A lot of jobs now require cover letters with their online applications. This makes a little more work for you to apply, but it gives you a great space to distinguish yourself from other applicants. Here’s how:

1. Personalize it

You should NEVER send the same cover letter to different employers. Apply your experience to the job duties & responsibilities you see in the job listing to increase your chances of a call-back!

2. Add the company address

At the top of the page, make sure the address of the company, as well as the name of the hiring manager or whoever is set to receive applications. You can usually find this info on the job listing, or on the company website. If you really can’t find anything, you can put ‘To Whom It May Concern,’. This helps make your cover letter look more professional and formalized - and increase your odds of getting called in to interview!

3. Add your contact info

Even if you have your phone number and email on your resume and in your email signature, you want to have it on your cover letter as well. Don’t make them search for it! Add it in the end in the last paragraph, after thanking them for their time.

4. Grammar, grammar, grammar

You MUST have correct grammar in your cover letter. This is not the time for shorthand or for typos - have a friend or family member read it and edit it for you. If you want more help, consider checking out your local unemployment center - they will most likely have someone who does this. You can also check out Grammarly - it’s free!

5. Sign it

This is one of the best ways to make your cover letter stand out from the crowd. Print out your cover letter, and sign it by hand! You can also scan your signature and keep the image file to use for other cover letters later on. No printer/scanner? Check out your local library, they will be able to help!

Have other cover letter tips to share? Comment below!!

Your resume showcases all the things an employer is looking for and each has certain expectations that they would like you to fulfill. It’s important to show them in your resume how/why you are the perfect fit.

Check out these tips on how to make your resume stronger and desirable to employers!

1- Have the qualifications for the job Increase your chances of being hired by tailoring your resume specifically to jobs that you are qualified for and are interested in doing. You don’t always need to meet 100% of the requirements that job postings ask for, but do make sure that you have at least 75% of the qualifications. Present them in easy-to-read sentences and bullet points. Highlight your past accomplishments to show how you can excel at the job.

2- Make it easy for them to contact you Place your contact info right up at the top of your resume. Be sure your email sounds professional. If it begins with cutiepie107 or a bunch of random letters and numbers create a new one with your name, such as Jsmith for example. Keep it professional! List your phone number as well and make sure that once you put it out there you are checking your messages.

3-Show that you want the job The first thing an employer is going to notice is if your resume is relevant to the job that they are hiring for. Do you live close enough to the job to reasonably commute to it? Does your title closely match the job you’re applying to? Describe your experience and accomplishments to demonstrate how they benefit the employer. Remember, it is about THEM, not you. Employers don’t want to guess how your credentials apply to the role they are looking to fill.

4- Be a spelling and grammar whiz Reportedly 75% of employers noted that they wanted a stronger focus on written communication skills. Your resume is their FIRST impression of you, so if it is riddled with spelling mistakes, type-o's, or grammatical errors you will likely not be considered for the role. These type of errors show your lack of attention to detail and gives off the vibe that you just aren’t professional or interested. Avoid this by ALWAYS making sure to have a friend or family member read your resume. It’s tough to catch your own mistakes sometimes, they are sneaky! Be sure to use spell check and you can even download Grammarly for a free and easy guide to use as you write.

For info on how to easily create your resume right here on Jobcase please check out @LailaNashat 's posts [here] (https://www.jobcase.com/community/topics/JobcaseInsider).

Have questions? Please comment below!

Don’t let employers forget about you once the job fair ends...

Now is the time to follow up!

-Do it sooner rather than later 1-2 days after the job fair is ideal.

-Make it personal Remember that employers have met and spoken to MANY people at the fair, so it’s unlikely they will automatically remember you. If you had a good conversation, make note of something you discussed and mention it in the email.

-Reach out to the right people Whether you jotted the employer’s email address down in a notebook or you took their business card, make sure to reach out. If you did neither don't worry, you can go to the company's website and look for the hiring manager's email. Once you have found it follow up with a friendly email.

-What to say In the email, explain how excited you’d be to work for them. Mention the main reasons why you would be the right person for the job by emphasizing your strengths and capabilities while demonstrating that you are a great fit. Keep it short and straight to the point.

