7 Expert Tips for Writing an A+ Cover Letter

7 Expert Tips for Writing an A+ Cover Letter7 Expert Tips for Writing an A+ Cover Letter When youre applying for jobs , titelblatt letters can feel like the bane of your existence.Im a writer, and even I find the process daunting. What am I supposed to include? How many dumb jokes can I throw in? Do I have to use To Whom It May Concern?To get the 411 on how to write a good cover letter, I chatted with Kevin Kermes, the founder of Career Attraction , and Jenny Foss, the recruiter and job search strategist behind JobJenny.com .Although it sometimes seems like writing anything longer than a tweet is going the way of the dodo, cover letters still matter - especially if you dont have a recruiter or a direct introduction to the hiring manager.A compelling cover letter can be the thing that grabs the readers attention and shares how your career story lines up with what that company is looking for, said Foss. Its your gunst der stunde to show fit as well as an opportunity to give the reader a hint of your style and personality.Plus, since most cover letters are bad, according to Foss, a great cover letter gives you a strong advantage over your competition.Here are seven tips from these experts that will help you write an amazing cover letter.Although it might seem obvious that you shouldnt use a boilerplate cover letter for different jobs, Kermes said this is the biggest mistake he sees people make.You have to customize what youre going to say to each individual, he said. All of us know when we get an schmelzglas that was written for the masses, and it doesnt motivate us to take action.So, whatever you do, dont write a single cover letter and swap out the names of the companies as you go. Personalize your cover letter in every way you can.This is one of Foss top three tips for writing a cover letter because its the best way to ensure it gets read, she said.Rather than emailing the general jobssupersweetcompany.com, try to find out who the hiring ma nager is - and email them instead.The same advice goes for figuring out who to address your letter to use the name of the internal recruiter, HR person or hiring manager if possible.Kermes said this tip is important because it allows you to tailor your letter to not only the company - but also the individual.Invest the time to learn about who youre writing to and whats important to them, he said. Its a noisy world, and weve found that making emotional connections gets more responses than anything else.To find this information, you couldIf all else fails and you cant find a name, Foss recommended addressing your letter using Dear Hiring Team instead of To Whom It May Concern.Now that the salutation is out of the way, its time for the most important part of the cover letter the lead.If you think Im writing to apply for XYZ position will get you in the door, Foss said youre dead wrong.Start out with that as the lead, and youve lost me before I get to the second sentence, she said. D raw the reader into the story by sharing what about that organization most impresses or captivates you and why - specifically - you want to work for them.Foss recommended something thats memorable and thoughtful. Be creative.If, for example, youre applying to be an event planner at a resort you visited growing up, she offered the following suggestion My passion for Timberwoods Lodge dates back to 1985, which was the year I first rode my bike (a Schwinn Lil Chick, complete with banana seat) in your Fourth of July Jamboree.Once youve hooked your reader, the next few paragraphs should explain what you can do for them and the company.Spell out very quickly and succinctly what you can walk through that companys doors and deliver, with the deliverables of the job directly in mind, said Foss.It doesnt have to be a guessing game. She pointed out that the job description will give you some very solid hints about what theyre looking for.Kermes suggested using three to four bullet points within the letter. Under each one, you should quantify the outcomes you can produce to solve your recipients biggest problems, he said.So, instead of saying I sold $300,000 worth of products at my last job, you could say I will use my past experiences to double sale of your products in the next 12 months. After all, if you write a rockstar resume , itll have all the details about your past positions.No one wants to fall asleep while reading your cover letter, so Foss said you shouldnt be afraid to use a conversational tone and a bit of personality.We all get so hung up on the what it ought to be or the rules for cover letters that we end up with the worlds most boring, say-nothing end products, she said. Dare to be different just keep it on point with what the company is looking for and what you can deliver.As for busting out jokes and casual language, Foss said it depends on your writing strengths, the personality of the company or brand and the position youre applying for.If your e applying to be an auditor at a conservative financial services firm, keep it formal. But if youre applying to be a copywriter for a funky ad agency, youve got more room to play.Gauge the culture and personality of the brand and adjust your tone accordingly, she explained.People rattle on about what they want rather than show the reviewer exactly how and why theyre a great fit, she said. Or they go off on irrelevant tangents in an effort to look witty or original.When you write a cover letter for a job, you should be succinct and remain focused on the readers needs. You also should avoid meaningless words.Many people stuff a bunch of cliches into cover letters like proven track record, results-driven, and my personal favorite very uniquely qualified, said Foss. You cant be very unique - that statement alone is redundant. You either are unique or you arent.Use your cover letter to capture the readers attention and address their needs (which dont include cliches).OK - youre almost done Before wrapping up your dazzling cover letter, you need to add one more thing a call to action (CTA) for your reader .Make it clear what you want them to do and what youre going to do, said Kermes.Your CTA could include a timeline for following up or a way the reader can connect with you. Either way, make sure the reader knows what action to take now that youve totally wowed them.Whether you want to land your first job or find a better one, a strong cover letter is key to your success. Take your time, let your personality shine - and then get ready for the interviews .This article was originally published on Student Loan Hero . It is reprinted with permission.

