Six strategies for managing a professional crisis

Six strategies for managing a professional crisisSix strategies for managing a professional crisisAt some point in your career, you might be at the unfortunateend of aprofessional crisis. Lets say you accidentally sent out a mass email. Or worse, you committed the ultimate career suicide and hooked up with your boss. Whether it be a small or large faux pas, here are six damage control tips from two PR prosSay somethingThe first 48 hours of a crisis is critical. To ensure you remain in control of how the story is told, first acknowledge the situation. Next, youll start taking the necessary steps to shape the outcome.Create a strong response in a firm clear languageUsing weak words or phrases such as maybe and just strip your authority and make you seem powerless. Manyspeech expertsrecommend eliminating those words from your vocabulary altogether. Replace these phrases with I think, I believe, and I feel. For even stronger options use Im confident, Im convinced, and I expect.Build con sensus among natural allies potential rivalsYou may have to dig but in every situation, there are at least a handful of things everyone can agree on. Find those few things and use them as a tool to bring people to your side.Drive the storyTheres always an informationvacuum surrounding every story. Fill it or it will be filled for you. Set the record straight by addressing misinformed parties of your side of the story.Dont lie or spin the truthTheres nothing is worse than being caught in a lie. fruchtwein people have a short memory, and can be pretty forgiving if you are open and honest. Share as much information as possible todemonstrate credibility.Have a planBe prepared to communicate quickly over all forms of social and traditional media. If you usually find yourself lost for words, jot down a few talking points. This will make it easier to get your point across in a clear and concise way in high-stress situations. Have pre-developed answers to awkward questions will show that y ou are grace under pressure. Hesitation is death.Joy Lammie is a crisis communications expert with more than 6 years of experience in the Washington, DC social and political scene.Michael Hardaway is a crisis communications advisor who guides professional athletes, policymakers, and corporate leaders.This article first appeared on Capitol Standard.close dialogAdvertisement close dialog/* effects for .bx-campaign-1012255 *//* custom css .bx-campaign-1012255 */.bx-custom.bx-campaign-1012255.bx-type-agilityzone .bx-close z-index 2-ms-keyframes bx-anim-1012255-spin from -ms-transform rotate(0deg) to -ms-transform rotate(360deg) -moz-keyframes bx-anim-1012255-spin from -moz-transform rotate(0deg) to -moz-transform rotate(360deg) -webkit-keyframes bx-anim-1012255-spin from -webkit-transform rotate(0deg) to -webkit-transform rotate(360deg) keyframes bx-anim-1012255-spin from transform rotate(0deg) to transform rotate(360deg) bx-close-inside-1012255 top 0 right 0 /* KD - Remove padding from video wrapper and set height to 100% */.bx-custom.bx-campaign-1012255 .bx-row-video .bx-video-wrapper padding-top 0important height 100%.bx-custombx-campaign-1012255 bx-creative-1012255 .bx-wrap height auto/* KD - Change positioning to static as that was not necesaary and here you can adjust the height of the video element */.bx-custom.bx-campaign-1012255 .bx-row-video .bx-video-wrapper video position static/* rendered styles .bx-campaign-1012255 */.bxc.bx-campaign-1012255.bx-active-step-1 .bx-creative *first-child width 100%.bxc.bx-campaign-1012255.bx-active-step-1 .bx-creative background-color transparentborder-style nonemax-width 900px.bxc.bx-campaign-1012255.bx-active-step-1 .bx-close stroke whitebackground-color blackborder-style solidborder-color whiteborder-width 1px.bxc.bx-campaign-1012255 .bx-group-1012255-AFvXBOB padding 10pxdisplay fraktionwidth auto.bxc.bx-campaign-1012255 .bx-element-1012255-J0EiS8Y width auto.bxc.bx-campaign-1012255 .bx-element-1012255-J0EiS8Y *first-child padding 2px 4pxfont-size 10pxcolor rgb(255, 255, 255)text-transform uppercasebackground-color rgb(0, 0, 0)background-color rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.34)