Here is what a sample follow up email could look like:

Hi [Name],

It’s [your name], we met at [name of the job fair] this past [date]. I know your inbox is probably quite a busy place right now, but I just wanted to thank you for taking the time to speak with me. I…. (Include any personal connections you made here, for example, I can’t believe we both attended Maryville High school). I would be thrilled for the opportunity to interview with [company Name] for the position of [the position] that you’re currently offering. I believe that my skills are strongly in line with this position’s requirements and my overall experience in [Your special skill/experience] would be especially valuable when… [connect your skills to what they need]. I have attached my resume for you to look over when you have a free moment.

Thank you again [their name] and I hope to speak with you soon!

Best, [Your Name]

If you landed a job at the Boston job fair let us know the good news and post it [HERE in the community] (https://www.jobcase.com/community)!

We would love to hear from you : )

Are you coming to the [Boston job fair] (https://www.jobcase.com/ulem-boston-job-fair) today from 1-4?

Be sure to check out the list of employers and where they are located at the fair.

We hope you are able to make it and if you can't please feel free to pass this info onto a friend or family member.

Good luck today!

Here are some helpful tips and tricks to help you land a job at the fair:

-[What to bring/do] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/8def323d-970b-5b4a-9ffc-4919aa21d7f1)

-[What to wear] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/3f421edf-2528-52dd-ae8c-39e4d8b2eee1)

-[How to calm those nerves] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/1bccc0cd-702d-5fd6-acaa-ab70317b4d16)

You have got this!!

Be sure you take a little time today to prepare for the fair!

The Boston job fair is tomorrow (Thursday, June 14th) from 1 – 4PM

At the Reggie Lewis Track And Athletic Center 1350 Tremont St., Roxbury Crossing, MA 02120

There's still plenty of time to [register] (https://www.jobcase.com/ulem-boston-job-fair).

TONIGHT be sure to:

-Lay out your interview outfit Check to make sure it's clean and wrinkle-free. Here is a post on [what to wear] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/9c344981-aa8c-58f6-966a-6a2526db420f) to the fair!

-Grab those resumes (50 copies) and place them in a folder. Be sure to tuck them away in a bag. Make sure your resumes are easily accessible when an employer requests a copy, so you don't have to go digging for one!

-Eat a good breakfast the morning of. It’s true what they say, breakfast IS the most important meal of the day. It will fuel your brain/body first thing. When in doubt bring a small snack with you to keep your energy levels up.

-Go to bed early. Even if you’re a night owl, put on those pj’s and climb into bed early enough the night before so you get a full 8 hours. You will look rested tomorrow and feel much calmer and focused.

-Plan how you will get there Find out how long it will take with Google Maps. It’s always helpful to have an ETA.

-Make sure you have written down 3-5 questions. Write these down in a notebook that you want to ask that particular company. Don't forget to pack that notebook as well as a few pens/pencils.

-Know what that company does and their mission. If you haven’t researched it yet, take some time to see what they are all about and take some notes! Remember when you are chatting with them what you say should be tailored to what YOU bring to that company based on what they do. They will be impressed with your knowledge!

-Nervous? Don’t be! Check out **[this post] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/9f73c956-43da-5d6a-962e-c27936c2996e) on how to remain calm.

Good luck at the Boston job fair!

Know someone who needs a job and lives in the Boston area?

Pass it on! : )

UPS is hiring and will be looking for YOU at the Boston job fair.

Make sure to stop by on June 14th to see which jobs they will be offering, and meet with employers in person!

-[Register] (https://www.jobcase.com/ulem-boston-job-fair) for the fair and grab all the details.

-Check out [what to wear] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/3f421edf-2528-52dd-ae8c-39e4d8b2eee1).

-Grab some [tips on how to prepare] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/8def323d-970b-5b4a-9ffc-4919aa21d7f1).

If you have any questions please feel free to comment!

Good luck at the fair. : )

Most job fairs require professional dress, but what does that mean exactly?

Think of professional dress as the type of clothing that you would wear to an interview. You want to dress to impress the employer and create a positive first impression!

