Job Hunting Tips

JOB HUNTING TIPS FOR NORTH COAST HOT JOBS

Job Hunting Tip #41. Vocational Rehabilitation

Native Americans face challenges that most people never confront. In addition, Native Americans often have high unemployment rates. One program that is helping to combat this, is the American Indian Vocational Rehabilitation Services program (AIVRS). This is a federal program that is similar, but not the same as the state Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). The objective is to help disabled Native Americans find gainful employment. The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe has been awarded a grant to help disabled Native Americans and Alaskan Natives living in this service area. This area is bordered on the east between Sequim and Port Angeles, the Hoko River in the west and Sappho in the southwest. So, if an enrolled disabled native lives within this service area, then they are eligible for services to help them get employed. For more information on this, contact the Employment Program Manager, Nora Norminton, at 360-565-7257 ext. 7483.

Job Hunting Tip #40. Seasonal Work

On the north coast of the Olympic Peninsula, many jobs appear during this time of the year. These seasonal jobs can be lucrative, but last only till the fall. Businesses such as Red Lion, Pepsi-Cola bottling and moving companies do most of their business this time of the year. For some, this is their livelihood. Do one job the summer and do another job in the winter. Or just take part of the year off.

Job Hunting Tip #39. Local Hiring

Some employers prefer to hire from the local area versus someone from outside of the area that intends to move here. What are some of the benefits of doing this?

1) These people have lived here for a while and will most likely stay here.

2) They already have network connections in the area.

3) They will not require any settling in time.

4) An outside the area employee may move back to where they came from if they find the area not as appealing as they originally thought or some other reason.

Job Hunting Tip #38. Job Gender Stereotyping

Job Stereotyping is the assumption that certain genders, culture, race or other characteristics are more prominent in certain jobs. For example, one stereotype is to assume someone at the front desk will generally be female and young. However, despite laws and generally accepted norms, there are still instances where one gender will be more prominent in a job. I know that when I did electronics repair, there were not too many female technicians. Here is an article on this subject, http://www.eurofound.europa.eu/ewco/2010/03/GR1003019I.htm

Job Hunting Tip #37. Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship program is a program that pays someone while learning a trade. This could be useful for trades such as plumbers, electricians and linemen. These programs are common in areas of larger populations than the north coast of the Olympic Peninsula. Apprenticeship programs in Jefferson and Clallam counties are hard to find. There used to be a focal point for all area apprenticeship programs at WorkSource Clallam, but the person that ran that program was released. In some areas, local colleges have an apprenticeship program, but not here. In this area, it appears that labor and industries has some control over apprenticeship programs here. See this link, http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20110125/news/301259990/state-seeks-to-expand-apprenticeship-program-on-peninsula

Here is another link supplied by the state Department of Labor and Industries to help you learn more about apprenticeships, https://fortress.wa.gov/lni/arts/ExternalReports/ProgramsByCountyReport.aspx

Job Hunting Tip #36. Jobs available, but no training here.

I just want to point out some occupations that are in demand here, but there is no training in the local vicinity. The first one is any job related to natural resources here on the Olympic Peninsula. This could be as a forester, or a natural resources type job. We are surrounded by natural resources here, so why don't we have any advanced training related to that? When I do the weekly research for jobs, I continually run across state jobs related to timber harvest. There are also private companies that are looking for people with this type of education. Companies like Green Crow, Merrill Ring and Interfor.

Another occupation in demand in this area that no training is provided for is an Occupational Therapist or Physical Therapist. The North Coast area of the Olympic Peninsula, from Port Townsend to Port Angeles, is dotted with retirement communities. As a consequence, rehabilitation services are in demand here. So why not have training available here to supply the demand for these rehabilitation services?

Job Hunting Tip #35. Right person for the job

One thing to remember is that employers do not always select the right person for the job, but sometimes they do. While in the service, I was a member of a work center that was part of a maintenance section. One day, our section supervisor received a barely "satisfactory" assessment for the work center that I was a part of after a big inspection. Three of the eight people in our work center were Staff Sergeants. The one in charge, and responsible for the barely "satisfactory" assessment, had been in the service for 16 years. Another had been in 10 years, but had recently cross trained from another field. I was a brand new staff sergeant with five years in the service. The section supervisor knew I had potential, so he decided to change the leadership in our work center. He bypassed the next most senior staff sergeant and made me the work center supervisor. A year later, I rewarded him with an "excellent" work center assessment. So, some employers will just look at the accomplishments of a person and select them for a position based solely on that. In return, the employer may get someone who will do just "satisfactory" work over a period of time. Like getting a "C" in school. Some supervisors, like my former section supervisor, are bold and can see past the colorful writing on the resume. They can see the potential of someone rather than just what someone has done over a period of time. These types of supervisors are superior performers and demand the same in their employees. So, they choose wisely and don't just automatically play it safe and hire an average performer. They look to the future and choose the one with the best potential.