Reasons Not to Give Two Weeks Notice

Reasons bedrngnis to Give Two Weeks NoticeReasons Not to Give Two Weeks NoticeThere are plenty of good reasons to quit your job. In a perfect world, youd always quit one gig because another, better opportunity appeared. Here in the real world, sometimes the decision to move on will be motivated less by exciting new horizons and more by wanting to escape a job you cant stand. When that happens, the first question on many peoples minds is, Do I have to give two weeks notice? The Law Is on Your Side (But Beware) Can you quit a job without notice? Whats the best way to leave a job when you need to quit right away. Under normal circumstances, its best to give the voreingestellt notice but theres probably no legal reason why you cant quit on the spot. The vast majority of states in the U.S. have at-will employment, which means that either the employer or the employee can sever the relationship with no notice and for no stated cause. This means that your boss cannot prevent you from wa lking out the door without giving two weeks notice, even if the employment handbook says that this is the standard for the company. However, if your employment is covered by an employment agreement, the terms of that contract may apply unless you are leaving for good cause. Your employment contract may also require you to forfeit benefits like unused vacation leave if you dont provide sufficient notice. That said, most of the time its in your best interest to give notice, even in difficult employment situations. You never know when a previous employer might be contacted by a prospective one, so it is wise to leave on the best possible terms. It can impact your future employment options if a prospective employer is told that you quit without notice. Think about it from an employers perspective would you want to hire someone who might leave you hanging? Theres also the possibility that there could be financial repercussions for quitting. If youre a contract worker, for example, and y ou leave before your contract is up, you might find yourself paying penalties. Sticking It Out May Be in Your Best Interest I often hear from employees who are working under very difficult circumstances, or just started a job and know it isnt going to work out, and arent sure what to do. Generally speaking, if you want to quit, the answer is to give notice and then tough it out for two weeks. When you have considered all the reasons where staying might make sense, and they dont, its time to think about the timing of your departure. Should you stick it out for another couple of weeks or are there times when you can give less than two weeks notice or no notice at all? Reasons Not to Give Two Weeks Notice There may be some circumstances like the following where leaving sooner might be advisable An employee has been physically abusive.A supervisor has sexually harassed you.The work environment is unsafe, or it is unsafe to carry out your assigned responsibilities.Your mental hea lth is being seriously endangered by job stress.You have not been paid the agreed-upon wage or wages have been withheld for an unreasonable length of time.You have been asked to do something which is clearly unethical or illegal.Personal or family circumstances are such that you need to leave the job.A crisis has happened in your life, and there is no way you can continue on the job. Before You Quit Your Job In most cases, it will make sense to contact the Human Resources department or management officials not directly involved with your grievance to discuss your situation. HR might be able to help you explore possible remedies or accommodations prior to giving notice. In some cases, it will also make sense to consult a counselor or therapist to help you cope with job stress. Do keep in mind that the company cant force you to stay. However, if you quit a job without good cause you may not be eligible for unemployment benefits. (Heres information on collecting unemployment benef its when you quit a job.) How to Quit Your Job Even if youre not giving much or any, advance notice, there are ways to resign gracefully. A conversation is always best, but if its not possible to discuss your resignation with your supervisor in person, you can use a phone call or emaille message to resign. Heres how to quit your job with class, including when to quit, what to say and how to resign via email or a phone call, if necessary. The information contained in this article is not legal advice and is not a substitute for such advice. State and federal laws change frequently, and the information in this article may not reflect your own states laws or the most recent changes to the law.

The Company Men Is All Too Real

The Company Men Is All Too RealThe Company Men Is All Too RealMany moviegoers will see themselves, and their stress, in the characters of The Company Men, a movie about unemployed executives starring Ben Affleck, Chris Cooper and Tommy dem wind abgewandte seite Jones.During the Great Depression (as opposed to the one we just narrowly avoided), the movies offered brief escape from troubles and woes. Watching Fred and Ginger glide across the screen was enough to put a smile on world-weary faces, if only for a little while.The Company Men, which stars Ben Affleck, Chris Cooper and Tommy Lee Jones, not only wont put you in a better mood, it will zap you into the reality of the still-sluggish economy and the instability of the job market. Said one commenter on The Company Men page at IMDB.com, Why would I want to go to the movies just to see whats happening in real life around me? You go to the movies to escape real life and the stress that goes along with it.Indeed, many moviegoers will see themselves, and their stress, in characters whose work and lives have been pulled out from under them. Based on interviews TheLadders has done with career, psychology and family therapy experts, the characters varying responses are realistic and provide lessons in what to do - and not to do - when you are out of work and facing a possibly prolonged job search.The Company Men follows a year in the lives of three men who are laid off due to downsizing at a major company. The movie examines how being out of work affects the men, their families and their communities.This movie illustrates the increasing anxiety many job seekers feel as they struggle to first accept their situation and then proceed with what is often a grueling job search amid family and financial pressures. Experts say the gravity of this experience should not be underestimated.Its a big challenge to your capacity to adapt, just like a prolonged illness is a challenge or going through war is a challenge, said Mich ael Jolkovski, who has a doctorate in psychology and works as a psychologist and psychoanalyst in Falls Church, Va., and is a principal at Working Through, a consultancy focused on helping creative teams work effectively together.Indeed, as a job seeker faces rejection after rejection, anxiety can turn into konjunkturtief.We all feel stress, but the shift to anxiety or depression typically comes when you start to experience feelings of hopelessness, and some of the things you used to enjoy you no longer enjoy, said Kevin Skinner, who has a doctorate in marriage and family therapy and is an author and radio-show host. And so you shift gears from, Im going to make it through this - I dont know the answer, but Im going to make it through this, to, I dont know if were going to make it. One of the big mistakes the characters in The Company Men make is to deny - or even hide - the problem from the people closest to them. This can increase anxiety, say experts, because family members k now there is something wrong but cant help.Job seekers should talk to their families about the realities of todays economy and about how a job search can sometimes take a long time. It may be difficult for them to realize that you may not be able to get a job tomorrow and that it may take prolonged effort over an extended period of time to get the right job for you, said Sharon Reed Abboud, author of the book, All Moms Work Short-Term Career Strategies for Long-Range Success.Creative ThinkingAs with the characters in The Company Men, it can be very difficult to unwind from such a negative spiral. Experts say its important to take care of yourself, especially to eat right, exercise and get enough sleep. They also say it can be helpful to adopt an entrepreneurs mentality and to do some creative thinking.The mind has to change to the concept of, Its going to take me a while to find a job, said Skinner. Think, Its not a matter of if, but a matter of when I get that new job. And until t hen, Im going to be hitting up against a lot of rejection. Jolkovski agreed Its sort of like the entrepreneurs mentality, where people are doing something and the success is uncertain, he said. Just like certain salespeople - if they get a 1 percent response rate, then theyre doing well. They have to have the mentality to make 99 calls and say, Well, theres one more down, instead of saying, Oh, Ive been rejected 99 times. In addition, in todays market, your next job might not be the same as the one from which you were let go. Its important for job seekers to think creatively and be flexible.Try and flip it around as an opportunity, said Elizabeth Friedman, a clinical psychologist in New York. For people who are very successful, change is usually a very positive challenge and, potentially, a very exciting thing. To do a job thats a tiny bit different or even a lot different, but within your skill tischset in any case, thats kind of nice.The Company Men, which was directed by John We lls, is set for wide release in the United States in January 2011.

