Writing Effective Cover Letters / Objective:
Writing a cover letter often seems like a particularly daunting task. However, if you take it one step at a time, you'll soon be an expert at writing letters to send with your resume.

A cover letter typically accompanies each resume you send out. Your cover letter may make the difference between obtaining a job interview and having your resume ignored, so, it makes good sense to devote the necessary time and effort to writing effective cover letters.

A cover letter should complement, not duplicate your resume. Its purpose is to interpret the data-oriented, factual resume and add a personal touch. A cover letter is often your earliest written contact with a potential employer, creating a critical first impression.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The following resume checklist includes the information you need to include on your resume. Use the checklist to make sure you have included all relevant information in your resume.

Resume Checklist:

* Contact Information
First Last Name
Street Address
City, State, Zip
Phone (Cell/Home)
Email Address

* Experience
This section of your resume includes your work history. List the companies you worked for, dates of employment, the positions you held and a bulleted list of responsibilities and achievements.

* Education
In the education section of your resume, list the colleges you attended, the degrees you attained, and any special awards and honors you earned.

* Skills
Include skills related to the position / career field that you are applying for i.e. computer skills, language skills.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Job Interview Questions; have your answers ready:

Interviews are always stressful - even for job seekers who have gone on countless interviews. The best way to reduce the stress is to be prepared. Take the time to review the "standard" interview questions you will most likely be asked. Also review sample answers to these typical interview questions.

Then take the time to research the company. That way you'll be ready with knowledgeable answers for the job interview questions that specifically relate to the company you are interviewing with.

Interview Questions: Work History

* Name of company, position title and description, dates of employment.
* What were your expectations for the job and to what extent were they met?
* What were your starting and final levels of compensation?
* What were your responsibilities?
* What major challenges and problems did you face? How did you handle them?
* Which was most / least rewarding?
* What was the biggest accomplishment / failure in this position?
* What was it like working for your supervisor? What were his strengths and shortcomings?
* Why are you leaving your job?
* Why were you fired?

Job Interview Questions About You

* Describe a typical work week.