How to Write a Cover Letter that Works

How to Write a Cover Letter that Works How to Write a Cover Letter that Works Do you think of your cover letter as a summary of your skills and experiences? If so, youre making a common mistake. The truth is that your cover letter is a sales letter much like the ones created by direct marketers and copywriters to sell products and services. Just like those letters, your cover notenzeichen must be compelling, easy to read, and must convey clearly why you are a perfect fit. (hopefully it goes without saying that your letter must also be personalized for each position). How to use the AIDA formula to write your cover letter AIDA is the acronym for a commonly used sales letter formula. The initials stand for Attention, Interest, Desire and Action and if you follow these 4 steps when constructing your letter, youll find it much easier to write a letter that gets results. Lets go through them one by one and Ill explain what I mean. Getting Their Attention I recommend starting your cover l etter with a powerful opening sentence instead of the usual I am submitting my resume for consideration blah, blah Lets say you want to apply for a sales position. The job posting says the company needs someone to develop and manage relationships with strategic partners, channels, end users, agencies, industry influencers, and large customers. You can see that developing business is the companys core concern, so you should start your letter by immediately addressing that core need.ExamplesDo you need someone to develop lucrative, long-term business relationships?Would you like to build new strategic partnerships? The answer, as you already know, is YES So either of these opening sentences are appealing directly to one of the hiring managers central concerns. In addition, starting with a question is an attention-grabbing approach in itself, so this type of opening has two benefits.Deepen Interest Youve grabbed them with that first sentence now its time to deepen their interest. You can do this by writing a second paragraph that provides evidence of your ability to address their core need. Heres an example My former CEO said Jerry built mora strategic alliances in 12 months, than I had created in the previous six yearsor how about thisIn my last position, I grew sales by more than 45% and significantly increased market share without spending any more money. How? By building strategic partnerships across the United States and internationally.Or heres an example for a different type of position (in this case, an executive assistant role).When my last boss needed an assistant to organize his chaotic office and help him gain control of his life, he hired me. Within 3 months, he was leaving the office earlier and spending weekends with his family for the first time in years.Now follow this opening statement with details about how your experience fits the companys needs. For example, our executive assistant might explain that she has experience in scheduling, travel arrangements, correspondence, spreadsheets and project management. She could also mention the titles of some of the senior executives she has worked for to communicate her seniority.Keep this section brief (2 to 3 sentences) and make sure you keep the focus on the needs of the company, which you can find in the job posting. Create Desire Now you definitely have them interested, so its time to make them really want you You do this by providing more evidence of your past successes as proof that you can do the same for them.To do this, develop 3 or 4 bullet points that highlight some of your most impressive achievements. Here are some examplesReduced fixed costs by 34% while improving efficiency and customer service, by restructuring the sales organization. (sales executive)Organized chaotic office environment, eliminating 40+ cardboard boxes of files and paperwork within only 3 weeks.(executive assistant)Increased website traffic 200% by rewriting content for search engines and acquir ing hundreds of new incoming links. (digital marketer) Encourage Action Finish by expressing interest, restating the value you can add, and inviting the recipient to take action. Let her know what she has to do if she wants to meet with you, or offer to take the next step yourself. Heres an exampleAs you can see, I have been very successful in my past career and I see a great absprache of opportunity for ABC Copr. I would be delighted to discuss my ideas in detail and will call your office within the next few days to see if we can find a convenient time to meet.OrAs you can see, there is a close fit between your need to improve your websites performance and my track record of success in digital marketing. I will call your office on Tuesday afternoon to follow-up and answer any questions. Alternatively, please feel free to contact me at your convenience at (212) 555-5555.Note If you end your letter with a promise to contact the company, make a note of your commitment and be sure to f ollow through.(If you want to see some real world examples of these principles in action, here are two sample cover letters we created for clients names changed of course). In Summary A.I.D.A. works AIDA has been used by marketers for many years, and for good reason. It gets results By following this formula each time you create a cover letter or email, you will ensure that you address the employers needs, communicate your value, and effectively set yourself apart from your competition. Good luck

SCANS Workplace Skills Your Children Will Need

SCANS Workplace Skills Yur Children Will NeedSCANS Workplace Skills Your Children Will NeedWe all want our children to be successful in life. We hope to one day see them in satisfying careers with the promise of growth. The thought of our children ending up in dead-end jobs saddens us. We wonder, though, if theres anything we can do to help ensure their success. In 1990, then Secretary of Labor Lynn Martin wondered the same thing and formed the Secretarys Commission on Achieving Necessary Skills, commonly referred to as SCANS. It was comprised of representatives from schools, government, labor unions, and corporate America.Martin charged the Commission with the task of examining the demands of the workplace and determining whether American youth are capable of meeting those demands. By 1992, SCANS had completed its work. After talking to employers, supervisors, workers, and union officials, the Commission identified a set of five competencies and three foundation skills that everyone entering the workforce must have. Together these competencies and skills became known as SCANS skills. SCANS Skills These are the eight areas the Commission identified as being essential for both students who are going directly to work after high school and those who will attend college before entering the workforce. The five competencies and three foundation skills are intertwined- they are used together and should be learned together. Although this list was developed a while ago, it is still relevant for todays and tomorrows workforce. The Five Competencies In order to be effective, those who are in the workforce must be able to effectively use resources, interpersonal skills, information, systems, and technology. Lets take a look at each of these competencies mora closely Resources The ability to allocate resources is essential. Resources include TimeMoneyMaterial and facility resourcesHuman resources Interpersonal To succeed at work one must be able to interact with ot her people. By the time an individual enters the workforce he or she should be able to Participate as a member of a teamTeach othersServe clients or customersExercise leadershipNegotiateWork with people from diverse backgrounds Information Information is a valuable commodity. One must know how to Acquire and evaluate informationOrganize and maintain informationInterpret and communicate informationUse computers to process information Systems A system is a group of components- technological, organizational and social- that must interact in order to function properly. Successful workers must Understand systemsBe able to monitor and correct the performance of a systems componentsBe able to improve and design systems Technology Technology refers to the equipment, procedures, and tools one uses to perform certain workplace tasks. They vary by occupation. One must have the knowledge to Select technologyApply the appropriate technology to a taskMaintain and troubleshoot technology The Th ree Foundation Skills In addition to the competencies described above, everyone must enter the workforce having mastered the following foundation skills Basic Skills ReadingWritingMathematical computation and mathematical reasoningListeningSpeaking Thinking Skills Creative thinkingDecision makingProblem-solvingThe ability to see things in the minds eyeKnowing how to learnReasoning Personal Qualities Individual responsibilitySelf-esteemSociabilitySelf-managementIntegrity So now, instead of wondering whether your child will be successful, you can make sure she has the necessary skills. Find out if your childs school is incorporating SCANS skills into its curriculum and if they arent, its time to start asking questions. You should also reinforce the SCANS skills at home.