The State of Tech Hiring in Seattle

The State of Tech Hiring in SeattleThe State of Tech Hiring in SeattleTHE STATE OF TECH HIRING IN SEATTLEQ3 and Q4 2019TOP SKILLS IN IMMEDIATE DEMAND1. Cybersecurity2. Business intelligence3. ERP implementation4. Cloud security5. Cloud architectureOF TECHNOLOGY LEADERS SURVEYED 65% plan to expand their teams.30% plan to fill only vacant positions.92% say its challenging to find IT talent in their area.97% are confident in their companys prospects for growth.96% will bring on project-based IT employees. Below are the top reasonsConsultants are part of our hiring strategy 69%When theres a sudden vacancy 63%For especially busy times 47%When a skill does not exist internally 37%For unplanned, time-sensitive projects 34%Multiple responses allowed.TOP BUSINESS CONCERNS1. Maintaining security of IT systems2. Investing in new technologies3. Cloud projects/initiatives

Military Shopping and Surplus

Military Shopping and SurplusMilitary Shopping and Surplus

Choosing Good What Are Skills on a Resume

Choosing Good What Are Skills on a Resume Being a thriving project manager, delivering successful projects consistently, does not necessarily mean one is a thriving leader. You also have a better possibility of enjoying brief, productive meetings if theyre run through an experienced facilitator or chairman. The office environment isnt any different. What works very well for a single student in 1 family environment may not operate for one more. Identifying the skills that cause success in accounting will not merely improve your job satisfaction, but in addition allow it to be easier for you to construct towards your long-term career objectives. Hard skills lock you in specific occupation. Yes, if you would like to be invited for an interview. Proficiency denotes the quantity of energy necessary to use a parteicular tool. Skills are player attributes that are leveled up through the use of certain tools or actions. They can often be divided into domain-general and domain-spec ific skills. Communication skills are in quite high demand. Finally, having the ability to think as a programmer will allow you to grow to be a very good big data analyst. You may not enjoy the notion of a robot reading your kid to sleep, but your kid will love it. So as to learn social studies, science, and math, you will need to learn how to read. Soft skills are also known as transferable abilities, interpersonal abilities, or social skills. They are some of the most difficult competencies for people to understand. They are difficult to measure. They are the skills that apply to every job. For instance, you may want to incorporate a work sample demonstrating your competence in an important field of employer concern. You have to customize every letter to the particular needs of the organization and the particular demands of the position. A growing number of jobs need hybrid abilities, which are a mixture of soft and technical skills. Total information is found on QualHub. Getting the Best What Are Skills on a Resume From that point, you can build on your self confidence and self esteem until you are able to achieve goals that truly matter. There are a lot of situations in which you have to use interpersonal skills. Hard skills involve rules remaining the exact same no matter what business or circumstances a man or woman is in at any certain time. Interpersonal skills might also be particularly helpful in case you have to negotiate, persuade and influence others. Therefore, if you come to an interview, the absence of Soft Skills may be one reason you werent chosen for the job. Somebodys soft skill is a significant part their personal contribution to the success of an organization. The soft skills needed for a doctor, for instance, would be empathy, understanding, active listening and a great bedside manner. A lot of people feel rushed to react to questions and conversations immediately, but it is preferable to pause for a minute in consideration , especially in the event the question merits it. In the event you were interviewed by multiple individuals, record any practical info or particular concerns raised by every person. There are things you need to do after a job interview that could increase the likelihood of obtaining a second interview or landing a work offer. In addition, you should understand how to motivate people effectively and build a fantastic team.

