Beyond the Inverted Pyramid

Cover Letters Like Good Manners are Never Out of Style

A local business columnist today, posed the question in her column of whether a cover letter is still a must do for job seekers. I have just successfully concluded an eight-month long job search, so the cover letter questions is still very fresh on my mind. I think you should absolutely include cover letters as a way to set yourself apart from your competitors. A well-written, customized cover letter shows that, having taken the time to write a cover letter, you are serious about pursuing the position. It proves that you are a thoughtful, articulate person. It also shows that you understand basic tenets of etiquette and the assumption can be made that if represent yourself professionally in cyberspace, you most likely will do so in person. In my case, I was pursuing a position in the communications field, and the cover letter was my opportunity to show that I was skilled in my craft. I customized my cover letters to the job I was applying for by carefully reading the job posting and addressing how my particular skills were a fit to the opening. In cases where I got an interview (I got interviews for 13% of the jobs I applied for), part of my interview preparation included reviewing the cover letter to revisit what I had identified as my selling points for that particular job. Should you write a cover letter? Absolutely. Especially if you want to get a job.

Hi Ho, Hi, Ho, It's Off to Work I Go!

In several days, I'll be returning back to work after being off for nine months. I've learned a lot from the experience. Here are some expected and some unexpected things that I discovered:

Career counseling is only good as you make it. It's like a lot of things, you get into it what you put into it. Career counselors offer you tools to use in a career search. They do not have the answers. They can offer insight and encouragement, but, as in all things, the hard work is up to you.

The trash collectors never come through the neighborhood at the same time each week. They must set there own schedules.

Despite the fact that you can finally sleep in, the body has its our rhythm. I guess after 286 years of getting up to an alarm clock, it no longer needs an alarm clock. It knows when to get up and is not bound to be reprogrammed now.

My spouse, who works at home, actually seemed to like to have me around. I was sure there would be a divorce bought on by too much togetherness, but we got along remarkably well.

Just because a prospective employer buys a plane ticket and pays for you to travel half way across the country, doesn't mean you'll get the job.

It just means they want to see you.

You'll find support

in places and people you least expect it from and not get it from where you thought it may come from.

Cats really are good listeners.

Job hunting is a lonely endeavor. No one cares but you how many resumes you've sent out and who you're waiting to hear back from.

After every in-person interview, you have to wait two weeks to hear anything. No one has the sense of urgency you have about your job search.

Volunteer organizations really do appreciate your contributions no matter how small they may seem to you and they are a great way to maintain your skills and acquire some new ones.

It is possible to lose weight in a house full of food if you really want to.

Day-time TV really is a wasteland.

Journaling is therapeutic.

Hi ho. Hi ho. It's off to work I'll go.