Job Hunting Tip #34. Types of job rejections

So most of us have been notified of a job rejection before. Here are some types of job rejections.

1) Waiting game. Sometimes, the hiring manager or human resources don't even notify you. You may read about the results or hear about it from someone. They may feel that they don't have to notify you or they just forgot. Meanwhile, you have been sitting there in limbo, hoping you got the job and waiting for that call. Don't wait too long. Give them a call or email.

2) Close, but no cigar. This type of rejection states how you were a close second. I have been there a few times. Of course, they could just be saying that to everyone just to soften the blow somehow.

3) The generic response. "Thank you for applying for this job opening, however......" You know the rest. However, I personally appreciate being notified.

Job Hunting Tip #33. Type of co-workers

Ever wonder why some people are employed and you are not? Especially the ones who follow under the criteria listed below?

1) The Office Politician. These people create drama. I have also called them cubicle whisperers. They seem to have an opinion on everything and don't seem to get much done positively. They talk about co-workers and supervisors behind their backs and create friction between others based on innuendo and unfounded statements.
2) The Whiners. Would you like some cheese with that? Anyways, when a decision is made on a course of action for the organization, instead of supporting the supervisor's decision, these people will look for ways to undermine or discredit the new policy.
3) Mister Me-First. This person has an inflated opinion of their value to the organization. They feel the buck stops here and they want everyone to know that.
4) The Rumor Monger. They love gossip. They feel it is their duty to spread stories throughout the office about anyone, truth based or not.
5) The Slacker. They don't really accomplish much all day. Don't be surprised to find them playing an online game on the job. Usually, this person has been employed there for a while and has gathered some invaluable experience.
6) The R.O.A.D. Troop. The acronym R.O.A.D. was used in the military to mean Retired On Active Duty. These people were approaching retirement and were just coasting. They were just putting in their time and barely getting enough done to meet requirements. 

This list can go on and on. You can go online and google something like, "Types of co-workers" or something similar. My personal favorite was number six in this list I compiled. Be careful of these people and avoid becoming one yourself. Getting the job done should be your number one priority.

Job Hunting Tip #32. The transition from recession recovery phase to prosperity phase

Ok, what am I talking about. Mainly, this recession we are recovering from is part of what is called a business cycle. A business cycle is composed of four parts. There is the prosperity phase, recession phase, depression phase and recovery phase. We are still mired in the recovery phase, but the American economy is definitely looking good. Because America was able to act swiftly to control the rapid descent of the economy, it has bounced back quicker than other global economies. So, how does this affect you? Your chances of getting employed are getting better each day. Then, if you end up with a lower paying job than before the recession, as the economy grows stronger, employers will be forced to pay employees more just to keep them. In addition, other employers will offer more pay to hire you away. This will be the prosperity phase. This is also sometimes referred to as an employee's market.

Job Hunting Tip #31. Various job closing statements

1) Open until filled. This type of job could be hard to fill. Therefore, the human resources people keep this job closing date open ended to try and gather as much of a job applicant pool as they can. The problem is that some of the applicants that apply early, may not be available when the organization is ready to hire.

2) Job closes (fill in date here). Sometimes jobs close early if an organization already has someone in mind or they expect a lot of applicants (like during a recession). Other times, the closing date could be months ahead, because human resources wants to gather a lot of applicants.

3) Guaranteed consideration date. Sort of a combination of both of the above. If a hiring manager has enough applicants by the consideration date, then they will close the job to applications. If not, the job will stay open and closed at a moment's notice.

4) No closing date. Similar as Open Until Filled.