How Do I Video Interview Shy Candidates

How Do I Video vorstellungsgesprch Shy CandidatesAs a hiring manager, its common to interact with and bewerberinterview extroverts, introverts, and sometimes a mix of the two. Its your job to be prepared to accommodate all kinds of personality types during an interview. Today we will be touching on how to use video interviewing for candidates with a shy personality. How can you tailor your interview questions and demeanor to make a shy candidate come out of their shell?One size does not fit all when it comes to your interviewing techniques. Many employers interview techniques are crafted for a more extroverted job seeker, causing them to completely overlook the possibility of encountering a more introverted candidate. Just because theyre shy doesnt mean they wont be great workers.Its a common misconception that introverted individuals are self-absorbed, but in reality, theyre usually more thoughtful and reflective than their extroverted counterparts. Introverts have a lot to offer th eir employers, whether its their exemplary listening abilities or their observational skills.Unfortunately, shy candidates dont always present their skills, talents, and abilities in the same way as other candidates, especially during a job interview, but the quiet types can be an asset to every workplace. This is where its important for the interviewer to modify their interview questions and responses to make certain shy candidates feel comfortable going above and beyond with their answers.Here are a few ways to help shy candidates open up during a video interviewUtilize Spotlight InterviewsShy candidates tend to take a bit more time to warm up in a job interview. With that being said, take advantage of a spotlight interview when beginning the job interview process with any candidate. A spotlight interview will allow you to send out a few interview questions for the candidate to answer in their own place, on their own time (although you still set a final deadline, of course).This m ethod lets the shyer candidates feel more comfortable and allows them to create more effective and moving responses to your interview questions. This interview will act as a great preparation for the candidate if they are qualified to move ahead in the interview process.Generate a ConversationWhile fruchtwein introverts wouldnt normally boast about their abilities, many do much better talking about themselves in an interview setting that is conversational. Reduce the introverted interviewees nervousness by formatting the job interview as a conversation rather than an interrogation. This will allow the candidate to come out of their shell and answer your questions with more direct confidence and fervor that might not otherwise be easily expressed.Ask Them About Their Work StyleWhile this a rather common interview question, its important to pay special attention when prompting an introvert to answer. When it comes to their style of work, many introverts often find out all too late tha t the company theyre working for just doesnt match up with their personal work style.Preface work styles early in the conversation to get a deeper look into how the candidate handles tasks, interactions, and management responsibilities- and whether or not their answers fit with your company style. Its also important to let introverts express confidence in their unique work style.Focus the Interview Questions on Specific AchievementsShy candidates dont wear their accomplishments on their sleeves. As an interviewer, it might be harder for you to truly evaluate their achievements without directly asking about them. Format questions so the interviewee is prompted to give more information about their specific tasks, achievements, and anything else that digs deeper into their experiences.Take the time and preparation to effectively accommodate all kinds of candidates during the job interview process. Remember to stay conversational, focus on achievements, and learn about a candidates pers onal work style.What are some tactics youve used to get shy candidates to open up during a job interview? Share in the comments

