There are people who love networking, or job interviews, or even negotiating salary. But the one aspect of job searching that almost everyone hates is writing cover letters.
For this reason, every few years we get a spate of articles predicting their imminent demise. It’s as good a traffic booster as you could ask for, without promising readers millions or namedropping a celebrity. The problem, of course, is that hiring managers seem permanently smitten with the cover letter. Reports of its death are almost certainly going to be greatly exaggerated.
That’s bad news for job seekers, who are stuck trying to write cover letters that engage their audience and show off their skills — without duplicating their resumes. This week’s roundup includes a formula for writing cover letters that can make the process easier and more successful; plus, a roundup of inspiring quotes from John Glenn and tips on getting to To-List Zero.
Dana Leavy at The SavvyIntern: A Proven Formula for Writing Cover Letters That Win Interviews
“While there are certainly examples and templates out there that you can reference, there isn’t really a specific step-by-step formula for writing a stellar cover letter,” Leavy writes. “It really comes down to who your audience is and what kind of information is important to them. It’s also about the best way of communicating that visually and verbally.”
In other words, it’s about the process — which is good news if your main issue with cover letters is getting started in the first place. If you follow the steps Leavy outlines, you’re almost certain to come out with a cover letter that works.
Skip Prichard at his blog: Quotes From American Hero John Glenn
John Glenn once said, “I’m not interested in my legacy. I made up my word: ‘live-acy.’ I’m more interested in living.”
And live he did. John Glenn passed away today at 95 here in Columbus, Ohio. He was a true American hero, a Senator, an astronaut that inspired many throughout the world. He was the first American to orbit the earth in 1962. Years later, in 1998, he became the oldest person in space.
Richard’s collection of quotes from the last of America’s first astronauts will inspire you to keep reaching for the stars in your career.
Lindsey Pollak at her blog: #Goal: To-Do List Zero
“Some productivity zealots are obsessed with ‘inbox zero,’ but you might also be looking to conquer ‘to-do list zero,’” Pollak writes.
Why make this your target? Well, if you’ve ever moved one item from list to list over the course of days (or weeks), you know how unchecked boxes can haunt you. What’s the point of having a to-do list if some of it never gets to-done?
Pollak’s roundup of tips is good advice for anyone who’s tired of carrying tasks forward. And there’s no better time of year to tie up loose ends.
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