Job Hunting Tip #30. Being unemployed can be a full-time job

Unemployment can make a hard worker soft. It can be tempting to just make a token job search effort without any real job prospects and just collect your unemployment benefits. Others might decide they want to wait for that perfect job to come along. Might be wishful thinking in this area. The best response to becoming unemployed is to fight back and get back to work. Some employers question why someone is unemployed for an extended time. They might think there is some undesirable quality in your background. Employers like to hire people who are working. This gives them someone convenient to ask about you. It also shows your work ethic by accepting a job that may not be exactly suitable for you. For most of us, it will not be easy getting back to work. It will take up a lot of your time. Looking for work can be almost like a full-time job.

Job Hunting Tip #29. Unemployment benefits and percentage of income

So, now you are unemployed. You worked hard at your job, but they still laid you off. First thing you do is apply for unemployment. You can do this online in this state. You will then be notified that you are in a waiting week period and that they will be computing what you will make. Do not expect to receive what you were making while unemployed. Your pay will be as high as about 70%, but typically could be around 50%. Various criteria are considered such as, how many hours your put in at your job, were you in-between jobs during a certain period and what your pay was.

Some people can live comfortably off what they make on unemployment compensation, while some come to realize they don't have enough to pay the bills. This will definitely encourage someone to make more than their required minimum of three contacts in one week.

Job Hunting Tip #28. Moving to another area for a job.

These two counties on the north coast of Washington have relatively high unemployment rates compared to neighboring counties such as Kitsap, Pierce, King and Snohomish counties. It is very tempting to just get up and move to these locations since commuting may be just too far to go and back five days a week. Here is a list of things to consider when making a move to that job in a different locale.

1) Cost to move (moving van, rent, deposits, moving helpers, gas, etc)

2) Brand new (where are the schools, shopping areas, no friends or relatives)

3) New area characteristics (crime, neighborhood atmosphere, weather)

Making a move for a job may be a good career move, but it will result in you starting over again. Military members and dependents live this life. So do some people whose jobs involve a lot of displacement. Others prefer to stay in one area, even though this might hurt them financially. They prefer setting down roots, no matter the cost. Make your choice wisely.

Job Hunting Tip #27. Is your career field in demand within a certain area?

Before you relocate to another area or go to college in hopes of getting an education and then moving to a specific region, you should first consult the Occupational Information Network (O*Net). This free online web service provides you with a idea of what the status of a particular occupation is within a certain area. You can determine whether your specialty is in demand, not in demand or somewhere in between. Their website is located here, http://www.onetonline.org/

You can type in a keyword in the Occupation Search block, such as "computer" or look under the "Find Occupations" heading. When you click on one of the many results, you can find out whether the outlook is bright or not in a certain area.

Look before you leap.

Job Hunting Tip #26. Hire within or hire someone outside the organization

This week I will discuss something that I have talked about previously. Promoting internally or hiring externally. Is it better for an organization to find someone from within the organization to receive a new job opening or do they hire someone from the outside? Let's look at the benefits of each.

Promoting internally:

1) A known commodity. The organization knows what you can do and how you fit in.

2) Less likely to leave.

3) Cheaper to hire. Paperwork already completed.

4) They are more acclimated with the organizational culture, procedures and connections. 

5) Good for morale.

Hiring externally:

1) Bring new ideas to an organization versus same old way of thinking.

2) More likely to find best person for job.

3) Promoting within can cause conflict issues if more than one current employee applies for the same job.

There may be five reasons here to promote internally versus three reasons to hire externally posted here, but how much value is given on each category depends on the Human Resources people and the Hiring Manager.

Job Hunting Tip #25. Job closing options

Some jobs give a clear closing date. Even still, they sometimes extend this closing date if their applicant pool did not give them an adequate amount of personnel to choose from. Other jobs state "Open until Filled" or something similar. Basically, when the human resources/hiring manager reaches a certain amount of applicants, they will close the job and review the job seekers documents. So, it would be wise to apply for a job listing that has a closing option of "Open until Filled" as soon as possible. In addition, it is even a good idea to apply early for a job with a clear closing date. There are instances when a job opening receives an abundance of applications forcing the hiring agency to close the job sooner.

Job Hunting Tip #24. Do I qualify for food stamps?

