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Sample: Cover Letter

October 13, 2009 By

John Bruin
26921 Rainbow Glen Dr.
Canyon Country, CA 91351
(661) 257-9602
john@helpnothassle.org

Mary Turner
Target Corporation
26921 Rainbow Glen Dr.
Canyon Country, CA 91351

September 14, 2009

Dear Ms. Turner:

I am responding to your advertisement in The Signal dated September 12, 2009 for the entry-level position as a sales associate.  As my resume will indicate, I appear to fit the candidate description as outlined in your advertisement.  I have a strong interest in the position and I believe my background, qualifications and work experience appear to be well suited to your company’s specific requirements.

Please accept my enclosed resume in consideration for this position. You may reach me at the above telephone number and email address.
Thank you for your time.  I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

John Bruin

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Sample: Achievements

October 13, 2009 By
In writing achievements try to think about money saved or made, time saved for the employer, and verbal or written comments that were made about your contribution by co-workers or management.

 

Examples of Common Achievements:

  • Successfully managed a diverse range of projects from conception through implementation.
  • Effectively prioritized and organized work loads in a constantly changing environment to meet daily and weekly schedules.
  • Commended by management on numerous occasions for the quality and consistency of my performance.
  • Created and presented an excellent image of the company and its services to customers, and coordinated and communicated well with clientele and management at all levels.
  • Commended by supervisor/management for the quality and consistency of my performance.
  • Made significant contributions to __________ in the production of ___________.
  • Was awarded Certificate of Excellence for my performance.
  • As an Apartment Manager: Established new inventory control, warehouse and order pulling systems. Also researched and found the most cost effective suppliers which resulted in a net savings of over 40% annually.
  • Reorganized department for more productive operation, including providing faster service with less returns.
  • If your work involved quotas and you surpassed your quotas, you could say something like: Was commended for exceeding the daily quota of # per day by #
  • Organized and implemented and efficient work flow system that resulted in significant cost savings.

Examples of Common Strengths:

  • Career reflecting hard work, attention to detail and the ability to meet exact specifications as well as cost, quality and time objectives.
  • Positive and enthusiastic, able to communicate effectively with management at all levels and direct workers in a manner insuring maximum efficiency.
  • High motivational level, excellence of leadership technique, and professional attention to detail supplemented by the ability to influence and stimulate others.
  • Ability to create and present an excellent image of the company and its service to customers, and to coordinate and communicate well with clientele and management at all levels.
  • Expert organizer and energetic, aggressive communicator with a proven ability to accomplish the most detailed, sensitive activity while remaining with the prescribed policy.
  • Creative and energetic, capable of sustained effort necessary to see a project through from conception to completion.
  • Hard working, capable of 100% effort reinforced with solid and successful experience in all-around maintenance and repair.
  • Career reflecting total involvement, high motivation, persuasive interaction and communication with people, eagerness to work, and proven leadership qualities.
  • Multiplicity of experience and skills including carpentry, wood work, metals, plumbing, mechanics, general maintenance and repair.
  • Disciplined and well organized in work habit, with ability to function smoothly in pressure situations.

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Looking for a Job?

October 13, 2009 By

Looking for a job? Not sure where to start.  Here are 10 steps to get you started. Good Luck.

10 steps start to finish

1. Ask for an application

When you go to a business to ask for an employment application, dress as if you were going to an interview. Be courteous (say please and thank you.)

If you speak to the manager, introduce yourself – make eye contact and give a firm handshake.

2. Fill out the application

This is your first impression – make it count. Your application should be easy to read and free of grammar and spelling mistakes. Ask someone else to review your application before turning it in.

3. Turn in the application

Dress nicely when you go to turn in your application. Ask for the store manager. If he or she is not available, ask whom you should leave the application with. Make sure you write down the name of the person you left the application with.

4. Make follow-up calls

A few days after turning in your application, call the business and ask to speak to the manager. When you speak to the manager, say: “Hi, my name is _______________. I turned in an application on ____________. I am very interested in the position and would like to have an opportunity to meet with you at your convenience.” Be prepared to tell the manager when you are available to meet. Chances are, the manager will say that he/she will get back to you. At that point, say, “Thank you for your time. I look forward to meeting with you.”

*If you don’t receive a call in a week’s time, call back. (* Often, employers feel bothered if you call too often. Do not call every day – once a week is fine.)

5. If you are granted an interview:

Make sure you know exactly where and when the interview is being held. Ask the manager if there is anything else you need to bring with you.Thank the manager for the opportunity and tell him/her that you look forward to meeting. Look to the Form entitled “Successful Interviewing.” Remember, your goal is to get a second interview.

6. Follow up

A few days after the interview, send a “Thank You” letter to the person who gave the interview. This goes a long way and makes a lasting impression! Look in your packet for a sample “Thank You” letter.

7. Second interview

If you impressed the interviewer, you will likely be called in for a second interview. The reason for giving a second interview is for the interviewer to get a better feel of your personality and whether or not you will meet the company’s expectations.

Review the “Questions to Ask” form. It is acceptable to write your questions on a notepad and refer to them during the interview.

8. Job Offer

Hopefully, you will receive a call from a company representative offering you a job. Make sure you know the exact start time and date.

9. Work Permit

In order to be employed legally, all individuals under the age of 18 are required to obtain a work permit. To do so, contact your high school or the school district office. For more information, click here.

10. Denial

You may receive a call or letter saying that you did not get the job. You may be upset, but it is unprofessional to let your negative emotions come through. Instead, tell the person that you are glad that you had the opportunity to interview for the position.

11. Learn From Your Experience

Whether you get the job or not, it is important to learn from your job seeking experience.

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