One of the most common questions asked of job search experts is, “Do I really need a cover letter?"
To set the record straight, yes, a cover letter is necessary. The cover letter influences the reader's first impression of you. It serves to sell you as a viable candidate or it knocks you out of the running.
Negotiating is an art, no doubt. Done correctly it will lead to victory. Done poorly it could lead to failure. Related: Why You Should STOP Being Afraid Of Negotiating Salary When it comes to negotiating salary and other benefits in the workplace, nothing makes people more uncomfortable. He who talks money first loses, as they say. Why? Well, it’s because the minute you reference your previous salary, the other side has a distinct advantage. If you reference a desired salary, you may put yourself in a position where you downplay your worth; alternatively, if you present too high a number, you will not be considered for the opportunity. Negotiating can be done in a way that basically bulldozes your way to get the answer you want, or in a way that focuses more on collaboration, cooperation, and communication. It is advisable to take a combined approach to ensure your negotiations are fruitful and effective for you.
How can you get a hiring manager's name? Job listings posted all over the place simply read: "No phone calls" and "direct resume to BD," or some other letter combination at some post office box or no-reply e-mail address. RELATED: How To Reach Recruiters On LinkedIn Getting a name is like pulling a needle from a haystack. A good read might be something from Sherlock Holmes or a day with reruns of "Get Smart" to help solve the dilemma.
What makes for a great leader? Are leaders born, or can they be molded? Whether or not someone has the capacity to be a great leader, they still need to be molded and nurtured. That means, EVERYONE, even if their job doesn't have a leadership component right now, should consider developing the following leadership traits. Related: 10 Must-Have Characteristics Of A Good Leader What are the qualities that define leadership anyway? You asked. So, in a nutshell here they are:
Strong content with an aesthetically pleasing format is by far the best way to generate interest and get the interview. Having written and reviewed thousands of resumes (over 10,000 at this point!), I am still amazed by how many common errors are made on resumes and cover letters – the kinds of errors that will immediately send your resume to the trashcan. Related: How To Transform Your Resume From Vintage To Viral If you know how to make your resume pop with clear structure and strong proofreading, you will solidify your first place position in the interview line. Here are some tips:
How do you compensate on your resume for a gap in employment? Naturally, hiring managers want to see consistency; they want to see a work history that does not contain gaps. Things happen, though; there are personal and professional situations that sometimes come up – things that are beyond your control. Related: How To Mention Unrelated Work Experience On Your Resume So, what do you do if you have resume gaps? You probably won’t have the opportunity to explain it, especially if you have applied online or are submitting career documents via web-based or other anonymous means. How do you present yourself in a compelling manner even with the gap? Here are some tips:
You finally get the interview for your dream job. You’re looking good, feeling confident, and then you get hit with what could be a fatal blow. The interviewer says, “The other candidates for this position had a much higher GPA.” Related: #1 Reason You Get Interviews But Not Offers
After every performance review, you commit to performing at a higher level so you can finally make some headway in your career. Does this scenario sound familiar? How do some people out-perform the rest? Related: 5 Performance Review Tips There is no secret. It’s a formula anyone can follow. Because – really – you can do so much better!