How to Respond to a Job Offer Letter Like a True Professional

How to Respond to a Job Offer Letter Like a True ProfessionalHow to Respond to a Job Offer Letter Like a True ProfessionalIf you aced your job interview, you will soon receive an offer letter, either in your mailbox or your inbox. This letter serves as a formal proposal for you to begin employment at the company and confirms verbal offers made to you during the interview. Job offer letters include such things as The job title or positionSalary or wage, as well as benefits and perksAn acceptance deadlineThe desired start dateTraining informationInstructions on how to accept or decline the job offer Job Offer Letter Conditions Some job offer letters are basic in nature, while others are more specific, so examine the details carefully. The letter may contain contractual rights or amend conditions you previously agreed to. Employers often add clauses regarding work responsibilities, salary,and benefits including the following Signing Bonuses Its likely you discussed bonuses as part o f yoursalary negotiations. Make sure the letter contains the agreed upon bonuses and amounts.Additional Bonuses If bonuses are included in your employment package, check to see if they are guaranteed or discretionary and annual or more frequent than annual.Salary If your letter shows a salary increment structure, see if it meets your expectations.Other Benefits Make sure the list is accurate and outlines standard perks such as insurance, vacation time, and contributions to a retirement fund. If you secured other benefits during salary negotiations like stock options or extra vacation time instead of cash, make sure the letter reflects those agreements. Job Responsibilities These must correspond with the position. You also want to make sure the letter states the job title. If the company downgrades your job in the future, you can use the letter as evidence in any dispute entschlieung proceedings.Work Hours Job offer letters usually state official working hours but look for company po licy on overtime and holiday pay.Legalities Watch out for other conditions that affect your rights and your career path. For example, mandatory arbitration limits your power if you have a dispute with your employer. Non-compete and non-solicit clauses also limit yourability to secure other business. Privacy Watch out for conditions that affect your right to privacy in the workplace. Extending the Acceptance Deadline Sometimes, after receiving a job offer, you find you need more time to consider your options. Its best to tell the employer as soon as possible, giving them a workable reason for the delay. Try to approach the topic in a candid and professional manner If you have other offers on the table, its best to be honest with the hiring manager unless you expect a negative reaction. The worst-case scenario is that they refuse your request and insist on an answer right away. Then you must accept or decline. Beware of using potential offers as a bargaining chip because this coul d backfire. They arent real until they appear in print. And never bargain with verbal offers.The Muse has excellent advice on dealing with multiple jobs offers if youre lucky enough to be in that situation. Accepting a Job When you accept a job, a brief acceptance letteris expected. It serves as an added record of job requirements and expectations. Use a business letter format and include the following Your gratitude for the offerA summary of the employment package as you understand itA formal acceptance of the jobConfirmation of your start date Send your letter, along with any signed documentation from the company. Address it to the person who made the offer when mailing it. If you send an email, use your name in the subject line. Keep your acceptance letter brief and professional to maintain the positive impression you made when interviewing. Declining a Job If you think the job isnt the right fit, you should let the recruiter know in writing. A letter removes any confusio n, and the recruiter can move on to other candidates. Its likely that during the interview process, you developed a relationship with the recruiter. A polite letter is a good way to keep the relationship going. Who knows, you may run into them again as your career develops. If youre declining an offer because the package is not attractive, but you want to work at the company, try negotiating a better deal. If that doesnt produce results and you must decline, express your disappointment. Show you were interested in working for the company, but the remuneration was a sticking point. The hiring manager may reconsider the proposal. A letter to decline a job offershould include the following An expression of gratitudeA statement declining the offerYour reason for declining the offer Job offer letters sometimes act as job contracts. Once you sign it, the conditions are binding. Make sure you agree with the contents and raise matterswith the employer for which you are not clear.

