HEARD IN THE LUNCHROOM

“Cover” Your Bases

With many of today’s job seekers applying for new positions online, one important document doesn’t garner as much attention as it should: the cover letter. Most applicants just type out a few quick sentences in an e-mail message, attach a resume and hit Send, assuming that’s sufficient. If you want to stand apart from other candidates, sufficient isn’t enough. Here are some tips to help you develop a strong cover letter:

• Name names. Address your letter to the specific hiring manager rather than including a generalized introduction. If you don’t know the hiring manager’s name, call the company and ask.
• Do your homework. Research the company online and, using the information you discover, demonstrate how your skills fit the job and could benefit the organization.
• Solve any mysteries. If you have any long employment gaps, explain how you filled the time. Mention professional development courses or volunteer activities that show your efforts to keep your skills current.
• Leave something for the resume. Limit your cover letter to one page if printed, or a few paragraphs if submitted in the body of an e-mail.
• Make a plan. Demonstrate your excitement for the position and conclude by identifying next steps such as, “I’ll follow up with you next week to discuss meeting in person.”
• Read and reread. Just as you would scrutinize your resume, take time to review your cover letter for typos and grammatical errors. Have a friend or mentor read it as an added precaution.
• Be a savvy submitter. When applying through online job boards, always choose the option to add your cover letter to your resume. When e-mailing application materials to a hiring manager, paste your cover letter within the body of your message.

Avoiding Interview Gaffes

The job interview is an exciting part of the hiring process, but for many candidates, it can also be nerve-racking. If you put too much pressure on yourself, you may say or do something that you’ll end up regretting, and that can mean you’ll no longer be considered for the position. Following are some tips to avoid embarrassing job interview moments:

• Do your homework. Study the company and ask the interviewer relevant questions that demonstrate your interest in the firm. 
• Dress to impress. Err on the conservative side with a suit in a neutral tone. “Test drive” a new outfit before the interview to make sure it’s comfortable.
• Don’t delay. Plan to arrive at your interview 10 to 15 minutes early. Give yourself extra time if you are unfamiliar with the area.
• Keep it real. Offer examples and anecdotes that help illustrate your strengths, but do not embellish or lie. 
• Resist rambling. Once you have answered an interview question, stop talking. Allow for periods of silence while the hiring manager formulates the next query.

Heard in the LunchroomSM is provided by Robert Half, the world’s largest specialized staffing firm and a leading authority on workplace and management trends.  For more information, visit www.rhi.com.