Do you ever find yourself wondering how in the world successful people do it? I once heard a story about a gentleman taking his final statistics exam to complete his Masters degree in statistics. The test question required that he show his work meaning that he would have to write down each step involved in solving the problem. He couldn't get the right answer, so as the last step in his documented work he wrote "insert magic here". I love this story because it illustrates what we all feel at some point in our efforts to succeed.
There is a formula for success however, but it's not very sexy and feels a lot like work at first. The formula is so simple that literally anyone can apply it and reap their rewards in any field at any age. It looks like this:
A + H + W = S
Attentive + Helpful + Willing = SUCCESS
A: Pay attention to your surroundings all the time. You never know where valuable information may come from. Always be on the lookout for information that will either help you directly, or help someone in your network. If you're an employee, the information may help you be better at what you do or may help you gain recognition and respect for sharing it with your superiors. If you're self employed, the information again may help you be better at what you do or may help you gain that same recognition and respect from your clients, employees and people in your network. Look for ways to contribute to your professional world.
H: Provide assistance wherever you see a need. At a meeting of any kind, be prepared to help someone who has dropped their papers, whose hands are full and needs a door opened for them or a chair pulled out. It seems so small and insignificant, but every opportunity to be helpful raises others' awareness of you in a positive way. This portion of the formula applies to every person you meet including the janitor, the parking lot attendant, the CEO and the receptionist. Helpful behavior builds a reputation of respect that makes people seek you out for answers and by doing this they are providing you with more opportunities to learn. What do people think of you now and why? Train yourself to be a resource by helping where you can and soon your name will be associated with words like nice, dependable, trustworthy and smart just because you're helpful.
W: Your willingness to actively participate in your world will pay you back in immeasurable amounts. If there is a menial task that is asked of you simply do it and do it well. Learn a new skill to help the team or yourself? Absolutely. Remember that the first part of the word "willing" is "will". We all know people who are strong-willed and we associate that phrase with being dedicated and committed to achieving a goal. Be a willing participant and you will soon find that you are actually using your will to bring success into your life.
It is never too early or late to start.
Using the formula, your attentiveness enables you to understand the reasons why things are the way they are, your helpful habits create positive energy all around you and your willingness to continue learning and pitch in where you can provide a constant flow of opportunities for you to succeed. Success breeds success so each time your efforts are met with success, more is on the way!
Challenge yourself to apply and use the formula for two weeks. The worst that can happen is you prove the formula wrong and your search for success continues as it was yesterday. The more likely result is that you will feel better about yourself, your job and your future. You will be amazed by the number of success stories you will have to share.
Friday, January 23, 2009
Thursday, January 8, 2009
To Cover Letter or Not to Cover Letter
I recently commented on a thread about the value and structure of cover letters and thought it worthy of a post right here at home.
It's safe to say that at least 80% of cover letters never get read. The level of the position being applied to has a lot to do with it because of course, there is more at stake per hire for more senior level (higher paying) positions. Even then, the resume is the vehicle by which all of the information should be delivered and anything else is simply "other". My opinion is that if the resume doesn't deliver the message the candidate hopes then the resume needs to be rewritten. A wonderful cover letter will not make up for a lousy resume for anyone.
Consider that most applicant/candidate tracking systems do not have a place to store cover letters so they are rarely included with a database profile to external agencies or internal HR/recruiting groups. On the off chance that there is a place to save it, the odds of a recruiter opening a document in addition to the resume are slim to none. Most recruiters are reviewing 100+ resumes for each position they recruit for. That's not for each placement they make, that's for every single position they work on whether they fill it or not. The sheer volume of information makes a strong case against the notion of recruiters taking the time to read cover letters.
After all of that negativity, let me address three scenarios where a cover letter is appropriate. The first is when the job posting requests one specifically; there's not a lot of help for that one. Second is when a resume is being sent to an email address as opposed to being submitted through an online form. In this instance, the email message is the cover letter and should take a few moments to highlight qualifications, skills, availability and interest. And by all means, it should be written professionally with correct grammar and punctuation. The third is unfortunately when you are a senior level professional. These folks should have a boilerplate letter (at least) if for no other reason than to demonstrate their written communication skills.
Cover letters that are not in email should still be fairly short and direct so as not to detract from the resume itself. It's not possible to eliminate all redundant information, but keeping it to a minimum is a good idea. The letter should follow standard business letter format and include the following: An introduction that speaks about the resume objectively as a document for review and consideration, a paragraph that summarizes qualifications, a paragraph dedicated to availability and interest and a business sign-off such as "Sincerely" or "Kind regards". Beyond that information you run the risk of detracting the interest of the reader, as the good stuff should all be in your resume.
It's tough to know that something you will spend time creating will most likely not even get considered, but when it's appropriate to send one you don't want to be caught without one. Everything about resumes and cover letters is subjective with no one solution satisfying everyone, so it's best to have your bases covered in the event that someone is looking.
