Ashley Said:

Any helpful advice for writing a good cover letter?

We Answered:

I don't think it is possible to *guarantee* you will be hired, but you can increase your chances by reading the employment ad carefully and specifically mentioning the skills the company is asking for and how you will be able to provide them if hired.

I've taken many business communication courses over the years, and the more modern resumes generally seem to be moving away from the practice of including an objective. In my own opinion, it is hard to describe your objectives in one or two sentences without coming across as phoney, and describing your plans and how the company is a part of these plans is what the resume and cover letter are doing for you anyway.

Good Luck!

Benjamin Said:

Im applying for a trainee childcare assistant position any tips on writing a good cover letter for it?

We Answered:

Not having experience, you will have to rely on your desire to learn as your focus. You will need to prove to them why you should be hired if you have no experience. Research each place and say something positive about how working with them will give you the opportunity to jump start your career in childcare. Tell them why you want to be in this field. Do you find childcare an important time in a child's development? What's your reason?

Also, if you have no qualifications maybe you need to look into programs. Even if you don't qualify, jobs like to see that you are active and are doing something to further your ambitions. There are many community colleges who have programs for early childhood. You can write that you are planning on enrolling in a program in childcare at (x,y, z community college). Or, if you have no first aid training look into a one-day class in your area that you can take - it will cost money, but worth it to be able to put in your cover letter/resume. Explain what small steps you are taking or will take in your cover letter. Maybe ask them if you can come in one day to observe the child care facility.
Another good idea is to get your child abuse clearances and FBI clearances done before even getting a job. Some jobs involving children require you to have them when you apply. Again, it is money and you have to figure out what your state requires exactly, but they probably won't let you visit or observe if you don't have them and it will show that you are taking the necessary steps to get further to your goal.

You just need more to bulk up your experience in that field. Can you use another skill you have to maybe work at a summer camp or after school program so you at least have that to add as well? Volunteer at a childcare place until you find a job?

Good luck!

Derek Said:

How do I write a good cover letter for a reporting job?

We Answered:

Write it like the front page of a newspaper. Complete with headlines and articles each summarizing your education, work experience, activities, etc.

Marlene Said:

What is the secret (your) to writing a good cover letter?

We Answered:

Absolutely no grammatical, spelling, etc. errors. NOTHING. They have to be perfect. Have someone read over it to give you suggestions or edit it, if needed. Keep it short-no more than one page. Make sure it is not generic-it should have the name of the place and be directed to the proper person. Don't repeat your resume in the letter. Highlight the skills you possess that are relevant to the job.

I cannot imagine NOT having a cover. Every ad I have answered and I am presently answering, has asked for one. As long as it is not over a page, it should be fine. I have actually gotten interviews because of my letter-it took many tries to get it to where I wanted. And 3 people proofed it for me. It gives you a way to stand out. My stepmother has been interviewing for years and has eliminated people because their letters were so bad-the grammar was appalling. I have been helping a friend with her letters and she has gotten 5 interviews in the past few months. These are very high-paying, intense jobs. When we changed her letter, the calls came in. So, I think it is very important in most cases.

Tony Said:

Any tips on writing a good cover letter?

We Answered:

Definitely try to make it as personal as possible by addressing it to a single person. Explain your interest in depth and confidence in your ability to handle the position.