Archive for August, 2008
Writing the perfect cover letter for your resume is just as important as the resume itself!
Regardless of the type of employment you’re seeking, your resume’s cover letter will typically form your potential employer’s first impression of you and your qualifications for the position.
In our last post, Danny mentioned several
tips for writing a winning resume - but if your future employer never makes it past the cover letter, that killer resume is useless.
The Purpose of a Cover Letter
A successful cover letter is much more than a simple introduction to your resume. While a resume is full of facts, figures, and employment history - your cover letter will display a great deal about you, your personality, your communication skills, and even your attitude. Chances are, a resume with a poorly written cover letter will see the trash bin before it has the opportunity to be reviewed.
How to Write the Perfect Cover Letter
While proper grammar, correct spelling, and a professional business letter format are quite important - the content of your cover letter is also crucial to your resume’s success.
Do not:
- Write a quick “Hi, here’s my resume” and call it a cover letter.
A clean, professional font like Times or Arial is best for your resume. Photo by: Francisca
- Simply rehash the points already covered in your resume.
- Use the same generic letter for all employers.
- Fill your letter with complicated vocabulary and long sentences.
- Overly sell yourself - but don’t sell yourself short!
Do:
- Introduce yourself and explain why you’re writing in a professional , but personal tone.
- Take the time to review the position requirements and company information so you can briefly explain why your expertise will benefit the employer.
- Use bulleted lists and short paragraphs to make your letter easy to read.
- Describe how your skills and qualifications make you the perfect candidate for the position.
- Request an interview or meeting to discuss the position further and include appropriate contact information should the employer have questions.
While a well-written cover letter and great resume are often enough to score an interview, you may not always hear an immediate response. Sending a thank you note to your prospective employer, thanking them for taking the time to review your application, will keep your qualifications fresh in their mind and is not at all inappropriate.
Whether you’re needing search engine optimized web content or searching for tips about writing the perfect cover letter, be sure to subscribe to the Priceless Writers Blog in your favorite reader so you don’t miss a post!
For any job-seeker, knowing how to write a killer resume is still one of the most important factors in getting yourself seen by your potential new employer. There’s been a lot said about resumes not having any worth these days, particularly in the online business world.
This is simply not true – employers still hold resumes in great sway. While a killer resume may not get you the job, it will offer you a far better chance of being seen by the people that matter.
Therefore, learning the secrets of writing a killer resume will put you way ahead of the competition.
Length
Nobody wants to have to wade through page after page of a resume, no matter how killer the content. Keep your resume to between one or two pages – any more is overkill.
Use Bullet Points
Human Resources (HR) and hiring managers usually have a lot on their plate – therefore, making your resume easier to digest will go a long way to having it read in the first place. Use bullet points combined with shorter sentences for a more effective approach.
Words of Action
One way to truly write a killer resume is to use what’s known as “action words” – words that make your resume stand out and are almost like hypnotic text to someone reading it. Examples of action words include “developed”, “managed” and championed”.
Strength is Everything
Let’s face it, your resume is the tool that will either get you seen by the hiring manager or result in your application getting filed under “B for Bin”. So sell yourself – make sure you have your strongest points about you at the beginning of your resume. Write them in bold and bullet point them – this is crucial for you to grab the reader’s attention, so make the strongest start possible.
Use Symbols
Some of the best writers of killer resumes make their resumes stand out by using symbols like %, # and $ - if it’s good (and successful) enough for these experts, then it should be good enough for you too.
Complement the Company
One thing that HR and hiring managers always complain about when it comes to resumes is that no real effort has been made to show why the applicant is right for their company. This results in the resume being binned. To make sure you don’t fall into this category, match your skills to the company’s needs and bullet point them to stand out. Trust me, this will place you near the top every time.
It’s all in the Personal Details
The secret to writing a killer resume is remembering it’s meant to be a short introduction to you. HR people don’t want to read your life story – so when you write a resume, make sure you only put personal details that are relevant to the job you’re applying for. Things like education, interests, technical skills, etc, can go in a separate section at the end.