Here are some suggestions to help:

For Women

-Stick to solid colors (avoid busy patterns so the focus is on your face) -A suit with a button up shirt worn underneath -Mid-length skirt (a little below the knee and/or longer) paired with a coordinated blouse -Modest shoes (Closed-toe pumps are a safe bet and look very professional) -Limited jewelry (avoid flashy, again the focus is on YOU) -Light makeup and very little perfume (one spray a few hours beforehand if you must) -Manicured nails (avoid chipped and overly bright nail polish, think neutrals)

For Men

-Stick to solid colors -A suit (if you can't wear a suit consider wearing your best dress shirt, pants, and a tie) -Long sleeve button up shirt (again a solid color) and coordinating dress pants -Conservative tie (stick to solids no crazy patterns, logos, etc.) -Professional dress shoes (no sneakers) -Limited jewelry -Trimmed/well-groomed facial hair -Go easy on the aftershave or cologne (it could overpower the interviewer) -Neat and clean trimmed nails

You can also check out [these suggestions] (https://bit.ly/2sF9Mg1) for more inspiration!

If you need some interview clothing but you're short on cash, you can always explore your local Goodwill, Savers, or Salvation Army. I have done this myself and it saves a lot of money.

NOW is the time to pick out your job fair attire or shop for it. Try different things on at home and see how you feel in them! Once you are comfortable in your interview attire, you will exude confidence to prospective employers. Be sure to iron and lay the outfit out the night before so it's all set to go.

Good luck!! : )

Feeling nervous?

Don’t worry, before a job fair it is 100% normal to feel a little anxious. Here are some tips to help you keep calm!

Don’t forget to breathe! Speaking to an employer can feel like a high-pressure situation, but it is important to take a breath and collect yourself when you are feeling nervous. When you are asked a question and you feel yourself blanking, it’s ok! Just take a breath and pause for a moment. To you, it will feel like a LONG time, but in actuality, it will be just a few seconds. Sometimes those few seconds are all you need to clear your head and refocus!

Prepare for outside forces. Things like weather, traffic, and other delays can cause our nerves to SKY rocket. Avoid them by leaving EARLY and planning your route. Check out Google maps a few days prior and see how long it will take to arrive at 1350 Tremont St., Roxbury Crossing, MA 02120. If you’re driving get gas the night before, if you are taking the train or bus have your pass with you or money ready to buy a ticket/pass. Be sure to check the weather too to see if you need an umbrella so you are comfortable and stay dry when you arrive.

Pack the important things. Don’t forget to bring a small notebook and pen to jot things down. You will want to review your notes when you get home so everything isn’t a blur! Also be sure to bring 40-50 copies of your resume as well as a business card if you do have them. It’s always best when you are prepared and ready to go so you aren’t stressed that you forgot something or scrambling at the last minute.

Present yourself in the best ways possible. Think about how you would ideally want to present yourself as well as how you want your personality to come across to your interviewer. They are meeting you for the first time, so think about how you will come across. Practice answering questions in the mirror or record your responses and play them back. How do you sound? By prepping ahead of time and planning what you want to say, it will help build your confidence. Don't forget to smile, sit/stand up straight, listen, respond, and maintain good eye contact.

Remember to keep calm and [introduce yourself to the employer] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/6d46f61d-c53b-5ec5-9d7c-69cc61713f6a) with a firm handshake. Give them a good vibe! Don't forget, they are human JUST like you and have been in your shoes. They will not only understand, but they will expect you to be a bit nervous.

Check out some other great tips to help you [prepare here] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/29869635-4d8f-502f-b912-2211f8b674d8).

Wishing you the best during the fair!

If you haven't registered, grab all the [info here] (https://www.jobcase.com/ulem-boston-job-fair).

You have got this!!

Hey Bostonians!

There is a job fair coming up June 14th.

Make sure to register [here] (https://www.jobcase.com/ulem-boston-job-fair) so you are ready to go!

This event is offering:

-Over 40 local hiring employers -Headshots -Workshops to help boost your job search -Opportunities to network

All for FREE : )

We can't wait to see you there!

Looking for some tips on how to prep for the job fair? Check out [this post] (https://www.jobcase.com/conversations/393a4891-0c47-5c69-9568-de83110b22cc).

Good luck!