When we are out of work, we usually don't have as much money coming in as we did before. Some of us have even struggled to put food on the table for our families after paying the rent and/or a car payment. We are forced to tuck away our pride and go to DSHS to see if we qualify for food stamps. To avoid going to DSHS and waiting for your name to be called, DSHS has provided a means to calculate if you are eligible. Here is the link to the DSHS calculator, http://www.dshs.wa.gov/esa/tec/

Job Hunting Tip #23. Sending your resume to an email address

Some jobs require you to send your resume to an email address. Usually a name or business name is supplied to associate this email with. However, sometimes someone nefarious just wants your resume information. This includes your name, address, phone number and email address. These people are data mining or data harvesting. They really don't have a job to offer you, they just want your personal info so they can collect them and sell them to spammers and identity thieves. One way to distinguish a good email address from a suspicious one is to look at the address itself. If an address is some non-professional one like fluffypants@yahoo.com or sequimjob1@gmail.com then I would be wary. You can copy this same address and put it in your search engine. If you get results back for this job dating back a couple weeks or more, then I WOULD NOT send my info to this email address.

Job Hunting Tip #22. Job Benefits

When considering a job opportunity, you can't just look at the salary. Job benefits play a big role in the long and short term job satisfaction of the employee. You have to look beyond the basic mandated offerings, such as minimum wage, disability and workers compensation. Benefits such as paid holidays, sick, vacation and maternity leave, meal and work breaks and health care are a large part of what keeps an employee happy. Working for some organizations, such as non-profit organizations, do not supply all benefits like health care to it's employees, because they don't have the funding. Be fully aware of all benefits of a job, not just salary, before you accept a job offer.

Job Hunting Tip #21. No salary or wages posted with the job advertisement.

It is commonplace for jobs to be posted with no salary/wage or even a salary/wage range. To find out more information in this category, it can be useful to simply use your favorite search engine to determine this for you. One solution is to type in a company, the job title and the word "salary." For example, if I wanted to know what the salary range of a millwright that worked for Interfor makes, I could type into my search engine, "Millwright Interfor salaries." This will give you results for such website locations as Glassdoor, Indeed, PayScale and SimplyHired. Don't just click on one website result. Click on a few to get a better idea of the pay rate for that occupation at that particular company. Sometimes, your search will not supply that particular company or occupation you are interested in, but you can get a general idea from the other website search results.

Job Hunting Tip #20. The Business Cycle

The Business Cycle refers to the boom times and bust times economically within a certain geographical area. During boom times, business is brisk and accelerated. During a bust time (recession, depression) businesses are cautious. The cycle has proven itself to be accurate over time. It can be controlled somewhat by politicians and powerful financial institutions. However, for the most part it is self governing. This means that eventually a recession will turn around and lead to prosperous times seemingly by itself. Also, during boom times, expect the bottom to fall out mostly due to over valuation in certain areas. The last recession was affected by the high real estate values and the ease to get financed to make buying a house affordable for just about anyone. Many people saw their mortgage payments increase when the bottom fell out. Also, during a recession, the forward thinking businesses will take this time to streamline their processes (layoffs included) and re-tool their equipment.

Job Hunting Tip #19. Are we out of the recession yet?

Yes and maybe. In many urban areas, but not all, the recession is clearly over. Unemployment is at 6.3% nationally. Washington state is currently at 8.2%. Eventually, unemployment rates will hit a low rate plateau. After this level is reached, then employers in an area will begin to increase salaries to retain workers and attract others. It will also result in businesses relocating to areas that have a plentiful amount of workers available, as in some depressed urban areas like Detroit, that will work for lower wages. Eventually the cycle will continue in that area as well. Places like Detroit will rebound in time. Places like Clallam and Jefferson counties will also rebound.

Job Hunting Tip #18. Salary/Wage differences by area

Why would a job pay more in another area? Several factors can come into play. One good example can be Seattle. The economy there is booming. Employers want to keep the employees they have and attract others. To solve this problem, they offer more pay. Another factor could be the cost of living. If you lived in a remote part of Alaska where a jug of milk could cost around ten bucks, then an employer would have to pay more to keep an employee there. Another factor could be the predominant political ideology of the area. I won't go any further with that hot potato subject.

Job Hunting Tip #17. Why are some jobs only posted for a few days?

Two good paying jobs were recently posted for only a few days. A City Carrier Assistant job (NC77564938) in Port Angeles was opened from May 28 - Jun 1. A Maintenance Mechanic I job with the state and located in Clallam Bay was open from May 29 - Jun 1. Too late to make this jobs listing. These two jobs possibly already have someone internal applying for the opening and human resources are bound by either federal regulations, affirmative action requirements and/or collective bargaining agreements to post these jobs for at least a few days. It can be disheartening for someone on the outside to apply for one of these jobs when they pretty much already have someone selected.