Formatting
To keep your resume looking as professional as possible, always use a standardized font like 12-point Times New Roman or Courier. If 12-point is too large, make sure you don’t have your text any smaller than 10-point. Using a standardized font will also ensure that your resume will still read well on different operating systems.
Edit, Edit, Edit!
So you’ve written a killer resume – but none of that will matter if it reads like an 8-year old edited it. When you’ve completed your resume, make sure you take the time to proofread and edit it. Twice. Then ask a friend to do the same.
If this sounds like too much, think of it this way – if a hiring manager was to read an unedited release and saw multiple grammatical mistakes, he or she would immediately discount your application. After all, if you can’t even be bothered to make a proper effort on something as important as your resume, will your work ethic be any different?
There you have it – some of the most effective and proven tips to help you write that killer resume. By putting into action all the points here, you’ll have a far better chance of being seen by the people that count. Just remember that writing a killer resume is half the battle – the rest is up to you. Good luck!
We’re pleased to announce that Priceless Writers has been nominated for two categories in the StartUpNation Home-Based 100 Competition – Most Innovative and the Greenest. Aside from pleasing a great number of “green”-minded clients, we are constantly thinking of new ways to get the word out on:
If you like what you see, please take a moment to check out our profile at Start Up Nation and cast your vote! Simply click on the box below - no registration needed.
As a business owner or website owner, you’ve either had to write content, articles and blog posts or you’ve had to hire a freelance writer to do it for you. The written word is the oil that runs your online business or website and it’s essential to have excellent, readable and helpful content, articles and blog posts.
If you write them yourself, you must research and spend a good amount of time getting it right. If you hire someone to do it for you, you are paying money to have the best quality written work. Considering all of this – wouldn’t it be better to make those articles, web content pieces and blog posts count more than once? Here are a few tips to help you do just that!
Create a Series:
One way you can make your written works go the extra mile for you is to create a series. For instance, if you have a web design business you might create a blog series that has to do with the way customers perceive different characteristics of a website. What colors do people trust for commercial sites? Where do people automatically look when they pull up a web page?
These things are really great for your clients to know and having a series of blog posts will allow you to do several things. Readers will be interested to get the next post in the series, so you will likely get more subscribers to your blog. You can also refer to your previous and future posts to keep new readers interested. Of course, these posts would also drive traffic to your website and build your credibility as the expert in your niche. This is a great way to get more out of your blog posts.
Compile and Re-Create:
Another great idea is to gather all of your informative articles which have been written and compile them into an informative eBook. If you have had a lot of different articles, you could even do a series of eBooks. Of course, you may have to have them rewritten a bit so that they are fresh and unique, but why let those great articles or blog posts go to waste? You can then offer your eBooks up for sale – which is another income stream for your business!
Ex: A website designer probably has a lot of articles on the importance of design, tips and tricks for design and text placement and more. He or she could compile all of their tips articles and create a web design tips eBook for ‘do-it-yourself’ individuals. It would also work to find articles on specific topics, like how customers relate to visual characteristics on the page and create an eBook or course on how to make your website attractive to visitors.
Always Refer to Other Posts and Articles:
Of course, as you’re adding new website content, articles and blog posts to your marketing arsenal – a great little tip is to refer back to your older ones. This allows new readers to quickly learn more about your business and the things you offer. It pulls the visitors in and gives them helpful information, and this builds credibility. Doing this whenever applicable will help increase your traffic, subscribers, sales and profits!
By making your articles, blog posts and website content pieces count more than once, you can save time and money. This is a big plus with any sort of business and will make a difference in your sales and profit numbers!
Calling all female entrepreneurs!
Some of the most influential women in business will gather in the coming months to inspire, educate, and share some of the tools, tactics, and strategies that has brought success into their lives.
The Fourth Annual PINK Conference Series will visit seven cities across the United States, allowing attendees to share a motivating two-hour lunch with some of the most powerful players in the business world.
