader automatically thinks in their head, Hmm, what am I doing that day? By getting into their mental schedule, you are already penciling yourself in.Cranfords suggested closer Based on your requirements and my passion for this position, I feel like I would be an ideal candidate. I am available to speak via phone or in person on Wednesdays and Fridays after 1 p.m. and welcome the opportunity to discuss my candidacy. According to Cranford, it works like a charm.

Everything I learned about leadership I learned from my mother

Everything I learned about leadership I learned from my motzu sichEverything I learned about leadership I learned from my motherMy Mum is quite petite, gentle, and very Scottish. No drill sergeant or business card that read Household CEO, she was way more than just a mother. She was my first leader. I realize from my earliest days until today, almost every leadership lesson I needed to learn she taught me.Servant leadershipBooks have been written about Servant Leadership and big-ticket speeches were given but from my earliest memories, I saw my Mother live the very tenants of Servant Leadership. Mum built a home of warmth and love where I felt secure enough to risk striking out on my own but knew that I had a soft place to which I could always return. I knew that no matter what, I could always depend on her. She modeled what it meant to be a great mother, wife, daughter, and sister.Teams need to feel connected and team members empowered to take a risk but know that you have their bac k if it doesnt always go according to plan. Team members also need to know what behaviors are acceptable and what good looks like.Ladders is now on SmartNewsDownload the SmartNews app and add the Ladders channel to read the latest career news and advice wherever you go.HumilityMaybe this was one of the tougher lessons for me to learn. My parents were visiting our home in Kansas when a massive storm blew through. I arrived home to find our backyard flooded and totally upended. My Dad, Husband, and Mother were beavering away trying to fix the damage. Im elend sure exactly what I did when I showed up but my Mum threw her hands in the air and yelled, Stop. Good news. Managements hereBeing the boss doesnt mean you have to have all the answers or always be the one in control A little gratitude and acknowledgment of the hard work of others can go a long way. Letting others take the lead at times build their confidence and sets an important example of humble leadership.AccountabilityI was a really good kid and rarely got into trouble but I knew if I broke the rules or disappointed in some way, it was going to be dealt with. The rules and expectations were clear. In my senior year, my classmates and I were going out for a farewell dinner. My Mum told me she didnt want me drinking at the event. I went. I didnt drink and I was not a happy camper. Looking back on it now, it was good advice. Yet if I had had a drink my Mum wouldnt have known.Accountability cuts two ways. The first way is that when there are rules and expectations, there have to be consequences if there is a miss. But the second most important element to accountability is that people choose to step up and do the right thing and hold themselves accountable even if it might be easier to let things slide.CommitmentMy Mum married the man who was to be my Dad over 63 years ago. Ive observed the ebb and flow of their marriage. There was more smooth than rough, but as in any marriage, there were some challenges. I never for a moment saw my Mum flinch from that commitment she had made for better or worse. I love watching them together now, as she still laughs at all his old jokes even when she hears them from the umpteenth time.Team members value the stability of knowing where you stand and that when the going gets tough they can count on you to have their backs, stick with it and work it through. This doesnt mean that the tough conversations dont happen. They do. Im not nave enough to think all relationships whether business or personal work out but I know I have to work hard and commit to the best possible outcome.Always be open to learningWhen Facebook came into its own, my Mum took it on She realized that through Facebook, even though she was some 5,000 miles away, she could casually stay connected with what the boys and I were up to. She had never owned a computer and had nothing fancier than a flip phone. In her mid-70s she got her first p.c. and some 5 years later a smartphone. Unafrai d to ask for help and lean into the technology, she fast became my number one Facebook stalker.Leaders who have nothing to learn show up totally closed off. When you stop learning you stop growing. No matter how far along you may be in your career, you need to stay open to learning new skills, new ways of doing things, and new technologies. It can open up a whole new world for you.CelebrateMums always been good at celebrating, but I saw it reach epic proportions when she became a grandmother. Watching her with my boys, I saw her celebrate every little victory and accomplishment even if it wasnt quite perfect. They knew they had no bigger cheerleader than their Nanny. Her celebrating gave them the confidence to always strive even against the biggest challenges. Having her cheer and making her proud was a driver in itself.We often get so caught up in what lies ahead that we forget to celebrate accomplishments. Demonstrating pride in what others achieve provides recognition and incenti ve to continue to do well.So to my Mum and all the mothers out there, Happy Mothers Day. Perhaps without even knowing it, you teach leadership better than anyone else in the worldLinda Adams is a Leadership Development expert and co-founder of the Trispective Group. he is the co-author of The Loyalist Team How Trust, Candor, and Authenticity Create Great Organizations. For more information, or to take a free team snapshot assessment, please visit, www.trispectivegroup.com.

