"Cover Letter" Should you or shouldn’t you?

The debate over whether or not to write a cover letter rages on, but there's a clear answer for Andrew Fennell, a former corporate recruiter and the founder of the résumé-builder website StandOut CV.

"Over the years I've found that people who can't be bothered to do that don't usually have great work ethic," he said. "It doesn't have to be an A4 essay, just something brief in their email to show that they've read the job advert and explain why they think they would be a good fit for the job."

On the flip side, applicants who submit a well-tailored cover letter "will always stand out and ensure that I read their résumé," he said.

Mr. Fennel is just one expert with his view. I do agree with him and believe many others do as well. With the competition you are up against in today's job market you need to do your best to stand out. Writing a first class Cover Letter can help with that. #AWU #disability #jobs #coverletter

"Job Search Tip"

Make a short list of your dream companies.

Given the current state of the job market, you might assume it's best to play the volume game — to apply to any available job. But in my opinion that's the wrong approach. The fact that the market is bad right now means you have to be extra intentional about narrowing your scope.

If you're at the entry level, then yes you should apply for everything in sight. But if you've got more than a few years of experience, narrow your choices to the companies you actually want to work for, because you're going to funnel a lot of your time and energy into landing a job at those places.

Don't just sit back and wait for posted Job openings at your dream companies. Be proactive! Research the companies. Search for their hiring managers and recruiters on LinkedIn or other sites. Once you have identified them be bold and send them a direct message introducing yourself and how you believe you would help the company. If the company is close to you go in person and ask for a meeting with that person. If not, call! Don't be afraid of rejection.

In my opinion these times call for bold actions. #AWU #disability #jobs

Abled Workers Unite is a group for people with disabilities. Come and join us at jobcase.com/groups

"Job Search Tip"

Make a short list of your dream companies.

Given the current state of the job market, you might assume it's best to play the volume game — to apply to any available job. But in my opinion that's the wrong approach. The fact that the market is bad right now means you have to be extra intentional about narrowing your scope.

If you're at the entry level, then yes you should apply for everything in sight. But if you've got more than a few years of experience, narrow your choices to the companies you actually want to work for, because you're going to funnel a lot of your time and energy into landing a job at those places.

Don't just sit back and wait for posted Job openings at your dream companies. Be proactive! Research the companies. Search for their hiring managers and recruiters on LinkedIn or other sites. Once you have identified them be bold and send them a direct message introducing yourself and how you believe you would help the company. If the company is close to you go in person and ask for a meeting with that person. If not, call! Don't be afraid of rejection.

In my opinion these times call for bold actions. #AWU #disability #jobs

How much will I get paid? Is not a question you should ask during an Interview.

While it’s natural to want to know about compensation, asking about pay during the interview will generally leave the hiring manager with a poor impression of you.

Hopefully, before you applied, you researched the pay scale for the position you’re pursuing. You can find information about the specific company through sites such as Payscale or Glassdoor.

Detailed salary negotiations should be approached in the hiring process after you’re offered the job. #AWU #disability #jobs #interviewtips

Abled Workers Unite is a group for people with disabilities. Come and join us at jobcase.com/groups

How much will I get paid? Is not a question you should ask during an Interview.

While it’s natural to want to know about compensation, asking about pay during the interview will generally leave the hiring manager with a poor impression of you.

Hopefully, before you applied, you researched the pay scale for the position you’re pursuing. You can find information about the specific company through sites such as Payscale or Glassdoor.

Detailed salary negotiations should be approached in the hiring process after you’re offered the job. #AWU #disability #jobs #interviewtips

"Interview Tip"

Can I work remotely?

If the job description doesn’t explicitly state you could work from home, it’s unlikely that you can and asking can negatively affect your chances of getting the job.

If it is not talked about during the interview process you’ll need to decide if you’re willing to take the role if it’s not set up to support remote work.

If you want it to be remote, I would suggest you bring it up after the final offer is made and you are negotiating the terms of your employment. You can also wait until you’ve been employed for a few months to propose a hybrid or remote work option to your manager. #AWU #disability #jobs #interviewtips

Abled Workers Unite is a group for people with disabilities. Come and join us at jobcase.com/groups

"Interview Tip"

Can I work remotely?

If the job description doesn’t explicitly state you could work from home, it’s unlikely that you can and asking can negatively affect your chances of getting the job.

If it is not talked about during the interview process you’ll need to decide if you’re willing to take the role if it’s not set up to support remote work.

If you want it to be remote, I would suggest you bring it up after the final offer is made and you are negotiating the terms of your employment. You can also wait until you’ve been employed for a few months to propose a hybrid or remote work option to your manager. #AWU #disability #jobs #interviewtips

I'm older, a woman, and, I am partially disabled. I can not perform repetitive tasks as in working on an assembly line, or even pouring a picture of tea in a restaurant. I have prior administrative office experience (15) years ago. What do you recommend a far as a career path? #disability

A question NOT to ask during your job interview!

What are the duties of the role?

The manager is interviewing you with the expectation that you’re there because you’re eager to perform the duties of the role. Understanding the role’s duties should happen before the interview begins.

Instead, ask questions that hone in on soft skills or specific aspects of the role.

For example, you might ask, “What do you think are the most important ways this position contributes to the company mission?” #AWU #disability #interview

A question NOT to ask during your job interview!

What are the duties of the role?

The manager is interviewing you with the expectation that you’re there because you’re eager to perform the duties of the role. Understanding the role’s duties should happen before the interview begins.

Instead, ask questions that hone in on soft skills or specific aspects of the role.

For example, you might ask, “What do you think are the most important ways this position contributes to the company mission?” #AWU #disability #interview