Researching A Company:

Do you want to know more about a company before you apply for employment with them? In the past, it was difficult to find more information about a company beyond what they have given you or what was available in your local library. But with the advent of the internet, there are a wide number of resources available for you now at your fingertips.

First, you can use your favorite search engine to search for an individual company's website. Companies usually post information about the products or service they offer as well as any corporate mission statements. Frequently they will post their financial reporting or stock exchange symbols so you can also check their financial stability. And, lastly, most companies advertise their employment opportunities in a "Career Opportunities" section of their website. The company's website is invaluable to today's job seekers with the information it can provide.

Writing Your Cover Letter

In today's job markets, employers and recruiters are receiving literally hundreds of resumes submitted by qualified applicants. Your cover letter could give you the added edge in getting your resume noticed. Here are some tips to put the added polish on your cover letter:

Avoid a canned, impersonal mass-produced letter: For each prospective employer, personalize your cover letter. Address is to an individual, unless it is a reply to a blind advertisement. Having the hiring manager's name on the letter shows that you took time and consideration to address it personally. Avoid the faux pas of including gender in your salutation such as "Gentlemen" or "Dear Sir." The hiring manager might very well be a woman. Use a gender-neutral greeting such as "Hiring Manager" or "Recruiting Manager" And all experts agree: you should not use the salutation "To Whom It May Concern"

Don't Just Rehash Your Resume: Make sure the career goals you state are in line with the advertised position. State why you are best for the position, or what interests you in it if it's not in an industry where you have much experience and how your experience does. State what you can do for the company, not what it can do for you, is what the experts advise.

Keep it Short: Ideal length is 1/3 to ½ a page, never exceed a full page. If you're emailing the cover letter and sending your Resume as a file attachment, you may need to further shorten the cover letter. Emailed cover letters should be fully displayed on one screen, without the recipient having to scroll down to read it. We recommend a 4 paragraph layout, with around 3 sentences per paragraph:

• First paragraph-Introduce yourself and capture your reader's attention. Focus on what sets you apart from other candidates and what you can bring to the company. If someone you know at the company suggested you send your resume, now's the time to drop names, such as "John Smith of your company recommended I send you my resume"
• Second paragraph-Add a little more detail about your education or experience can make you an asset to the company. Drawing from your resume, focus on the skills that can easily transfer you into the industry of the company if you do not have detailed experience. In this paragraph, tie your skills and experience to the specific position for which you are applying.
• Third paragraph-Make a connection to the company. You might have to do your homework and some research about the organization. Show that you have some knowledge of the company with a statement like "Company A has demonstrated itself as a leader in Industry A by…" Then connect this knowledge of the company to your relevant skills or experience.
• Fourth paragraph-Close your letter by thanking the reader for viewing your resume. Be assertive and confident sounding, not desperate. State that you'll follow up with a phone call within a certain time frame…and then do it.

Editing and Wording Stay in the first person: Don't refer to yourself as a third party. Refrain from using clichés or extensive graphics in your cover letter.

Your resume is your sales brochure. In many cases it is the only opportunity you will have to present yourself to a potential employer. It must be neat and easy to read. Spelling and punctuation errors are fatal. Have someone you trust proofread and correct your resume. Remember that potential employers receive many resumes The person screening them is usually not a technical specialist. If they do not find what they are looking for or think your resume is sloppy, that will be the end of the line for you. Using an objective statement limits the scope of opportunities you will be considered for. Do not use one. A summary of skills is more appropriate, do not use 'I' in your resume, do not include hobbies, interests or personal information. A resume should never exceed 2 pages. The chronological format is preferred, it starts with your current position and travels back. It lists dates, job titles, employer and employer's location for each job. Many employers prefer this format because of its familiarity.