Attendees are encouraged to bring along friends, family, mentors, clients, and employees to share in the experience, which focuses on:
- Discovering ways to balance personal and business relationships
- Building career strategies that bring success
- Learning valuable business lessons
The 2008 PINK Conference delivers an unforgettable luncheon from 11:30am – 1:30pm, offering an event panel that consists of five panelists plus a moderator. The conference schedule includes:
Chicago (InterContinental Chicago) – September 24th
Speakers: Candace Bushnell (author, Sex and the City and Lipstick Jungle); Mary Dillon (executive vice president and global chief marketing officer, McDonald’s); and Christie Hefner (chairman and CEO, Playboy Enterprises)
New York (Marriott Marquis) – October 1st
Speakers:Lisa Ellis (executive vice president, Sony Music Label Group); Donna Sturgess (vice president of innovation, GlaxoSmithKline); and Sara Mathew (chief financial officer, Dun and Bradstreet)
Dallas (Omni Mandalay Hotel at Las Colinas) – October 3rd
Speakers: Hala Moddelmog (president and CEO, Susan G. Komen for the Cure); Nikki Sells (vice president of franchise development, Tasti-D-Lite); and Karen Quintos (vice president of marketing, Dell)
Washington, DC (Omni Shoreham Hotel) – October 10th
Speakers: Kim Martin (executive vice president and general manager, WE tv) and Susan P. Mucciarone (managing executive, calibre, Wachovia). For more speakers to come, keep checking the PINK Magazine website for more details.
Boston (Four Seasons) – October 14th
Speakers: Irene Chang Britt (vice president and general manager, sauces and beverages, Campbell Soup Company U.S.A.) and Julie Gilbert (senior vice president, Best Buy)
Los Angeles (Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza) – October 30th
Speakers: Karin Gilford (senior vice president of online entertainment, Comcast Interactive Media); Carla Christofferson (co-owner, WNBA Los Angeles Sparks); and Launi Skinner (president and COO, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? )
Atlanta (Omni Hotel at CNN Center) – November 12th
Speakers: Kelly Regal (executive vice president, Turner Broadcasting System); Laurie Tucker (senior vice president, corporate marketing, FedEx); and Gloria Mayfield Banks (executive national sales director, Mary Kay)
Tickets are $125. Tables of 10 are also available for purchase.
Click Here to Register
As a freelance writer, you will most likely submit your work to many different calls for content and exciting opportunities to snag a by-line. With a never-ending pool of talented writers pursuing the same objective as you, rejection is a common part of freelance writing. Even the best of writers have suffered rejection. However, it’s what you do after the dust settles that truly matters.
Why Did I Get Rejected?
Inappropriate Writing Style
Not everyone is going to fall in love with your writing style. While some clients enjoy punchy statements and original thought, others encourage writers to present a conservative tone that oozes professionalism or speaks to academic circles. Certain clients view highly descriptive pieces and imagery as ‘fluff’ or ‘flowery text,’ while others demand detailed pieces that allow readers to indulge in all five of their senses. Sometimes, you’ve simply been rejected because your writing style was not the perfect fit. Don’t take it personal.
Misunderstood the Market or Target Audience
Clients are looking for writers that can speak to their target market, audience or a specific gender; sell products and services; improve brand recognition; and express the thoughts and ideas that they are unable to convey. For example…
- When a job calls for web content geared towards teenagers and the video game market – your writing tone and knowledge of the subject is vital.
- It is not uncommon for a retired chemical engineer to encounter a bit of trouble connecting with 4-year-olds looking for a bedtime story.
- And… if you don’t have any experience writing persuasive, sales copy – getting rejected for a sales letter gig on your first try shouldn’t come as a surprise.
One of the most important aspects of writing is to understand your market. Who is the reader and what kind of information are they looking for? What will keep the reader interested? Let’s say you’re interested in writing for a magazine. The first thing you should do is scan an assortment of publications to get a feel for their audience, tone of voice, content, and style of writing. Make sure to become familiar with the ins and outs of a magazine, including the kind of ads they publish. This will help you better meet the needs of a potential client when sending sample submissions.
Didn’t Follow Directions or Writer Guidelines
Go over the original directions or writer guidelines with a fine-tooth comb – did you deliver what was asked of you? Perhaps you injected opinion when you needed to remain objective in your writing. Maybe you were instructed to send an original sample of your work, but submitted a previously published E-Zine article.