3 Tips for the Older Executive Job Seeker

3 Tips for the Older Executive Job Seeker3 Tips for the Older Executive Job SeekerSearching for a job as an older executive is bedrngnis easy. The arguments over ageism in the workplace are stacked with statistics that either prove its existence or prove it is a myth. You have experience. You know you would be valuable to any company.So, forget what statistics show and what other people feel. Read these tips if you are an older executive seeking a job.Addressing the 800-pound ageism gorillaA recent AARP study showed that 64% of workers report experiencing age discrimination in the workplace. However, a study of hiring practices shows that the fears of taking on someone who is older than 50 years of age are unfounded.Older workers are not resistant to learning new skills. Older workers will not slow down and look to coast into retirement. Older workers do not shoot down new ideas just because it sounds unfamiliar to them.Why? Tomorrows older worker is part of the generation that start ed their careers pre-internet when interpersonal skills mattered (some say too much). This same generation seamlessly adapted to rapid changes in technology between 1996 to the present. Tomorrows older worker is Generation X and todays are called Baby Boomers.Putting all labels aside, a job candidate or worker rarely wins when he or she goes on the defensive. Making assumptions as to why one is not being hired becomes a fear that manifests into reality. Try these winning methods below, instead.1. Show your perspectives alongside your experienceUnfortunately, your experience on an executive resume alone will not stand on its own two feet. What you did to succeed years ago is not going to work today. So, try these things to show some perspective alongside your experienceList the proudest moments of your career in which all your sacrifice and effort paid off. Whether it be a personal victory for yourself or a team accomplishment, list what you overcame to achieve it.Show how your uniqu e perspective helped you achieve your proudest moments along, and why your experience played a part as well.An example of language used on a resume to express both experience and perspective would be Entrepreneurial thinkers approach to managing large global organizations, developing key talent, and establishing strong business relationships. Can excel in highly matrixed organizations, and lead both union and non-union labor forces.2. Become a job creator and seekerJob seekers always go up against the beliefs of what the ideal candidate should look and behave likeduring the hiring process. They rehearse what to say and do, hoping to fulfill expectations of what the employer believes is perfect for the role.So, switch things up. You, as the older executive, behave like a winner and initiate the dialogue with an employer. Demonstrate your unique value and push for the outcome without facing the competition experienced during the companys hiring process. Create a new path.Easier said t han done, so start with these tipsReach out to your network like a contractor does offering estimates on construction projects.Explain your game-plan for new business.Share materials explaining how you work and accomplish goals.It is easier to secure long-term work after over-delivering on a short-term project.3. Use your network muscleThe beauty of being an older worker is that you have a network that expands all the way back to your college alumni. Social media in the last decade has made it easier to reconnect and hold onto this network. Unlike younger job candidates, you come complete with a network that took years to buildHere is how to make the most of itTurn to people you know and actively solicit suggestions for connections.Start warming up to people you had only written in the past. Dont spam them. Send LinkedIn messages that turn into calls and make it a human connection. You can help your network in return.Start tapping into your LinkedIn connections that are 2nd Degree. These are people who know your people. Ask for introductions and try to make some of them 1st-degree connections.Above all and most importantStay open-minded and positive. The reality of any winning job candidate, young and old, is that they never think like a person who needs to be saved from a job search. Job candidates who are hired always put forward that they have something great to bring to the table.

Top Cover Letter Tips for 2019 [21+ Examples]