Get Some Great Phone Interview Tips

Get Some Great Phone Interview TipsGet Some Great Phone Interview TipsWhile youre job searching, its important to be prepared for a phone interview on a moments notice. Many companies start theinterview processwith a phone call to discuss the job opportunity with a prospective employee, determine if the candidate is a good fit, and to gauge his or her interest in the position. In many cases, yourinterview will be scheduled in advanceby email or phone. In others, you may receive a surprise phone call asking if youre available to chat about a job. You never know when a recruiter or a networking contact might call and ask if you have a few minutes to talk, so always answer the phone professionally, especially if the number is unfamiliar. You should also make aya that your outgoing voicemail message is professional. Why Companies Use Phone Interviews Why do companies use phone interviews?Employers use telephone interviews as a way of identifying and recruiting candidates for employme nt. Phone interviews are often used to screen candidates to narrow the pool of applicants who will be invitedfor in-person interviews. They are also used as a way to minimize the expenses involved in interviewing out-of-town candidates. For remote positions, a phone interview may be the only option. How to Ace a Phone Interview Before you get on the telephone to interview for a job, review unterstellung phone interview tips and techniques so you can ace the interview and make it to the next round. Prepare for a phone interview just as you would for a regular in-person interview. Compile a list of yourstrengthsandweaknesses, as well as a list of answers to typicalphone interview questions. In addition, have alist of questionsready to ask the interviewer. If you have advance notice of the interview, make sure to review the job description and do a bit ofresearch on the company. Take the time tomatch your qualifications to the job description so that you can speak to why youre a st rong candidate for the position. Review your resume, as well. Know the dates when you held each of your previous jobs, and what your responsibilities were. Youshould feel comfortable and ready to discuss your background and skills confidentlyduring a phone conversation. Have a copy of your resume nearby, so that you can refer to it during the interview. Also have a copy of the job posting and a copy of your cover letter if you sent one. Practice Interviewing Talking on the phone isnt as easy as it seems. As with an in-person interview, practice can be helpful. Not only will this help you rehearse answers to common phone interview questions, but it will also help you realize if you have a lot of verbal ticks, fail to enunciate, or speak too nicht weit davon entfernt sein or too slow. For practice, have a friend or family member conduct amock interviewand record it so you can see how you sound over the phone. Once you have a recording, youll be able to hear your ums and uhs and ok ays soyoucan practice reducing them from your conversational speech. Listening to the recording will also help you pinpoint answers that you can improve. If you dont have someone who can help, practice answering your own questions. You dont need to memorize answers, but having a sense of what youre going to say will help reduceyournervesandmakeyour responses soundmore natural. Get Ready for the Call Before the call,confirm all the details,including the date, time, and who you will be talking to. Be sure you know whether the interviewer is calling you or if you need to make the call. If something goes wrong and you miss the call, or the recruiter doesnt call on time, dont panic. You should be able toget the call back on track or reschedule if need be. Use a quiet, comfortable, and private space with no distractions so you can focus on the interview. Proper Phone Interview Etiquette Review these guidelines for appropriate phone interview etiquette, so you make the best impress ion on your interviewer. Answer the phone yourself. First,besuretolet family members and/or roommates know you are expecting a call. When you answer the phone, respond with your name, i.e.Jane Doe(in a perky tone of voice), so the interviewer knows they have reached the right person. Listen carefully to the interviewerand dont start speaking until the interviewer finishes the question. If you have something you want to say, jot it down on your notepad and mention it when its your turn to talk. Dont worry if you need a few seconds to think of a response, but dont leave too much dead air. If you need the interviewer to repeat the question, ask. Phone Interview Tips Follow these tips for a successful phone interview Create a checklist. Reviewthe job postingand make a list of how your qualifications match the hiring criteria. Have the list available so you can glance at it during the interview. Have your resume handy.Keep yourresume in clear view (either on the top of your desk, or tape it to the wall) so its at your fingertips when you need to answer questions. Be prepared to take notes.Have a pen and paper handy for note-taking. Dont get interrupted.Turnoffcall-waiting so your call isnt interrupted. Reschedule if you have to.If the time isnt convenient, ask if you could talk at another time and suggest some alternatives. Clear the room.Evict the kids and the pets. Turn off the stereo and the TV. Close the door. Use a landline.If you have a landline, use that instead of your cell phone. That way, youll eliminate the possibility of poor reception or dropped calls. Dos and Donts During the Phone Interview Do use the persons title (Mr. or Ms. and their last name.) Only use their first name if they ask you to.Dontsmoke, chew gum, eat, or drink.Do keep a glass of water handy, though. Theresnothingworse than having a tickle in your throat or a cough starting when you need to talk on the phone. Have a glass of water ready so you can take a quick sip if your mout h gets dry.Dosmile. Smiling will project a positive image to the listener and will change the tone of your voice. It can also be helpful to stand during the interview, since this typically gives your voice more energy and enthusiasm. Do focus, listen, and enunciate.Its important to focus on the interview and that can be harder on the phone than in-person. Be sure to listen to the question, ask for clarification if youre not sure what the interviewer is asking, and speak slowly, carefully, and clearly when you respond. Its fine to take a few seconds to compose your thoughts before you answer.Dont interrupt the interviewer.Do take your time.Its perfectly acceptable to take a moment or two to collect your thoughts.Dotake notes.Its hard to remember what you discussed after the fact, so take brief notes during the interview. Do give short answers. Its important to stay focused on the questions and your responses.Do have questions to ask the interviewer ready.Be prepared to respond when t he interviewer asks whether you have any questions for him or her. Review thesequestions to ask the interviewerand have a few ready in advance.Do rememberthatyour goal is to set up a face-to-face interview. At the end of your conversation, after you thank the interviewer, ask if it would be possible to meet in person. Follow-Up After the Interview As the interview winds down, make sure to say thank you to the interviewer. Ask for the interviewers email address, if you dont already have it. Send out anemail thank-you noteimmediately, thanking the interviewer and reiterating your interest in the job. You can also use your thank-you note as a way to provide information on anything regarding your qualifications you didnt get a chance to mention during the phone interview. Whenthe interview is over, carefully review any notes you were able to take during the conversation. Jot down what types of questions you were asked, how you responded, and any follow-up questions you may have if y ou have an opportunity for an in-person interviewor a second-round phone interview.