Medical Laboratory Technologist - Career Information

Medical Laboratory Technologist - Career InformationMedical Laboratory Technologist - Career InformationA medical laboratory technologist performs complex tests that help other healthcare professionals such as physicians detect, diagnose, and treat diseases. A lab tech who works in a small laboratory typically performs a variety of tests, but one employed in a larger lab is more likely to specialize. Specialties include histotechnology, immunology, microbiology, and cytogenetic technology.Medical laboratory technologists are also known aslaboratory technologists and medical laboratory scientists. Quick Facts Medical laboratory technologists earn amedian annual salaryof $51,770 (2017).Almost171,000people workin this occupation (2016).Most have jobs in hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and physicians offices.The job outlookfor this occupation is excellent. Employment is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations from 2016 to 2026. How to Become a Medical Labo ratory Technologist If you want to work in this career, you will need a bachelors degree in medical laboratory science (MLS). You can search for a program that has beenaccreditedby the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) on that organizations website NAACLS Accredited and Approved Program Search. Medical laboratory technologists need a license to practice in some states.The Licensed Occupations Tool from CareerOneStopcan help you learn what the requirements are where you plan to work. You can also contact that states health department or board of professional licensing. Some states and many employers also require professionalcertification. Credentialing agencies include theAmerican Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certificationand the American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science (ASCLS). WhatSoft SkillsDo You Need to Succeed in This Career? In addition to the technical skills you will learn in school and an aptitude for science , you will need the followingsoft skills- personal qualities you were born with or acquired through life experience- to succeed in this field Active Listening Excellent listening skills will allow you to communicate with patients and fellow medical personnel.Problem Solving You must be able to identify problems and solve them.Critical Thinking This skill will allow you to determine your options when making decisions or solving problems, compare them, and then choose the one with the most promising outcome.Attention to Detail Precision is of the utmost importance when conducting testing procedures.Reading Comprehension You must be able to understand and follow physicians written instructions. The Truth About Being a Medical Laboratory Technologist You will have to wear protective equipment and use procedures that mitigate your risk of coming into contact with infectious materials.If you work in a hospital or other facility that is open 24/7 your work hours may include evenings, overnights, weekends and holidays.Plan to spend a large part of yourday on your feet. Differences Between a Laboratory Technologist and a Laboratory Technician Medical laboratory technologist and laboratory technicianare related occupations that people often confuse with one another. They differ considerably regarding educational preparation and, subsequently, job duties. Because technologists must earn a bachelors degree, they have a much more extensive theoretical knowledge base than technicians, who need only an associate degree. Technicians collect, process, and analyze specimens. They perform lab procedures and maintain instruments.Medical laboratory technologists conduct the same procedures technicians do but also execute sophisticated analyses. They evaluate and interpret the results, conduct research and develop new methods (What is a Medical Laboratory Science Professional. ASCLS The American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science). What Will Employers Expect From Y ou? Here are some requirements from job announcements onIndeed.com Ability to work independently and as part of a teamPersonal computer skills, including strong typing ability and proficient use of Microsoft OfficeMust be self-motivated and able to prioritize workMust be able to accommodate scheduling adjustments, off shifts, holiday, on-call, and weekend work assignmentsAbility to deal with problems involving several variablesStrong organizational skills Is This Occupation a Good Fit for You? A suitable career matches your personality, interests, and work-related values. A self assessment will let you find out if you have the traits that make this career a good fit. They are Interests(Holland Code) irk (Investigative, Realistic, Conventional)Personality Type(MBTI PersonalityTypes) ISTJWork-Related Values Support, Independence, Achievement Related Occupations TitleDescriptionMedian Annual Wage (2017)Minimum Required Education/TrainingPathologistAnalyzes patient specimens to diagnose the presence of diseases$208,000+Doctorate or post-doctoral studyRadiologic TechnologistPerforms CT scans, x rays, MRIs, and mammograms to help doctors diagnose illnesses and injuries$58,440Associate degree in radiographyPhlebotomistDraws patients blood$33,670Certificate or diploma from one-year postsecondary phlebotomy training programNuclear Medicine TechnologistUses PET and SPECT scans to help doctors diagnose diseases$75,660Associate or bachelors degree, or 12-month certificate in nuclear medicine technology Sources Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor,Occupational Outlook Handbook Employment and Training Administration, U.S. Department of Labor,O*NETOnline(visited June 18, 2018).