By Wilma L. Camacho

A Convincing Cover Letter A well-written cover letter is every bit as important as your resume and can make the difference in whether or not you get an interview. This letter gives you an opportunity to sell the recipient on why you are the right person for the job. A cover letter must do the following:

.....A) Introduce you and the reason for the letter.
.....B) Sell your services and abilities as a professional.
.....C) Explain what action to take to follow up, where they can contact you.

Take into consideration the following advice when you sit down to write your cover letter:

• Avoid using "To whom it may concern." If you don't know the name of the recipient, call the company and ask the ....... receptionist for the name and correct spelling of the person who will be receiving resumes for the open position.
• Write simply and avoid using a complicated vocabulary. Be simple and to the point, adding a dynamic touch to your writing.
• Be specific and make sure to explain why they should hire you.
• Avoid using phrases such as "I took the liberty of sending my resume ...".
• Be positive and avoid complaining about your former boss or former position. Nobody wants to hire someone with a ...... .negative attitude.
• Show confidence without being cocky. Express that you are the right person for the job without being overbearing.
• Be flexible and easy to locate; giving a way to reach you by email, telephone, voice mail r cellular phone if you have one.
• Read your letter several times and make sure it doesn't have any typos. Don't trust the computer to catch them all.
• Don't forget to sign your letter when you're done.
• Print your resume and your cover letter on the same type of paper.
• Make a copy of the letter for future reference.
  

Write a Winning Resume
Clearly, a well-written resume will help you get an interview. Think of your resume as a self-promotion tool that describes your qualities, experience and education. There are two most commonly used styles of resumes; one in "chronological" format and the other in "functional" format.

Chronological:
This is the most used and preferred by employers. The focus lies on job experience. The job history of the person is presented in chronological order. The most recent job goes first.

• Limit your resume to one page only if possible.
• Avoid writing long paragraphs.
• Be honest and don't exaggerate. Remember, your information can be checked.
• Use a format that is easy to read. Remember, your resume will show your talent as a communicator and your ability to organize information.
• Avoid using colored or textured paper. This will prevent the employer from making legible copies of your resume.

1. Tell me about yourself.
2. Why do you want to leave or why did you leave
   your previous job?
3. What are your best skills and abilities?
4. What is your greatest weakness?
5. Do you like to work by yourself or in a team?
6. Why do you want to work at this company?
7. What are your goals?
8. What are your plans for the future?
9. What do you wish to accomplish with this job?
10. What are some of your biggest accomplishments?
11. What motivates you in a job?
12. Explain the relationship between your qualifications
    and the job you are applying for?
13. What can you do for us that somebody else can't?
14. What is the most important thing for you in a job?
15. What was the one thing you disliked the most about
    your last job?
16. What were some of the most important things
    you were responsible for?
17. How do you react to times of crisis or stress in
    the workplace?
18. Why did you choose this line of work?
19. Are you willing to work overtime or weekends?
20. How much are you expecting to make (salary) in
    this job?