At least one of you reading this, I will endeavor to say, is an unemployed writer working on the first thirty (if you’ve been really productive) pages of your future award winning screenplay. If you’re at home, across from you, on the desk, or dining room table (wherever your workspace is) is your cell phone bill… not paying itself.
You’ve maybe just barely paid off your rent for the month and it’s left you without much more than money for 79 cent tacos from one of those fast food establishments you’ve been relying on for survival.
You and I both know that reality has set in and it’s time to face the facts:
YOU NEED A JOB!
Not only do you need a job, but you need Employment Crossing to find you that job. After all, you’re a writer. You want to make that B.A. in Enlgish or Journalism proud. You’re passionate about the written word and you won’t compromise yourself working behind the counter of the local coffee shop.
“No, sir. You cannot get half-caf. And no, sir. You cannot get a scone with that.”
Listen to me. Jump onto Employment Crossing and find that job that allows you to use your talents, your skill set, and take one step toward that ultimate goal of being a professional writer.
Don’t waste time, my friend. Get started today. You’re phone bill is begging you.
Tags: Careers, crossing, Employment, Jobs, screenplays, writers, writing
Posted by Erik Even on Jul 30, 2009 in
Job Search You don’t always need a cover letter — in fact, some recruiters request you do not send one.
But the cover letter is the best way to to play up the most important parts of your resume, while including information inappropriate for a resume. The letter also demonstrates your writing ability, and shows you were willing to take a little extra time with your application.
Here are some tips for writing a great cover letter:
Start by introducing yourself. Stick to what relates directly to the job. My name is Joseph Blow, and I have 10 years experience in Advanced Widget Management.
Mention the position for which you are applying. Forgetting this is a common error. Chances are excellent that the recruiter is working to fill several jobs. I am writing about the Senior Widget Manager position advertised on EmploymentCrossing.com.
Grab the reader’s attention. Cover letters are dull. If there is anything that sets you apart from other applicants (and which applies directly to the position), mention it right off the bat. Don’t bury the lede. I am the author of the best-selling book How to Manage Widgets.
Sell your qualifications. Don’t just recap your resume — the recruiter already has it. Imagine if had only three sentences to convince and attractive person to go out on a date with you. Now translate that to convincing a recruiter to hire you. I will use my training, plus years of technical and management experience at some of the best firms in the widget industry, to help make your firm the top-rated manufacturer of small-to-medium-sized widgets.
Be specific about the position. Read the job description carefully, and refer directly to the specific qualifications listed. I am fluent in Microsoft Widgetware, but I have plenty of experience with WidgetPro, the software used by your team.
Assume you will be contacted. I have attached a copy of my resume, and you may find samples of my work at widgetmanagerblog.com. I look forward to having the opportunity to speak to you about my qualifications in person.
Make sure your name, address, and contact information are on your cover letter. Yes, all that is on your resume. Be redundant. Make it easy to contact you.
Only list your salary history or your salary requirements if you are specifically asked to do so. Let the firm get to know you, and get excited about you, before the topic of filthy lucre is raised. If you do list your past salaries, don’t lie.
Grammar, punctuation and sentence structure must be perfect. If you can’t write, find a friend who can.
Use the same paper and print quality you would use on a resume. Don’t go cheap — you’re trying to impress people.
Got any more advice? Let us know in the comments!
Tags: cover letters, job application advice, job search advice, resumes, writing
Posted by Erik Even on Mar 23, 2009 in
Job Search Some people think they can get away with submitting a resume, without including a cover letter.
These people are usually referred to as “unemployed.”
Of course you need a cover letter, even if a job ad doesn’t specifically ask for one. (On the rare occasion when you are asked not to send one, then don’t!) Including a cover letter that has clearly been personalized for the specific company and position tells the employer you care enough to take the time.
Also, the cover letter is the first thing an employer sees. It’s your introduction. Don’t mess it up!
Never send a generic cover letter. Sure, you may have some basic text you always include. But be sure to mention the company and the position by name in the body of the cover letter. And tweak the description of your experience and skills to match the requirements of the particular position. Use the same wording as the job ad.
Mention how you learned about the job. If it was passed along by a person at the firm, then name that person.
Describe the most important aspects of your skills and experience that pertain to this position. This is how you convince the employer to take a real look at your resume. Also, resumes are very formally structured — here’s your chance to lay out, in plain English, exactly why you’re right for the job.
Reflect your attitude. If you’re excited about the position, then tell them! The cover letter is also your opportunity to demonstrate that you are a professional person — by writing a very professional cover letter. Typos, misspellings, bad grammar, and a casual tone will not help you.
Provide anything else mentioned in the job ad. This may include a salary history, or a writing sample, or a link to your web site. (You don’t have your own web site? Hey, they also have this new thing called a “horseless carriage,” you should look into it. Also, did you know they cured polio?) Be sure to explicitly follow every instruction in the job ad.
If attaching files to an email as documents, keep your resume.doc and your coverletter.doc separate. Don’t combine them. This goes for uploads to company job sites as well.
Got any cover letter advice of your own to share? Let us know in the comments!
Tags: cover letter, Job Search, job search advice, resumes, writing
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