What Makes a Good Cover Letter?

Posted on August 13, 2012 by John N. Frank

I wrote about cover letters recently, using one of mine as an example.

Recently, in a discussion I was involved in on a Northwestern alumni listserv, I saw another and asked the author if I could run it on my blog. She agreed, so here it is, look for the elements of a good cover letter here:

Dear Hiring Manager:

With my communications and journalism career spanning more than 10 years, I would be a good fit for the position of Public Relations Specialist for The Humane Society of the United States. Drawing on my extensive experience, I would advance the society’s objectives, and I would contribute ideas on how to promote the positive stories.

In my most recent communications position with the nation’s second-largest public university, the University of Central Florida, I mined ideas from all corners of campus and wrote stories, including covering the exciting research at the university’s renowned College of Optics and Photonics. Known as one of the more difficult colleges to cover, I forged relationships with professors there in a short time, and I received positive feedback from them about my ability to break down the complexity of photonics topics for news releases.

In addition, I advised educators and administrators across colleges and departments during crisis moments and worked with them to achieve media placements and come up with creative ideas to promote and enhance the university’s reputation. As lead editor for a team of five writers, I edited a variety of copy, including pieces on scientific and technical topics. I used my teaching expertise to mentor interns in our office. I kept the media relations website updated with fresh content and handled the overall presentation of articles and their graphics, captions, teasers and headlines.

I truly believe in the society’s mission, as I am the owner of a severely abused dog who, near death, was rescued and painstakingly nursed back to health. I would welcome the chance to talk with you more about working for The Humane Society. You may also take a look at my LinkedIn profile to see what my colleagues and former managers think of my work.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
Rebecca Basu

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Reviews for “Always Be Job Hunting” Are Wildly Positive

Posted on August 8, 2012 by John N. Frank

The reviews for my new book, “Always Be Job Hunting”, have been coming in on Amazon.com and they have all been wildly positive. My thanks to everyone who has taken the time to do one, it’s gratifying to know the book is receiving such positive buzz.

Amazon isn’t the only place you can buy my new book.

I welcome all buyers of the book to post your own reviews as well. I’m going to excerpt some of the current review below to give you the a flavor for the book.
John N. Frank

Always Be Job Hunting review excerpts:

“Like so many people John has had companies merge and reorganize and drastically alter his job situation out from under him. He has handled the delicate task of staying afloat while employers and other employees were sinking all around him. He has put together his techniques into one eminently readable book. Certainly one of the best investments you can make in these turbulent economic times.”
Tony L.

“It’s a thoughtful, well-researched volume.”
Tom W.

“Mr Frank’s book is highly informative, enjoyable, and something that I will be referring back to many times because its important that we always be hunting!”
Mike A.

“He’s had to use his own advice for himself to stay employed through all the economic ups and downs since his college graduation. I can’t think of a better person to advise you on this subject!”
Jonathan B.

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Should You Take a Personality Test for a Job?

Posted on August 7, 2012 by John N. Frank

More and more companies seem to be giving some type of personality test to potential new employees. I find these tests a bit silly really, you don’;t know how someone will perform in a position until they’re in it, dealing with the day-to-day challenges and frustrations of it.

But that said, you should be prepared for these tests. MY results always are the same for them, I’m characterized as a builder, team leader, consensus builder. Is that good or bad? It all depends on the company’s needs and the culture there.

Here’s a test a friend sent me recently that supposedly was sued on the Oprah show when that was still on the air. Try it and see where you are. The insights you glean could help you in job interviews. Always try to know yourself netter. The better you know yourself, the better you’ll be able to decide which jobs are best for you.
John n. Frank

Test Instructions
Answers are for who you are now and not who you were in the past.

There are 10 Simple questions, so grab a pencil and paper.
Record your letter answers to each question.

Ready?

Begin.
1. When do you feel your best…
A) in the morning
B) during the afternoon and early evening
C) late at night

2. You usually walk…
A) fairly fast, with long steps
B) fairly fast, with little steps
C) less fast head up, looking the world in the face
D) less fast, head down
E) very slowly

3. When talking to people you…
A) stand with your arms folded
B) have your hands clasped
C) have one or both your hands on your hips
D) touch or push the person to whom you are talking
E) play with your ear, touch your chin, or smooth your hair

4. When relaxing, you sit with..
A) your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side
B) your legs crossed
C) your legs stretched out or straight
D) one leg curled under you

5. When something really amuses you, you react with…
A) big appreciated laugh
B) a laugh, but not a loud one
C) a quiet chuckle
D) a sheepish smile

