Net-Temps ~ Crossroads~ Magazine

Welcome to CrossRoads from Net-Temps, a weekly electronic magazine with
information and tools to help you succeed in your job search and career.
Net-Temps is your employment site to post your resume, search for jobs and apply
online to jobs.

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***MOVE YOUR CAREER IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION***

The Net-Temps Career Development Center has lots of articles and tips on a range
of career subjects like resume and cover letter tips, salary and networking
advice, and much more. Read up and get an edge at

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In this issue
 * Cover Letters That Count!
 * What Recruiters Are Saying About Resumes
 * Sharpen Your Potential
 * Truth or Flair?

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Cover Letters That Count!

Considering the number of people who have been laid off or remain unemployed as
a result of the down economy, employers are receiving more cover letters and
resumes than ever before. May's release of new college grads into the job market
will even further the clutter. To set your self apart from the job-hunting pack,
you'll need to have an effective cover letter. The cover letter is your first
opportunity to impress an employer. It is the first thing they read and, if it's
not good, it may be the only thing the employer reads at all.


Getting Started

First, take time to look at some cover letter examples. CareerLab has a library
of sample cover letters. Similarly, About.com has a cover letter guide that will
walk you through the writing process. Each site contains good examples of basic
letters, however, you'll really need to personalize yours to catch the
employer's eye. Next, jot down some notes on what you want to include in your
letter. Match your skills with the skills the employer is asking for in the job
description. Always address your cover letter to a specific person. If there
isn't a contact person listed in the ad, look online for the name and job title
of the person responsible for hiring but also call the company and verify that
person is still in that position.


Nuts and Bolts

Writing your cover letter may be easier if you divide it into three sections:
The first paragraph states why you are writing. The next explains why you are
ideal for the position. And the final paragraph closes by stating how you plan
to follow-up.

In the first section, indicate how you learned about the opening and mention the
job title. The middle paragraph should relate your skills and abilities to the
qualifications listed in the job posting. Address how you meet those
qualifications with direct examples from your resume. Be open and clear about
what you have to offer the prospective employer.

Throughout the entire letter, use clear and simple sentences so the reader
doesn't have to decipher what you're trying to say. Keep paragraphs short so
they are easy to skim. Proof read. Then proof read again. Even a small typo can
look like a glaring error and may reflect on your ability to perform accurate
work. Read your letter out loud. Does it make sense? Ask someone else to review
it for you. Sometimes it's hard to catch our own mistakes.

Finally, let the employer know how you plan to follow-up. Be direct and indicate
that you will call to set up an appointment at a mutually convenient time. If
the job ad specifically says not to call, thank the employer for his or her
consideration and let them know you look forward to hearing from them.


Looking Good

Once you have written the letter, then you will need to make it look good. The
visual appearance of your cover letter is just as important as that of your
resume. Consider using bullets or bold fonts to draw attention to the skills you
wish to highlight. Print your cover letter on standard size laser bond paper
that matches your resume paper. Use conservative colors like white or beige.
Brightly colored paper will not get you the type of attention you want. Use
one-inch margins and balance your paragraphs on the page. Most importantly,
don't forget to sign your letter. If you are sending a cover letter via email,
cut and paste it into the body of an email message since many people are leery
of opening attachments.

A well-written cover letter is worth the time investment. It's the first tool an
employer will use to decide whether to interview you or not. So, make your cover
letters count!


-Lee Marc

Co-Founder of ResumeRabbit.com

www.resumerabbit.com

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What Recruiters Are Saying About Resumes

Several hundred recruiters in various industries were interviewed to get their
opinions about the resumes they are receiving. Their responses have been
collected and a Top 20 Resume Pet Peeve list has been compiled. Knowing what
annoys them can help you from making these mistakes and help get your resume
read and seriously considered.

For Pet Peeves #'s 9 & 8 go to
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Sharpen Your Potential

There are some employees who demonstrate a steady and progressive climb to
higher levels of development and challenges, while others seem to have stagnated
or plateaued. These high performers come out of the gate flying and leave those
in the dust wondering what happened.

Find out what makes a high performer at
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Truth or Flair?


Every day you walk in the office, it is becoming increasingly clear that you
need to start looking for another job. Maybe a layoff is imminent, or maybe you
are realizing that your current company and job are just not the right fit for
you. Whether you want or need to find a new job, here is your chance to take
control and market your professional capabilities just like you market a new
product or service. The key to success is beginning the process with absolute
honesty about your strengths and weaknesses.

Read on at
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We Want to Hear from You!

Do you have a success story you'd like to share or perhaps a job seeking tip?
Let us know what you like about the website or any suggestions you'd like us to
know about. E-mail to [email protected]

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