ShareThisOne of the best ways to impress a hiring manager is to show that you've done your homework. By demonstrating your knowledge of the company and its industry in your application materials, you can speak directly to the employer's needs and set yourself apart from other candidates. Unfortunately, less than half (44 percent) of executives polled in a recent Robert Half International survey said it's common for applicants to use their covers letter to show that they've researched the firm.Here's an example of how a job seeker could effectively target a prospective employer:COVER LETTER: "I have read with interest about your firm's expansion into new markets and believe my experience could be an asset to your organization as it grows. I have helped develop marketing campaigns for similar initiatives in the past, and much of the work I performed mirrors the responsibilities of your open position."The following job hunters, on the other hand, didn't exactly highlight their expert knowledge of the firms to which they applied: COVER LETTER: "What type of position are you looking for?"Isn't that our line?COVER LETTER: "Which clients are you talking to? What do you want to tell them? What do you want them to do?"Let's save these questions for the interview.These next candidates also failed to impress by offering odd or off-topic information in their cover letters:COVER LETTER: "In 2005, I became interested in computers. So I built one that best suited my needs. When I say I built it, I mean I bought it."Thanks for the confession.COVER LETTER: "I should tell you that I enjoy lazy, sunny days."Don't we all.COVER LETTER: "I provide clean and engaging copywriting that sings, dances and makes you want to kiss your mama."A cover letter only a mother could love.For more Resumania, and to submit samples you've come across, visit www.resumania.com. Keep the Resumania coming. Examples can be sent to Resumania, c/o Robert Half International Inc., 2884 Sand Hill Road, Suite 200, Menlo Park, Calif., 94025, or faxed to 650-234-6998.(Max Messmer is chairman and CEO of Robert Half International Inc., a specialized staffing firm, and author of "Managing Your Career For Dummies" and "Job Hunting For Dummies," 2nd Edition. His most recent book is "Human Resources Kit For Dummies," 2nd Edition.)????????2
Do your homework before applying for the job
Submitted by SHNS on Tue, 04/01/2008 - 14:43
Paying taxes unites us. It also divides us. People can pay five and even six times more in state and local taxes than other folks in similar circumstances making similar incomes.
Who's got your number?
In one of the fastest-growing forms of identity theft, crooks are stealing tax refunds by swiping personal information and using it to trick the Internal Revenue Service.
