Vacation for Job Seekers?

Your job search is like a full-time job. In fact, I’m sure many job seekers would argue that their job search takes up more time than a full-time job would.

 

That being said, a vacation is almost certainly one of the farthest things from your mind while you’re searching for a new job. For some, it’s because of financial reasons. For others, sparing even one day to recharge seems out of the question.

 

What do you think: Should job seekers take a vacation?

Read more here 

 

To your successful job search

 

Fran Watson

Job Search Tips - Cover Letters

How do you write a cover letter for employment?


The job market can be very competitive which leads many people to ask, “How do you write a cover letter for employment?”

Sometimes it may seem that writing a compelling cover letter can be a daunting task.

Let's start with "What is a cover letter?" A cover letter introduces not only you but your resume as well. You want that cover letter to be interesting and make the person reading it not only WANT to read your resume but HAVE to read your resume.

So how do you write a cover letter for employment? Start out by referring to the job that you are applying for and note where you found the position opening. Remember that if you found it in a newspaper, underline the name of the newspaper.

Sometimes these little details really count! Then go on in your cover letter to say how excited you are to know that there is a job like this available and how interested in it you are.

Your resume should be concise, but your cover letter can be a little more personal. Basically your cover letter is 3 paragraphs.

1. Introduce yourself, tell the employer why you want the job

2. Let them know about your special skills that would make you perfect for the job, and

3. Express your eagerness for a personal interview. You should ALWAYS include a telephone number at the end of the cover letter so that the employer knows how to reach you. They may not always pay attention to the top part of your resume, but they most likely will see your contact number in your cover letter.

So, how do you write a cover letter for employment? Just speak from the heart and let the person reading the cover letter know that you are truly interested in the job and that you have the qualifications to do the job. Be sure and let them know, too, that what you do not know, you are eager to learn. Your cover letter should be professional and should match your resume with regard to font and heading, but it should also reflect your personality. That is what will get you the interview.

Once you are face to face with the person doing the hiring, your personality can shine. After all, it is your personality – as well as your abilities – that make you perfect for this job. When you are face to face, you can express that in ways that can never be shown on a simple piece of paper!

To your job search success

Fran Watson
P.S.  If you need more help with your job search, click here

Tips from Jack Canfield

What do you want?

What are you going to do about it?

When are you going to do it?

Post your commitment below.

Fran Watson

How are Your Telephone Skills?

Polishing your telephone skills
By, Cecile Peterkin

Does the thought of a telephone job interview make you nervous? Do you dread making business calls? Does taking part in a conference call stress you out?

You are not alone! Many of us prefer face-to-face communication; however, telephone communication is becoming more popular than ever before. As more of us work from home, deal with global colleagues and clients, and apply for jobs overseas, phone usage is on the rise. Your telephone skills have become a marketing tool.

The first few moments on the phone are crucial. There are statistics that show people develop a perception about you within the first 30 seconds of a phone call and their final opinion of you in the last 30 seconds. With this in mind, make sure the first and last things you say are memorable. During interviews, business, and conference calls phone time is often tight – don’t waste it – keep your answers short and relevant. Use active listening so you are aware of not only what the other participants are saying but how they say it and make sure the person is with you at each stage. The way you speak over the telephone conveys 85% of your message. Focus your voice effectively.

Before the call:
· Make sure you are prepared.
· Have all materials at hand and know the key points you want to cover.
· If calling from home, dress smartly for the call. It will boost your confidence.
· Minimize distractions; close your inbox and call from a quiet & private environment.
· Check for phone clarity.
· Use a headset if you can, and make sure it’s comfortable.
· Have the correct name of the person you are calling.
· At the start of the conversation, set out what the objectives of the call will be.
· Visualize the person you are speaking to, even if you don’t know them. This is a reminder you are in a two-way communication.
· Smile - Smiling changes the tone of your voice. Try standing up - standing can help you feel more authoritative.
· Speak clearly, slowly, and purposefully.
· Take notes if you have to.
· Do not multitask; focus on the call.
· Use the other person’s name when appropriate.
· When you are listening make the other person aware you are there, use statements such as “I see”, “Right”, “Ok”.

Remember! The phone doesn’t have to be a nightmare.

Cecile Peterkin is the is the President and Founder of Cosmic Coaching Centre, and publishes “Recipes for Success”, a Free monthly ezine on living your best life both personally and professionally.

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Read the above tips carefully. Dress for success even if you are on the phone. Your attitude comes the telephone lines. Put a mirror near your phone if you need to in order to make sure you are smiling.

Good luck in your job search!!

Fran Watson