Resume Writer
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Hi Everyone,
Here is the article in which I am quoted on follow-up letters. It provides a pretty good blueprint of what to include if you have recently interviewed or have an interview coming up in the near future!
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/careerbuilder/articles/1204career-jobsmain04.html
Following up, keep selling yourself
Claire Bush
Special for The Republic
Dec. 4, 2005
Want to land that job?
Pay attention to the follow-through, career experts advise.
Employers will give the edge to candidates who send a well-written letter thanking the interviewer and outlining what they can do for the company.
To make a positive impact after the in-person interview is complete, use this blueprint for composing a follow-up letter that works.
Keep it short.
Two or three well-worded paragraphs are plenty, according to Donna Dobrovich, executive and leadership coach.
"Be brief and to the point," she said. "Begin by thanking the interviewer for the time.
"Follow with a few sentences about where you feel your contribution can most help the company. Emphasize how your qualifications would be a great fit in the department."
Address the letter correctly.
To make sure you've spelled the interviewer's name correctly, ask for a business card before you leave. Double-check to make sure the job title and company mailing address are up to date.
Make notes immediately after the interview.
While the interview is fresh in your memory, take a few moments to jot down ideas for your follow-up letter. This is a good time to write down things you've forgotten to mention in the interview that may be of interest to the employer.
Send your letter promptly.
"Job decisions can be made right away," said Kathy Sweeney, a certified resume writer and owner of the Write Resume in Phoenix. "If you want to really impress the interviewer, send the letter Federal Express or overnight delivery."
A caveat: Don't use the "restricted signature" requirement for the package.
"The interviewer will have to sign for its delivery," Sweeney said. "This could be perceived as a waste of time, putting you in a bad light."
Avoid e-mailing your letter.
An electronic message doesn't make nearly the impact of a graciously worded letter.
"E-mail is considered too casual these days," Sweeney said.
By taking the time and trouble to create a personalized letter, you're sending a message that the interview is important to you, as well as getting the job.
Use quality stationery or note cards in a neutral color.
Office supply stores, card shops and department stores sell quality notepaper and stationery. Choose plain, unlined paper and avoid slogans, "cutesy" sayings or borders that may create an unprofessional image. Enclose a business card, if you have one.
"This will make it easier to locate your phone number for a call-back," Dobrovich said.
Key in on what was discussed in the interview.
Candidates should enter the employment interview with an "observation mind-set," Sweeney said. "Listen carefully to what you are hearing about the match of your skills to the job available, and address your letter to that."
Employers are concerned about completing projects on time and under budget, meeting customer service requirements, and developing new and better products and services.
"Emphasize how your qualifications would be a great fit for the position," Dobrovich said.
Blow your own horn.
"Pay close attention to areas where the interviewer complimented you on skills or work history," Sweeney said.
By zeroing in on strengths such as delivering projects under budget, managing staff during a transition or boosting sales, you're making points.
Tell why you want to work there.
"Your follow-up letter should include a couple of good reasons you're excited to work at the firm," Dobrovich said.
Everyone likes to hear positive feedback about his or her place of employment.
Be specific.
If the interviewer mentioned the company's "having a problem with creating effective marketing materials, the follow-up letter could refer to a recent successful marketing campaign with a former employer," Sweeney said.
Sleep on it.
"Write your letter, then leave it overnight and read it again, out loud, in the morning," Dobrovich suggested. "You'll be able to hear any errors or phrases that sound awkward."
Show enthusiasm.
An upbeat letter will illustrate a positive and helpful attitude, always an asset in the workplace.
"The job-search process is a marketing and merchandising opportunity," Sweeney said. "The product is you."
Here is the article in which I am quoted on follow-up letters. It provides a pretty good blueprint of what to include if you have recently interviewed or have an interview coming up in the near future!
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/careerbuilder/articles/1204career-jobsmain04.html
Following up, keep selling yourself
Claire Bush
Special for The Republic
Dec. 4, 2005
Want to land that job?
Pay attention to the follow-through, career experts advise.
Employers will give the edge to candidates who send a well-written letter thanking the interviewer and outlining what they can do for the company.
To make a positive impact after the in-person interview is complete, use this blueprint for composing a follow-up letter that works.
Keep it short.
Two or three well-worded paragraphs are plenty, according to Donna Dobrovich, executive and leadership coach.
"Be brief and to the point," she said. "Begin by thanking the interviewer for the time.
"Follow with a few sentences about where you feel your contribution can most help the company. Emphasize how your qualifications would be a great fit in the department."
Address the letter correctly.
To make sure you've spelled the interviewer's name correctly, ask for a business card before you leave. Double-check to make sure the job title and company mailing address are up to date.
Make notes immediately after the interview.
While the interview is fresh in your memory, take a few moments to jot down ideas for your follow-up letter. This is a good time to write down things you've forgotten to mention in the interview that may be of interest to the employer.
Send your letter promptly.
"Job decisions can be made right away," said Kathy Sweeney, a certified resume writer and owner of the Write Resume in Phoenix. "If you want to really impress the interviewer, send the letter Federal Express or overnight delivery."
A caveat: Don't use the "restricted signature" requirement for the package.
"The interviewer will have to sign for its delivery," Sweeney said. "This could be perceived as a waste of time, putting you in a bad light."
Avoid e-mailing your letter.
An electronic message doesn't make nearly the impact of a graciously worded letter.
"E-mail is considered too casual these days," Sweeney said.
By taking the time and trouble to create a personalized letter, you're sending a message that the interview is important to you, as well as getting the job.
Use quality stationery or note cards in a neutral color.
Office supply stores, card shops and department stores sell quality notepaper and stationery. Choose plain, unlined paper and avoid slogans, "cutesy" sayings or borders that may create an unprofessional image. Enclose a business card, if you have one.
"This will make it easier to locate your phone number for a call-back," Dobrovich said.
Key in on what was discussed in the interview.
Candidates should enter the employment interview with an "observation mind-set," Sweeney said. "Listen carefully to what you are hearing about the match of your skills to the job available, and address your letter to that."
Employers are concerned about completing projects on time and under budget, meeting customer service requirements, and developing new and better products and services.
"Emphasize how your qualifications would be a great fit for the position," Dobrovich said.
Blow your own horn.
"Pay close attention to areas where the interviewer complimented you on skills or work history," Sweeney said.
By zeroing in on strengths such as delivering projects under budget, managing staff during a transition or boosting sales, you're making points.
Tell why you want to work there.
"Your follow-up letter should include a couple of good reasons you're excited to work at the firm," Dobrovich said.
Everyone likes to hear positive feedback about his or her place of employment.
Be specific.
If the interviewer mentioned the company's "having a problem with creating effective marketing materials, the follow-up letter could refer to a recent successful marketing campaign with a former employer," Sweeney said.
Sleep on it.
"Write your letter, then leave it overnight and read it again, out loud, in the morning," Dobrovich suggested. "You'll be able to hear any errors or phrases that sound awkward."
Show enthusiasm.
An upbeat letter will illustrate a positive and helpful attitude, always an asset in the workplace.
"The job-search process is a marketing and merchandising opportunity," Sweeney said. "The product is you."