6. When you go to a party or social gathering you…
A) make a loud entrance so everyone notices you
B) make a quiet entrance, look around for someone you know
C) make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed

7. You’re working hard, concentrating hard, & you’re interrupted.
A) welcome the break
B) feel extremely irritated
C) vary between these two extremes

8. Which of the following colors do you like most….
A) Red or orange
B) black
C) yellow or light blue
D) green
E) dark blue or purple
F) white
G) brown or grey

9. When you are in bed at night, in those last few moments before going to sleep you are…..
A) stretched out on your back
B) stretched out face down on your stomach
C) on your side, slightly curled
D) with your head on one arm
E) with your head under the covers

10. You often dream that you are…
A) falling
B) fighting or struggling
C) searching for something or somebody
D) flying or floating
E) you usually have dreamless sleep
F) your dreams are always pleasant

POINTS:
1. (a) 2 (b) 4 (c) 6
2. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 7 (d) 2 (e) 1
3. (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 5 (d) 7 (e) 6
4. (a) 4 (b) 6 (c) 2 (d) 1
5. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 2
6. (a) 6 (b) 4 (c) 2
7. (a) 6 (b) 2 (c) 4
8. (a) 6 (b) 7 (c) 5 (d) 4 (e) 3 (f) 2 (g) 1
9. (a) 7 (b) 6 (c) 4 (d) 2 (e) 1
10 (a) 4 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 5 (e) 6 (f) 1

Now add up the total number of points.

OVER 60 POINTS: Others see you as someone they should “handle with care.” You’re seen as vain, self-centered, and extremely dominant. Others may admire you, wishing they could be more like you, but don’t always trust you, hesitating to become too deeply involved with you.

51 TO 60 POINTS: Others see you as an exciting, highly volatile, rather impulsive personality, a natural leader, who’s quick to make decisions, though not always the right ones. They see you as bold and adventuresome, someone who will try anything once, someone who takes chances and enjoys an adventure. They enjoy being in your company because of the excitement you radiate.

41 TO 50 POINTS: Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting, someone who’s constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to their head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding, someone who’ll always cheer them up and help them out.

31 TO 40 POINTS: Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful & practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who’s extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expects the same loyalty in return. Those who really get to know you, realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over if that trust is ever broken.

21 TO 30 POINTS: Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy. They see you as very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder. It would really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment, expecting you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then, usually decide against it. They think this reaction is caused partly by your careful nature.

UNDER 21 POINTS: People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive, someone who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to make the decisions and who doesn’t want to get involved with anyone or anything! They see you as a worrier who always sees problems that don’t exist. Some people think you’re boring.. Only those who know you well, know that you aren’t.

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How Do You Deal with Age Discrimination?

Posted on August 6, 2012 by John N. Frank

If you’re older than 50, as I am, you’ve likely gone to a job interview and come out thinking the place really wanted someone younger.

You get there and walk through an office with no one in sight who is more than 35 or so. The person who interviews you looks like your daughter or son, age-wise. Perhaps even the CEO is only in his or her 40s or younger, something especially true in the tech realm.

Legally, age discrimination should not exist but the reality is people are comfortable hiring people like themselves, so there are personal choice issues that may impact the ability of older workers to find a new job. Continue reading →

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Job Posting: Editor Openings in Chicago Area

Posted on August 5, 2012 by John N. Frank

I routinely receive a wide range of job openings, both from job sites like Indeed.com and from groups I belong to.

From time to time, I’ll post openings I receive here and also on my jobs page to help you in your quest to always be job hunting.

Here’s some for editors in the Chicago area:

Current open positions at Scranton Gillette Communications, a b2b
media company located in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago, accessible
by Metra.

EDITOR – PROFESSIONAL REMODELER

Fulfill the editorial mission and brand strategy across all media
platforms. Responsible for writing major stories and articles for
print and online. Establishes and maintains relationship with
industry contacts and position as industry expert. Manage editorial
function: research and write/rewrite articles; original reporting;
writes news items and rewrites press releases; assigns, edits and
approves freelance articles. Coordinates with designer and other staff
to ensure on time, quality performance. Travels (30%) to conferences,
tradeshows, advertising events and reader calls.

Qualified candidates will possess 3 – 5 years editorial/media
experience, preferably in magazine editorial, or comparable advanced
degree experience. Four-year college degree in journalism/English or
related field or equivalent. Prior managerial experience preferred.

