QUESTION:

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A job seeker asked, “What do hiring managers look for in a cover letter?”

INTRODUCTION:

You know that your cover letter partners with your resume as your application packet to your job opening of choice. You also know that my mission is to help you live your best career life. So, today, I’m sharing with you the attributes I look for in an applicant’s cover letter.

QUESTIONS I ASK:

I ask the following questions about each cover letter that I review:

1. Is the cover letter dated? I, just like the next person, want to work smarter, not harder. So, I understand when job seekers reuse cover letters from past applications. Just be sure to review it carefully and make sure that you update the date, otherwise the hiring manager could perceive you as lacking attention to detail.
2. Does it reference the correct employer and position? Again, if you use a cover letter template to apply to job openings, make certain that you update all relevant information for each job that you apply to.
3. Does the cover letter begin with a proper introduction? Make sure to adhere to the standards of job application etiquette. Consider using “Dear” plus the recipients last name, or “To whom it may concern,” instead of unprofessional starting greetings like, “Hi,” “Hey,” “Hey There,” etc.
4. Is the applicant’s experience relevant to the job opening that they applied to? Some people apply to jobs in hopes of getting their “foot in the door.” I don’t judge them, but the lack of certain qualifications is a deal breaker.
5. Does the applicant’s cover letter tell how they used the experience showcased on their resume to resolve a problem, increase efficiency, improve processes, and/or increase revenue? This is what I call your career story. It proves that you’ve positively impacted your profession.
6. Is the tone and language of the cover letter business-appropriate? Using slang, profanity, etc., is a quick way to get passed over for an interview.
7. Does the cover letter tell the reader how the applicant learned about the job opening? Although this is not a deal breaker, it’s a nice to-know since most employers metrics on their best sources of candidates.
8. Does the applicant use their cover letter to explain how their transferable skills will help them to be successful on the job? This is especially important if you don’t have all the requested directly related experience. You may have picked up knowledge, skills, and abilities that can make you a viable candidate.
9. Is the cover letter written in complete sentences? I look for an inviting conversation that makes me want to know more about you as a potential team member.
10. Is the cover letter free of grammatical errors? Proofread. Otherwise, you will give the impression that you’re not a good writer.
11. Is the cover letter free of misspelled words? I’ll just say, see #9.
12. Does the cover letter end with a proper ending salutation? Close your letter with “Sincerely, Regards, Best Regards, Kind Regards, Respectfully,” or in a similar way plus your full name.

IN CONCLUSION:

Remember that your cover letter’s role is to partner with your resume. It’s the Ying to your resume’s Yang. Together they tell prospective employers where you got your experience and how long you worked in each role. Then, you share how you’ve used that training and experience to help solve workplace challenges for your past and current employers.

Well, as you know, my goal is to help you live your best career life. So, if you’ve found this post helpful, share it. Like it. Subscribe. Or leave me a comment or a question. I’d love to hear from you.

Career Search Success to You! Go Get Your New Job!

#9. MAJOR DON'Ts TO AVOID IN LIFE: Criticism [IBYC]

I'm telling you the truth... (MUST READ w/o FAIL)

One great saying that comes to mind is, "Even a fish wouldn't get in trouble, if he kept his mouth closed."

CRITICISM: Is an expression of disagreement or disapproval of something or someone with probable cause.

Some people really go overboard when extending their opinions about others, which can create new layers of criticism. Better known as "super critical" or negative minded people.

THOUGHT: When someone spends time harshly criticizing others, it can also damage their character as well. Some people may say: "Man, "If he said.. xyz.. about that person, what would he say about me?

Many people have said: "if you can't say something good about a person, don't say anything at all." Even a fish wouldn't get in trouble, if he kept his mouth closed. Right? Then, everything else will fall-in-place.

I Believe You Can...!