Sometimes, adhering to a specified word count is a deal breaker. When a 500-word sample article is asked of you, sending a 2,000-word piece (no matter how brilliant it is) probably wasn’t the best idea. Keep in mind that many clients are looking for writers who know how to write under various restrictions…and follow directions.
Time of Submission
There are tons of freelance writing opportunities decorating the Web, including Craigslist ads, blogrolls, newsletter services, Elance, Guru, and Scriptlance. The competition is fierce, as you are sometimes vying for projects that have caught the eye of thousands upon thousands of other writers. The key is to strike fast in order to increase your chances of being ‘heard.’ Although you may have written the ‘next best thing,’ chances are – if you’re #788 out of 900 responses – your piece may never come in contact with the client. For example, some clients choose to sift through only the first 100 replies they receive for an ad. Many writers are rejected simply because they never had a chance to shine.
…and the dreaded Didn’t Write Well Enough
Sometimes, the answer to your rejection is staring you right in the face as you glance over your work – incomplete sentences, spelling errors, improper tenses, and overall poor grammar. Have someone look over your writing piece, making sure they are familiar with the project details. Did you fulfill what was asked of you? How many grammar mistakes were found? Did you carelessly misspell a common word? Poor grammar and spelling blunders quickly overshadows any good writing and thoughts.
Overall, writing is a never-ending journey of learning and growth – a process that matures as you mature. In the end, you will find that practicing your craft is one of the best ways to sharpen your skills and improve client and reader responses.
We shake hands with people we’ll never see again and exchange business cards that collect dust, but for every person you meet and greet – you come one step closer to increasing your clientele and customers. Networking is a powerful advertising tool and a lot of business owners unfortunately overlook this key ingredient to success.
Whether you must conquer shyness, dust off the suit jacket, or become more active in the community – the possibilities are never-ending when you make a dazzling first impression that benefits your business. Getting involved and mingling about town is one of the best ways to get your name and company out in the open.
When you’re looking for ways to accomplish this magical marketing task, consider the following:
1) Join the Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber of Commerce is a collection of business people who join together to further the interests of members on a local, state, or national level. Start gaining the support of your community and watch interest in your products and service rise. Don’t forget to attend meetings, luncheons, and contribute to fundraisers. The key is to stay active and hopefully form beneficial alliances within your niche. You never know who will become a vital asset for the future of your business.
2) Attend School Board Meetings
The educational system is comprised of educators, administrators, parents, and children – a goldmine for many businesses and a rather effective venue for getting the word out on a business. Good (and bad) news spreads like wildfire throughout this particular arena, so it is important to make a strong first impression and put forth a solid effort to contribute during meetings. Always keep a business card on hand.
3) Become a Member of the Arts Council
The symphony productions, plays, art shows, and museums that decorate your city are usually guided by one or more arts councils that often include an assortment of wealthy and influential individuals or companies. Become a member of this particular organization and you can tap into a whole new world of networking.
4) Participate in Charitable Events
Embrace the positive energy that comes with giving back to the community and the gesture is returned in more ways than one. Not only will you gain respect as a business owner, but it feels good! In the long run, you will become a familiar face about town that
consumers are more willing to trust when it comes to spending their hard-earned cash.
5) Update the Community
Share important company events and information by posting ads or announcements in the local newspaper; updating your main website; and/or creating a mailing list consisting of past customers for shipping out friendly postal reminders and ads.
6) Newsletters
Create a newsletter that updates your community on the latest happenings pertaining to your business. Perhaps you have launched a new product or would like to offer free trial services in exchange for feedback. Maybe you’d like to provide valuable information regarding your business niche. Whatever the case – newsletters are a great way to build a bond with the community and persuade potential customers or clients to trust in your company’s services and goods.
For additional marketing articles, insight, and tips – don’t forget to subscribe to our monthly Priceless Newsletter. It will only take a few seconds to enhance your business savvy; keep up-to-date with unique article discounts; and learn how quality content can increase sales and boost profits.
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