Top Cover Letter Tips for 2019 21+ Examples Top Cover Letter Tips for 2019 21+ Examples 21 Cover Letter Tips for 2019 (and Beyond)Creating an effective application that catches the hiring managers eye is a challenge. Thats why weve compiled this list of titelbild letter writing tips to help you supercharge your job hunt.Tips for Writing a Cover LetterThe FundamentalsLets abflug at the beginning. Before you set pen to paper (or more likely, start typing), you have some research to do. But dont fret - as long as you have a working internet connection, youre all set.1. Ditch To Whom It May Concern and Dear Sir/MadamNo one appreciates receiving mail from someone who hasnt bothered to find out their name. How do you feel when you receive mail addressed To the tenant or To the homeowner? It probably doesnt make your eyes light up with excitement. In fact, such mail likely earns a one-way ticket to your recycling bin.Dont choose the lazy option of using To Whom It May Concern or Dear Sir/Ma dam unless you want to be overlooked.Its the same for recruiters and hiring managers. Dont choose the lazy option of using To Whom It May Concern or Dear Sir/Madam unless you want to be overlooked.Read our complete guide to addressing a cover letter for more details.Instead, find out the hiring managers name. If its bedrngnis specified in the job posting, check the companys website. With a little bit of luck, you should be able to find it.If all else fails, call the company and ask for the right name - they should be happy to give it to you if you say youre addressing a job application.Dont forget, if youre sending out a physical copy of your application, address it to the hiring manager so that itll get to the right person.2. Find Out How the Company WritesA surefire way of showing youre a good fit for a company is by writing your cover letter in a way that is similar to the content it has written in the past. You can learn how a company writes (i.e., its tone and style) by looking at its website - perhaps it has a blog that you can check out to get a better idea.If the company keeps its language formal, then you should too in your cover letter. If its writing is more casual, then consider making your cover letter a little less serious.3. Research the CompanyRead up on the companys history, its goals, and the challenges its facing. This will give you some insight into what its looking for in potential candidates, and you can tailor your cover letter to satisfy the companys needs.As an added bonus, you can demonstrate your newfound knowledge in the interview to earn some brownie points.Not sure what to ask in the interview? Thinking of a few questions you can ask the interviewer indicates thoughtfulness, which hiring managers will appreciate.4. Match Your Cover Letter to Your ResumeThere are dozens of eye-catching cover letter templates available online.If you choose one, use a matching resume template so that your cover letter and resume complement each other aesthetically. This will make them stand out to recruiters.5. Double-Check the Companys Application RequirementsRead through all the requirements in the job posting - you might miss something vital otherwise. And given hundreds of applications will be sent in for the average opening, missing even a small detail might binnensee your application trashed. Some examples includeA required format for the schmelzglas subject line (e.g., Name - Position)All necessary attachments, such as your resume, cover letter, and portfolio. Remember to include your name in the filenames for all attachments (e.g., Naomi Smalls - Cover Letter.pdf)6. Review Cover Letter Examples from Your IndustryNo one expects you to write the perfect cover letter completely on your own. Before you start, gain some inspiration by checking out a few high-quality cover letter samples and noting what they do well.You will notice that the writers of unterstellung cover letters usenumbers to quantify their work successact ion verbs to electrify their writingspecific job duties to make things clear for hiring managersIf youre changing fields and writing your career change cover letter, review samples from your new field so that you have an idea of what employers expect7. Write a Unique Cover Letter for Each ApplicationYou need a tailored cover letter for each application. Think about it each company is different, so every role requires something unique.If a hiring manager suspects that youve sent them a generic cover letter, your application will be headed straight for the trash.Your cover letter needs to persuade the hiring manager that youre passionate about the job theyre posting, so youll have to create a custom one for each application youre sending out. If a hiring manager suspects that youve sent them a generic cover letter, your application will be headed straight for the trash.Cover Letter Advice (Content Ideas)Once youre ready to start writing, these tips for writing a cover letter will ensu re yours is high quality.8. Dont Regurgitate Your ResumeIt might seem like copy-pasting sections from your resume is an easy, quick way to fill your cover letter, but resist the urge. The hiring manager wont appreciate reading the same content twice.Instead, flesh out your resumes bullet points in your cover letter. Identify the personality attributes that ensured you performed well, as in this mechanic resume sampleIn this bullet point, the mechanic simply described his duties. By contrast, in his cover letter, he fleshes this out by describing how his personality allows him to greet and talk to visitorsMechanic cover letter sampleHe shows that he quickly gets on with other people, and even provided a statistic to prove this fact.Use your cover letter to flesh out the points youve made in your resume.To see more ways you can write a cover letter that complements your resume without repeating it, check out our full catalog of cover letter samples.9. Quantify Your Previous Accomplish mentsIts not enough to list the responsibilities you had in your previous roles - you need to add numbers or percentages to provide some context.For example, instead of saying he handled contractors bids, filed taxes, and found tenants for his properties, this property manager provides some insight into his performance by adding some statisticsThese statistics give hiring managers an idea of your performance and what youve accomplished thus far in your career.Always add numbers to your cover letter to prove you go beyond your basic duties and show your new company that they will benefit by hiring you.10. Demonstrate That Youre a Cultural FitCompanies increasingly prefer to hire people who fit into their corporate culture.Many companies websites contain a page about their corporate cultures, like this example from GlaxoSmithKline, a prominent British pharmaceutical research companyThe lefthand article in this screenshot shows that GlaxoSmithKline values