I've worked in the grocery business for 9 years,I grew up around the grocery business my entire life. My dad has worked for a grocery store for 30+ years and my mother has 25+ years,I'm looking to move up into a leading role,but the current store I am working for will not give me a shot,all I need is a company to take a chance on me,any jobs looking for experienced workers,I've stocked,I've cut meat,I've ran produce,I started on a register and bagging,I've worked in just about every dept.If there are any jobs looking for an experienced employee,shoot me in the right direction. #walmart #retail #9+years #management #supervisor

#1 slip seating #2 older model trucks #3 Third shift #4 call ins on days off #5 working on Holidays #6 split days off/never two in a row #7 delays on maintenance #8 may have to drive hostler #9 average $1k week gross #10 weekly pay check #11 frequent change of duties #12 frequent drop and hook #13 57’ trailers

If you have double/triple end. You will pull doubles.

#14 average 50 hours a week

I'm telling you the truth...

-Folks, as the CEO of the company, each one of you is/are empowered to bring the best quality of candidates on-board. Therefore, you are my eyes, ears and mouth when you speak.

With that being said, here are the 14 characteristics that were looking for in the next candidate that walks through these doors: (With no exceptions.) A person who is a...

#1. Thinker. #2. Communicator. #3. Creative. #4. Disciplined. #5. Enthusiastic. #6. ____________. #7. _______________. #8. _______________. #9 _____________.

In addition, they should be able to Tell their story!

That's what were looking for to get us to the next level.

I Believe You Can...!

9 l

9

Janette, how did you prepare for that breakthrough job?

Sometimes you have to wake-up in the morning with a MINDSET...(I'm Going To Kick-butt today.)

Here's my 10 - UNDENIABLE KICK-BUTT TIPS:

TIP #1. A supportive team of winners. (Rooting for me, telling me to...Go! Go! Go! Go! Go Janette!) TIP #2. A Positive Attitude: (Today, things are going to be different. I’m bringing my best A-Game.) TIP #3. Did I have my coffee? Or do I really need it. (Find out what gives you that morning perk.) TIP #4. Give off my butt and dance. (Dance to the music that gives you inspiration and spark.) TIP #5. Fire-off my seven resumes each day. (Ready, set, hit enter…they’re gone.) TIP #6. Schedule my follow-up action. (Stick to your agenda and follow-through.) TIP #7. Check my emails and text messages to confirm receipt of my resumes. (Sometimes your error reading may say “failed delivery.”) TIP #8. Be prepared to schedule my interview dates. (Are you a morning or afternoon person?)

TIP #9. Check my confidence level. (Your confidence level should be between 8-10 average.) TIP 10# Know my stuff, don't bluff and don't fluff with nonsense. (How you train, is what you gain.)

Follow-me. Learn, Lead, Believe and Achieve.

I Believe You Can...!

Target Audience: 3,000

READ NOW, PAY ATTENTION, TAKE ACTION AND HAVE FAITH!

My name is...Shenneca,..xyz....Reno, Nevada.

If you really want a job consider my 12 Valuable TIPS: (These can change your life.)

#1. Turn off the TV and CD Music player. (Unless your know for a fact that music helps you think.) #2. Put the dog or cat in the other room. (No time for meowing or barking.) #3. Let your girlfriends know, (no phone calls or texts for at least two hours.) #4. Don't answer the door for FEDEX pickups. (Unless you sign, close the door and get to work.) #5. Make sure you have something light to snack on. (Nothing too heavy to put you to sleep.) #6. Do your research diligently. (Don't waste time on FB, or other social medias.) #7. Select the job websites which are user friendly. (Some sites can be more complicated.) #8. Identify your related Job Titles. (Match them against online applications.) #9. Perform your proofreading techniques. (Minimize your errors to the best of your ability.) #10. Be familiar with the salary range and benefits package. (Know your value system.) #11. When everything is right, submit your online resume. (At least 5-7 resumes each day.) #12. Track your email and text message responses daily. (Make sure your text message box is not full.)

WHEN YOU'RE SERIOUS ABOUT GETTING A JOB, YOU'LL BUCKLE DOWN AND DO YOUR DUE DILIGENCE!

I'm Shenneca...I'm not waiting for an invitation. I Make Things Happen!

I Believe You Can...!