Job Hunting Tip #16. Personal Electronic Job Info

It is a good idea to store documents in an electronic form. For example, job hunting documents such as generic resumes, cover letter templates, list of references, transcripts, DD214, letters of recommendation, etc could be stored on a flash drive. If you don't have access to a flash drive, you can store them by attaching them in an email to yourself. This way, they will be at the top of the send box at your email address. Another option is to open a Google Docs or even a Dropbox account and post that info there. These accounts are free. Having these documents available in electronic shape can make it easier to apply for jobs online.

Job Hunting Tip #15. Education vs Experience

This is a controversial subject. Does an employer hire someone who has invested in advanced education or the person that has a wealth of experience? Employer preferences do have an impact on this decision. To find out more info on this touchy subject, it is best to google the phrase "Education versus Experience." As an employer, this could give you an idea what other hiring managers do in this situation. For any potential employees, this info could help provide answers so you can know what to expect during your job search. Other considerations are 1) does the job require education? 2) the type of job 3) the value of the experience or education and 4) is the experience or education relevant to the job?

Job Hunting Tip #14. Types of resumes

There are many sources that have their own opinions of what types of resumes there are and which style to use. This is my input. The most common resume is the Chronological Resume. This resume lists your jobs in the order that you worked at each job. The functional resume is another popular one. It emphasizes education or work in a specific occupation. It is useful for those seeking a career change, such as those who returned to college. Another useful resume is the Skill & Abilities Resume. This resume is based on the belief that most employers who read resumes focus on the top part of the resume. In this type of resume you place your hard and soft skills in column or table format. It is more useful for a clerical or entry level job opening.

Job Hunting Tip #13. Master Application.

It is a good idea to have a generic application handy with all your information on it. Make sure this master application has a place to put your education, work history, dates, veterans info, phone numbers, addresses, supervisor's names, other training/skills, job duties and personal information. This can make it easier when you have to fill out a paper or online application. You just transcribe your information. Some employers will even accept your generic application if you have extra copies. You can find out contact info for your former employers by researching online. Also, if you can't remember all your employers and the dates you worked there, then contact your local WorkSource. They have a couple of methods for retrieving this information. One can be done there if your data is accessible. The other method takes a few business days.

Job Hunting Tip #12. Job Boards

Job Boards, such as Indeed, Monster and Simply Hired, provide an automated service to job seekers. This service is generally free. They just post their ads on the pages you visit. Ignore them. You can configure a profile to send you only jobs that interest you and/or are in a certain area. You can also identify other criteria to help narrow the search. It is possible to configure these job boards to send you email alerts when a job fitting your criteria shows up.... The main negative issue of job boards are that they can grab their information from other job boards. This can lead to having a job pop up at one job board that has been filled months before. Always check at the location if they have a job open that matches the listing at the Job Board. Call, email or check their website first before you just jump right in and send all your personal info in your job application package. Applying for a job that is already closed will not look good, especially if they have another opening soon that suits you.

Job Hunting Tip #11. Networking.

Not all jobs available are posted. It is not uncommon for employers to ask their current employees, friends, colleagues or other individuals if they know someone that could fill an upcoming vacancy. Networking is very important. Put the word out to people you know that you are looking for work. They just might know someone, who knows someone, etc. Having someone on the inside vouch for you can be of immense help and could bypass some employment hurdles.

Job Hunting Tip #10. Craigslist job hunting scams part two

There are ways to help you determine whether a job posting is legitimate or fake. Here is a list of red flags to look out for.

1) Asking for money, credit or debit info.

2) They want to send you money to put into your bank.

3) They want your social security number.

4) They want you to send a photo copy of your I.D. to verify.

5) They want a background check BEFORE you are considered for a position or they are asking for personal information.

6) Job contact email address does not match the company name (i.e. john@gmail.com instead of john@widgetsrus.com.

7) Mystery shoppers, work at home or online jobs.

8) Multiple misspellings in a job notice.

9) Upfront fees.

10) Earn money in a hurry.

11) Work at home.

12) No company name.

13) Have to use job board email. It could be anyone.

14) Check cashing and wire transfers.

