Sugar Editorial Picks
Nov 18, 2009 -
I have yet to meet a job hunter who doesn't dread writing cover letters. They're time-consuming and tedious, and unfortunately, they're unavoidable. It's easy to break cover letter etiquette if you're not careful.
- 1 Comment
Oct 19, 2009 -
Yes, we're all human. Yes, we all make mistakes. But your job search isn't the time to make them.
- 0 Comments
Sep 14, 2009 -
Time after time, I've mentioned the importance of quantifying your accomplishments in your resume and cover letter. It's a tip that applies no matter the job or level of position, but there's one particular time you should steer clear of including a number in your cover letter — when you're talking about your age.
I've seen countless cover letters that include a line that goes something like this: "I'm a 26-year old who's a perfect fit .
- 11 Comments
Jul 10, 2009 -
Dear Savvy,
I'm applying for a receptionist job and they are taking resumes through email; there is no mention of a cover letter but I prepared one anyhow. Now, I'm not sure what to do. I've converted both documents into PDF files (they requested that for the resume), but I was wondering what do I say in the body of the email?
- 11 Comments
Jun 12, 2009 -
We all know it's exciting to graduate college, and higher education is a big asset for any applicant. But don't boast your new diploma in the very first line, or even explicitly in your cover letter, like it's the best thing you have to offer a potential employer. Too many fresh-out-of-college graduates hurt their chances by beginning their cover letters with a sentence that reads: I just graduated from Blank University.
- 4 Comments
May 11, 2009 -
The first person you need to win over when applying for a job isn't your prospective boss, it's the hiring manager or recruiter in charge of filling the position. Perfect your act on paper so you have the opportunity to show off those finely tuned interview skills.
View Slideshow ›
- 1 Comment
May 05, 2009 -
The economy may be nearing its bottom, but the job market isn’t getting any less competitive just yet. A friend who was recently laid off told me, "I wish I could attach a big flashing sign to my application that says, 'I’m competent, I promise! Please bring me in for an interview.'"
We’ve talked about how some job-seekers are doing almost exactly that, and a recent article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette details how applicants are getting creative with their cover letters in particular — but not in a good way.
- 13 Comments
Mar 12, 2009 -
Time-consuming cover letters might reduce the number of job applications you're able to fire out in a day, but including a letter increases your chances of landing an interview. Getting a foot in the door in this job market requires precision from job seekers, and it all starts with the introductory letter before employers even get to your resume. While cover letters can be a huge asset when they're done well, a poorly written letter can guarantee your resume doesn't get a first look.
- 9 Comments
Mar 04, 2009 -
The economy has been shedding jobs at an accelerated rate, forcing many workers to be the bearers of bad news when telling their families they've been laid off. A lot of people haven't dealt with a layoff before and feel panicked entering new territory. Start the slideshow to see seven steps that will help you gain control after losing your job.
- 2 Comments
Jul 08, 2008 -
Dear Savvy,
I am writing a cover letter to a position I am dying to get and therefore, wanting everything to be perfect. Here is my dilemma: I know both the full names of the recruiter and the hiring manager. Whose name should I use when addressing the cover letter?
- 10 Comments