Here are two sources where you can view samples for free:
http://tiny.cc/JDe5s
http://tinyurl.com/7uwf7l
These sites don't necessarily share my views on the cover letter, but it never hurts to view examples to get your creative motor started. Sharing these links is for reference only and is in no way an endorsement to pay for any service(s) offered. If you're stuck, give me a shout and I'll help you write one.
I am rooting for you, as always!
It's safe to say that at least 80% of cover letters never get read. The level of the position being applied to has a lot to do with it because of course, there is more at stake per hire for more senior level (higher paying) positions. Even then, the resume is the vehicle by which all of the information should be delivered and anything else is simply "other". My opinion is that if the resume doesn't deliver the message the candidate hopes then the resume needs to be rewritten. A wonderful cover letter will not make up for a lousy resume for anyone.
Consider that most applicant/candidate tracking systems do not have a place to store cover letters so they are rarely included with a database profile to external agencies or internal HR/recruiting groups. On the off chance that there is a place to save it, the odds of a recruiter opening a document in addition to the resume are slim to none. Most recruiters are reviewing 100+ resumes for each position they recruit for. That's not for each placement they make, that's for every single position they work on whether they fill it or not. The sheer volume of information makes a strong case against the notion of recruiters taking the time to read cover letters.
After all of that negativity, let me address three scenarios where a cover letter is appropriate. The first is when the job posting requests one specifically; there's not a lot of help for that one. Second is when a resume is being sent to an email address as opposed to being submitted through an online form. In this instance, the email message is the cover letter and should take a few moments to highlight qualifications, skills, availability and interest. And by all means, it should be written professionally with correct grammar and punctuation. The third is unfortunately when you are a senior level professional. These folks should have a boilerplate letter (at least) if for no other reason than to demonstrate their written communication skills.
Cover letters that are not in email should still be fairly short and direct so as not to detract from the resume itself. It's not possible to eliminate all redundant information, but keeping it to a minimum is a good idea. The letter should follow standard business letter format and include the following: An introduction that speaks about the resume objectively as a document for review and consideration, a paragraph that summarizes qualifications, a paragraph dedicated to availability and interest and a business sign-off such as "Sincerely" or "Kind regards". Beyond that information you run the risk of detracting the interest of the reader, as the good stuff should all be in your resume.
It's tough to know that something you will spend time creating will most likely not even get considered, but when it's appropriate to send one you don't want to be caught without one. Everything about resumes and cover letters is subjective with no one solution satisfying everyone, so it's best to have your bases covered in the event that someone is looking.
Here are two sources where you can view samples for free:
http://tiny.cc/JDe5s
http://tinyurl.com/7uwf7l
These sites don't necessarily share my views on the cover letter, but it never hurts to view examples to get your creative motor started. Sharing these links is for reference only and is in no way an endorsement to pay for any service(s) offered. If you're stuck, give me a shout and I'll help you write one.
I am rooting for you, as always!
Monday, January 5, 2009
New Year, 2009
Happy New Year to everyone!
I am so excited about 2009 because of all of the opportunities that exist for growth and change. It seems as though our society has morphed into an anthill of anxious activity due to all of the financial uncertainties. I am right here in the thick of it with my infant business but there is a big part of me that is paying attention in a way that I can only liken to that of parade watching. What will come down the street next?
I refuse to give in to doom and gloom because if we all did that then how would anyone find their footing again? In my mind's eye, I am trying to be a buoy of strength and courage along with many, many others. We will get through this time of our lives one way or another. I do believe that it was Albert Einstein who said "If you're going through hell, keep going". Here's to keeping going in 2009!
I recently learned that there are about 500 jobs actively posted on www.womenforhire.com. While the site is dedicated to we females, the posted jobs are for all qualified individuals regardless of their gender. You never know!
I wrote an article about job hunting that is much like one of my blog posts, but this time it's being published in a couple of places. Once it's officially viewable I will of course be posting the links here.
Take care everyone - remember that I am here rooting for you all the way!
I am so excited about 2009 because of all of the opportunities that exist for growth and change. It seems as though our society has morphed into an anthill of anxious activity due to all of the financial uncertainties. I am right here in the thick of it with my infant business but there is a big part of me that is paying attention in a way that I can only liken to that of parade watching. What will come down the street next?
I refuse to give in to doom and gloom because if we all did that then how would anyone find their footing again? In my mind's eye, I am trying to be a buoy of strength and courage along with many, many others. We will get through this time of our lives one way or another. I do believe that it was Albert Einstein who said "If you're going through hell, keep going". Here's to keeping going in 2009!
I recently learned that there are about 500 jobs actively posted on www.womenforhire.com. While the site is dedicated to we females, the posted jobs are for all qualified individuals regardless of their gender. You never know!
I wrote an article about job hunting that is much like one of my blog posts, but this time it's being published in a couple of places. Once it's officially viewable I will of course be posting the links here.
Take care everyone - remember that I am here rooting for you all the way!
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