honesty, while the righthand article highlights their dedication to their work.By checking out these pages, you can ensure that a companys culture speaks to you. Plus, you can use the information to show youre a cultural fit in your cover letter.Then, read about the companys values on their about-us page, and be sure to mention them in your cover letter if they align with your own.You can also explore the profiles of a companys current employees, and pick up on the tone they use to describe themselves. Is it quirky? Serious? Casual? These clues can inform you what voice to use in your cover letter.You can even take a look at a companys Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram accounts to get a feel for its style.Finally, think back through your past projects, and mention any that sound similar to the projects youd likely be working on with the new company. Doing so will show the hiring manager that youd be able to hit the ground running.11. Dont Write Im Writing to Apply for Position NameThis phrase is an overused, bor derline cliche cover-letter opening.The best cover letters use a creative opening. So, perhaps you can mention something you read in the news about the company that impressed you. Or explain where your passion for the companys product (or service) came from. A short anecdote like this also has the advantage of giving them an insight into your personality.In this example, the applicant states that they read about the school in the local newspaper, which indicates that they do their research, care about their local community, and have a good memory for the schools successes. These are all good characteristics for a teacher.12. Avoid ClichsThe world of job applications is full of clichs and corporate buzzwords, so avoid describing yourself as self-motivated or a go-getter because doing so wont set you apart from any of the other hundreds of job seekers.And nothing screams unoriginality more than proudly proclaiming that you think outside the box, which most applicants will claim somewh ere on their letter.Recruiters have heard it all before - multiple times a day.Thus, aim for originality. After all, nothing says youd bring a new approach to the role than a creative cover letter.13. Pepper Action Verbs Throughout Your Cover LetterAction verbs help you show leadership, talent, and initiative in the way you performed your duties at previous companies.Compare the following examplesMet with representatives of other companies to improve relationships.Cultivated relationships with representatives of other companies.Cultivated is a better choice than met because it shows you had a much more active role in forming and maintaining relationships with other businesses. Met simply implies that you were present in meetings but doesnt reveal how you accomplished anything.For more effective (and job-landing) actions verbs, weve put together the longest action verb list in the universe.14. Mention the Job TitleDespite the advice in Tip No. 11, you should mention which role youre seeking somewhere in your cover letter. After all, the hiring manager might be filling several positions.If youre sending your application by email, include the job title in the subject (e.g., Vanessa Mateo - Makeup Artist).On the other hand, if youre sending out a physical copy of your application, you can put the job title on its own line before the greetingRE Application for Automotive Technician15. Employ a Call-To-ActionA call-to-action does exactly what you would think - it calls on someone to act. In the case of a cover letter, youre calling on the hiring manager to contact you. Give them an open invitation to get in touchPlease feel free to contact me at your earliest convenience.And repeat your phone number and email address here so that the hiring manager doesnt have to search for itI can be reached at 415-253-1470 or HarveyCastrogmail.com.Dont use more than one email address and one phone number on your application. Otherwise, youll confuse the hiring manager.Finalizing Your Cover Letter Guidelines SuggestionsKey to a good cover letter are the details ensure youve checked for consistency and have proofread it several times.16. Keep It to a Single Page MaxHiring managers are pressed for time, and they have no intention of reading a multi-page cover letter. Keep yours to one page. But dont fill the page 300500 words is about the sweet spot.Ever wondered exactly how long a cover letter should be? We answer that age old question and more in our in-depth guide to cover letter length.17. Write Numbers ConsistentlyThe rules on how to write numbers are simple numbers between one and nine should be spelled out. Anything above 10 should be typed in numerals.Remember to add a comma after every third number from the right to make them easier to read (e.g., 1,701 and 2,047).18. Use an Eye-Catching nachschrift (P.S.)Over 90% of readers read the P.S. before the letter because its short and digestible. You can use this fact to your advantage by summarizing why y oud be a great fit at the company in your P.S.Heres an exampleP.S. Im looking forward to discussing how I achieved a 17% decrease in customer complaints with you.19. Pick a Suitable FontWriting a cover letter is not the time to get adventurous with your font selections. Stick to a widely accepted font style, such as Times New Roman or Arial.Dont go below a 12-point font size either. Otherwise, the hiring manager will strain their eyes trying to read your application (which will not leave a good impression).Our tips on resume font styles and sizes also apply to cover letters.20. Clarify Your AbbreviationsYou may have used a particular abbreviation so much in a previous role that using it has become second nature. But dont assume that everyone will understand it. Luckily, theres an easy fix dont use abbreviationsThis is particularly vital in complex industries, like law, IT, or medicine, where LLD might mean late-life depression or leg length differential()21. Proofread, Proofread, Pr oofread (Then Proofread Again)Youd be surprised how easily a typo can slip into your cover letter. To catch them all, you need to go through your cover letter not just once, but several times. And enlist the help of a friend to proofread it again.Long sentences will make the hiring managers brain switch off, so avoid them.If you tend to use complex words instead of plain, simple language, use Readable or Hemingway, which will tell you if your text is hard to read.Long sentences will make the hiring managers brain switch off, so avoid them.ConclusionThese tips are sure to turbocharge your cover letter and your overall application. But they arent the be-all and end-all of cover letter writing. Check out our full guide to writing a cover letter for a complete walkthrough.And if youre pushed for time, you can use our simple and free-to-use cover letter builder to generate a high-quality cover letter in minutes.