A Millennial CEO on the greatest (and most fun) trick for brainstorming

A Millennial CEO on the greatest (and most fun) trick for brainstormingA Millennial CEO on the greatest (and most fun) trick for brainstormingDani Beckerman is truly a Millennial CEO, but that shouldnt be perceived as a negative. It is quite an awesome thing in this case. After all, zu sich company, Jars by Dani, is what it is today (which is quite successful) because of Instagram (she boasts over 56,000 followers).She also has an impossibly cool style, showing up to speak on panels and interviews in those white chunky sneakers that are oh so cool right now (while when some of us try them on we look like a weird adult size version of Punky Brewster and by some of us we mean me).Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreHowever, dont let that youthful face and effortlessly laid back style fool you. This young woman is a super driven successful CEO whose company is making a major mark in th e food industry.Like all great ideas, Jars by Dani welches born out of looking for a fun way to impress her friends at a dinner party back in 2013. She decided to get a little whacky after a particularly inspirational trip to Michaels and put nachspeise in a jar. It was delicious and also incredibly beautiful, which in this visual currency age, is just as important as the taste.Beckerman, who was attending culinary school during this time, shared a photo of her creation on Instagram and soon friends were sharing the photos, and friends of friends were asking where they could get one and shortly after that, she realized she had a business on her hands. Before long she was making hundreds of jar desserts a day out of her own kitchen (with a very patient roommate and without a mixer mind you) and hand delivering them herself, with a little help of the New York transit system.I was in the best shape Id ever been in, she told Ladders as climbing flights of stairs every day was imperative for the crucial beginning of her business.Soon, her beautiful jars caught the eyes of some very famous dessert eaters including Diane von Furstenberg and other fashion brands who require the perfect artistic dessert including Barneys New York, Helmut Lang, Tiffany Co., Milly, Elle, and Glamour.Eventually, the company moved out of her kitchen and into a real test kitchen and office space and now has a staff of 14 people (30 during their very busy holiday season.)Dancing by myselfJars by Dani, which is available nationwide, is also always collaborating with other brands including by Chloe, Microsoft, HBFit and a little cupcake shop no one in New York has heard of called Magnolia. This means Beckerman, in addition to running her business and all the complexities that come with it, constantly has to come up with new ideas.Future plans include expanding her dessert offerings and opening her own store.So how does she stay creative? Dancing around in front of the mirror. No for real. She had tried meditation and it just wasnt working for her (plus, this sounds a lot more fun.)I came up with the best ideas and flavors here. First of all, it is a real confidence builder. Confidence is a mindset meditation. You have to like yourself, she told Ladders.Beckerman said she actually stopped doing the dancing technique for a bit and she felt an impact so she recently incorporated it back into her routine When you dance in the mirror think about what you like about yourself.Plus,studies have shown that dancing was associated with an improved cognitive function for aging adults as it helps with physical agility and mental strength. Dancing, more so than most other physical activities, requires mental, physical, emotional and social skills.And thinking about desserts sounds good too.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people