15) Continuously open job that does not reply. They might be data harvesters gathering personal info from resumes sent to them.

Job Hunting Tip #9. Craigslist job hunting scams.

Craigslist is a convenient way for some individuals to post jobs. It is cost effective to the employer and reaches a lot of people. Posting your job at your local WorkSource can be just as effective, but more secure. When using Craigslist be wary of job scams. For example, the same job is posted week after week after week. You send them your resume and other applicable documents. They don't respond, but now they have your personal info along with information of your references. These fake job postings are used by data miners to harvest information. This will later be sold in quantity to spam producers and identity thieves. Here's a link to some more info on Craigslist job scams, http://jobsearch.about.com/od/jobsearchscams/a/craigslist-job-scams.htm

Job Hunting Tip #8. Online Applications - Assessment tools

To get hired with some organizations, they require that you fill out their customized online applications. Some of these applications include an assessment tool. These assessment tools help the employer determine if the job candidate has the qualities that employers looks for. Sometimes they have scale options. For example, they could have five possible answers such as always, most of the times, half of the time, a few times and never. These answers must be answered accurately. If you answer the questions so that you appear like the perfect possible employee, then they will see that in your answers and you will be passed over for any possible job opening.

Job Hunting Tip #7. Out of work veteran

If you are an unemployed veteran or a vet that is looking for a different job or career than the one you currently have, then the first step is to visit your local WorkSource in Washington State. If you are in our areas, Jefferson and Clallam counties, the person who deals primarily with veterans is located at WorkSource Clallam at 228 W. First St. Suite A, Port Angeles, WA 98362. 

Job Hunting Tip #6. State Veterans Hiring Preference

State jobs offer some semblance of stability. The pay and benefits are reasonable. These aspects, among others, make state jobs attractive to job seekers. Getting one of these jobs is not all that easy though, mainly because the competition is keen. It is helpful if you have a hiring preference. Washington state offers a hiring preference to veterans. Eligible veterans can have up to 10% added to a passing score in their final examination. More information can be found here, http://careers.wa.gov/veteranspreferences.html

Job Hunting Tip #5. When Opportunity Knocks

So, you got laid off a while ago and you have been biding your time until that perfect job shows up for you. Meanwhile, your unemployment insurance, which keeps getting extended fortunately, is allowing you to keep paying the bills. When a job opportunity makes itself known to you and you decide not to apply for it, be careful that it is not one of the few opportunities that would not only suit your skills, but provide sufficient income. Especially in this area. When opportunity knocks, open the door.

Job Hunting Tip #4. WoW E-learning Program

Washington state has a free online software training program. It is called WoW E-learning. This free state program offers all residents of Washington state the option to enroll and learn software at their own leisure. All that is needed is a computer that has access to internet. This program used to be a Microsoft exclusive program and heavy on the technical side. Now the programs available include Adobe software, QuickBooks, Crystal Reports, SAP Business Suite and Open Office along with Microsoft Office software. To enroll, go to the WorkSource Clallam website at https://fortress.wa.gov//esd/worksource/. Click on the WoW free computer learning icon on the right side of the page. Follow the directions afterward.

Job Hunting Tip #3. Work Opportunity Tax Credit.

Work Opportunity Tax Credit is a federal tax credit providing incentives to employers for hiring groups facing high rates of unemployment, such as veterans, youths and others. So, if you are applying for a job and they ask you questions about if you are currently on food stamps, receiving welfare, are unemployed or are a veteran, then answer accurately. An employer will receive a tax credit if they hire someone within this criteria.

Job Hunting Tip #2. Resume Objective.

Not everyone uses an Objective in their resume. However, if you do use an Objective then it must apply directly do that particular job. For example, if the job is a receptionist job, then the Objective part of the resume must specify your qualifications for that particular receptionist job. An Objective in this case could be written as "To obtain a full-time position that will use my advanced experience in customer service skills, flexible multi-tasking abilities and office equipment proficiency."

Job Hunting Tip #1. Cover Letters.

A cover letter is an important link from you to the employer. It helps the employer understand why your capabilities are a good match for their requirements. Make your cover letter address all the job requirements in a job description. Be to the point. The hiring manager usually has other duties besides screening job applicants. Your cover letter has to grab their attention. It gives them a reason to pause and read your whole cover letter and actually scan your resume instead of just tossing it in file 13 (garbage can).