How to Work for an Advertising Agency

How to Work for an Advertising AgencyHow to Work for an Advertising AgencySo, youve made the decision. Youve measured the pros and cons, and youve come to the conclusion that a career in advertising is right for you. The next step is following through on that decision, but that can be a lot harder than it sounds. Back in the fifties and sixties, it was relatively easy to get a job at a good agency and work your way up through the ranks quickly, if you had the talent. But these days, the competition is intense. There are schools devoted to producing highly-skilled art directors, copywriters, and account teams. There are graduates out there who have portfolios more polished than those of agency veterans. And agencies are inundated with hundreds of applications from around the country, and the world, for one or two open positions. So, how are you going to get in? Whats your game plan? Here are 10 ways to get your foot in the door. Of course, you will have to have a body of work that app eals to the agency youre applying to, and the fortitude to keep on trying after every rejection (and there will be a lot). But, if you have the passion, and the staying power, you can do it. Internat an Agency For an ad agency, an intern is a win-win situation. Most of the time, interns are working for free, or minimum wage, yet they will be doing work that can generate large sums of money for the agency. leid only that, but its also a very easy way to test-drive potential employees, and grab the talented ones before another agency can scoop them up. So, if you have the opportunity to intern at a good shop, jump on it. Interning will help you get an in to the agency, but youll also be able to work in various areas you wouldnt otherwise. Speak up and let the agency know youre eager and willing to learn to get the most out of your internship. The experience you gain as an intern is invaluable and could lead to a permanent position. At the very least, youll get some great work for your portfolio, and the kind of hands-on experience you cannot get anywhere else. Take an Entry Level Position If you cant get a great job at an agency, just get a job. Period. Many people have successfully started their career in advertising by taking ANY job in an agency, and then working their way up. Dont be afraid to work outside of your job description. Get in there and learn everything you can. If youre unable to move up within that particular agency, you can still use that experience to get you a job somewhere else. Some people say that you will be looked upon as that employee who is only good enough for the mailroom, or the assistant to the building supervisor. Nonsense. If you have the skill, you will find a way to showcase it. Get friendly with the people who work in the departments you want to work with. Show them your ideas. Get under their skin. If an agency can hire someone who was homeless (that actually happened), they can hire from their own ranks. DoFreelan ceWork If youre interested in being a copywriter or graphic designer, consider freelancing as a way to get into the business. Coming up with your own rates, your own campaign to advertise yourself, and approaching small businesses (and even agencies) are all tools you can use in your agency job hunt. You should have an online portfolio ready to go and be available to network like crazy. This is not only a great way to do a lot of networking, and build a portfolio of legitimate published work, but it gives you a wide range of projects and campaigns to hone your skills. One day youre working on ice cream, the next on credit cards or vitamins. And you get real discipline, real quick. Create Spec Ads SPEC ADS take two forms. First, they can simply be your version, or recreation, of a published ad. You might think that you can do better than a major automakers print ads running in your favorite magazine. Or your local barber shops newspaper ads might need some reworking. So, you do i t again, but better. You can also do something completely off the wall, for products and brands that dont even exist. The purpose of spec work is to show your creativity, and how you solve problems. If your spec ad is good enough, it could go viral. When it hits thousands (or even millions) of views, either on YouTube, Tumblr, or some other format, the ad agencies will take notice. Contact Radio and Television Stations Many radio and TV stations have employees who specifically write commercials. They may also produce certain types of shows for the station. This is a great opportunity for you to get started in the business. Since most radio and TV stations dont pay very much for these types of positions, theres both a high turnover and an opportunity for people with little or no experience to break into the field. Unfortunately, a lot of the work done here is not going to be rewarding, creatively or strategically. The ads are formulaic, and the clients usually like them that way. Basically, its a patronizing scenario that spells out the benefit of the product or service, followed by multiple reads of the phone number or website. However, you may make some great contacts here that can lead to bigger and better opportunities. Get an Advertising Education Getting aneducation in advertisingdoesnt just apply to college students. If youre serious about working in an agency, you can learn a lot by taking a course.This doesnt necessarily mean you have to pack up and move to your closest advertising school. The Internet has given so many people the opportunity to learn about advertising and what it takes to make it in the business from the comfort of their own home. If youre currently employed in a different field of work, consider night classes or online lessons that can be done on a flexible schedule. Introduce Yourself to Key People If youre looking for a position on the creative side of advertising, send an email or write a letter to theCreative Director . Introduce yourself in a friendly, professional tone and give a brief bio. You may even go as far as creating your own social media campaign, or viral video. Be sure you find out who the Creative Director is and not just address your letterTo Whom It May Concern. You want to approach this person just as you would a friend so get their anthroponym and the spelling right.You can follow up in a few weeks with an additional letter or you can give the Creative Director a call. Justdont cold callthem first. Anyone in an agency is going to be busy and especially someone in a management position who is juggling many projects at once. Network, Network, Network This is one of those businesses that live by the rule, its not just what you know, its WHO you know. Sometimes, all that separates two very talented people is an association with someone in the agency. Dont be the one left behind because you dont know the right people. Look for opportunities to meet with people in your area that a re actively working in the industry. Many cities have local advertising clubs that sponsor special events, educationalseminars, and professional workshops. Get out there and meet the people who could be your next potential employer. Try Working In Sales or PR Its not exactly the same. Theres a big difference between advertising and sales, but being an account executive at a car dealership, for example, can help you bridge the gap between no experience and working in an agency. Its also a good way to meet people, improve your selling techniques, and find out your own strengths and weaknesses. PR and advertising are much more closely related, but again, theyre not the same. However, there is a lot of crossover here, and if you find a good, creative PR agency, you can be doing some very fulfilling and award-worthy work. Be Genuinely Enthusiastic Are you passionate about working in advertising? Really passionate?Are you a hard worker thats willing to commit to the job, even when that means youre working well past the typical 9-5? These are just some of the questions you have to really evaluate if you want to pursuea career in advertising. If you can honestly say, Yes, absolutely, then you need to convey that to a potential employer.Even in this day and age of hustle and bustle, employers are excited to see someone with genuine passion and enthusiasm. Theres a reason they got into the field and your energy is a reminder of that. People with a lot of experience have been beaten out of the job by someone with less experience but a lot of heart. Personality goes a long way.