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR – HEALTHCARE

Fulfill the editorial mission and provide the highest quality
editorial content. Responsible for overseeing editorial products
across all media platforms and supervise editorial staff. Edit and
approve all articles and designs for the brand. Work with publisher
to develop brand strategy, new product evaluation, development and
implementation. Create and manage departmental budget and approve all
editorial expenses. Prepare and present Editorial Audit for each
publication annually. Coordinates with designer and other staff to
ensure on time, quality performance. Travels (20%) to conferences,
tradeshows, advertising events and reader calls.

Qualified candidates will possess 5+ years as senior level editor, or
comparable advanced degree experience. Four-year college degree in
journalism/English or related field or equivalent. Prior managerial
experience preferred.

MANAGING EDITOR-WATER & WASTES DIGEST

Responsibilities include fulfilling the editorial mission and brand
strategy while positioning themselves as an industry expert and
establishing/maintaining relationships with industry contacts. The
managing editor works independently and with internal staff and
external resources. Writes, assigns, edits and approves articles and
designs. Promotes and maintains social networking sites to build
membership and participation. Travels (20%) to conferences,
tradeshows, advertising events and reader calls.

Qualified candidates will possess 3+ years editorial/media experience,
preferably in magazine editorial, or comparable advanced degree
experience. Four-year college degree in journalism/English or related
field or equivalent. Prior managerial experience preferred.

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Provide support for the editorial functions of our print, electronic
and web products as directed across all brands by researching, writing
and editing news content. Assists other editorial and design
personnel through layout and editing cycles.

The qualified candidate will have excellent writing, editing and
interviewing skills, computer literacy in MAC environment and related
software, InCopy a plus. 4 year degree in journalism or related
discipline or comparable experience is required. Previous media
internship experience preferred.

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Job Opening: Sales Rep in L.A.

Posted on August 4, 2012 by John N. Frank

I routinely receive a wide range of job openings, both from job sites like Indeed.com and from groups I belong to.

From time to time, I’ll post openings I receive here and also on my jobs page to help you in your quest to always be job hunting.

Here’s one in Los Angeles for a sales rep. I came across this in a LinkedIn group for the private label business that I belong to:

“Regional Sales Representative in Los Angeles, CA AJM Packaging Corporation, a leading manufacturer of converted paper products, including paper plates, cups, bowls and bags, is currently conducting an exhaustive search for a very talented and uniquely qualified sales professional to be our Regional Sales Rep on the West Coast(handling a multi-state territory including CA, NV, AZ, and NM) and call on all classes of trade including, but not limited to, the following: • Grocery Retailers, Wholesalers, Distributors and Cooperatives • Drug Retailers, Wholesalers, Distributors and Cooperatives • Hardware Retailers, Wholesalers, Distributors and Cooperatives • Discount, Convenience, Variety and General Merchandise Stores • Dollar and Party Stores • Fast Food (QSR), Food Service & Institutional • Janitorial & Sanitation Suppliers • Candy & Tobacco, Retail Packaging & Disposable Jobbers

The ideal candidate will have a minimum of 5-10 years of related selling experience and be an aggressive, self-motivated closer with a proven track record of success and progressive career growth.

A four (4) year undergraduate degree from an accredited institution in either Sales & Marketing, Business or related field and extensive hands-on commodity type selling experience in a direct, non-brokered sales force a definite plus.

If you think you’ve got what it takes to make the grade, don’t miss this exciting opportunity to join one of America’s most dynamic and rapidly expanding manufacturing, sales and marketing organizations.

The successful applicant will receive a generous wage and benefits package, including major medical, dental, optical, life and disability insurance and 401(k) retirement plan. Qualified candidates only should send your resume and salary requirements: http://bull.hn/l/P2K8/1”

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Job Posting: Opening in Washington, D.C.

Posted on August 3, 2012 by John N. Frank

I routinely receive a wide range of job openings, both from job sites like Indeed.com and from groups I belong to such as the alumni group for Northwestern Medill, which used to be the journalism school but now has a much longer, and to my mind goofier, name.

From time to time, I’ll post openings I receive here and also on my jobs page to help you in your quest to always be job hunting.

Here’s one in Washington for a writer with a religious bent to it:

Sojourners is seeking to fill an opening for the Jim Wallis Fellow. For more about Sojourners: http://sojo.net. For more about Jim: http://sojo.net/jim-wallis.

Description below:

Job Function and Opportunities: The Jim Wallis Fellow position provides an opportunity to work and travel with Jim Wallis, founder and President/CEO of Sojourners. A much-sought after speaker and writer, Jim Wallis mentors a variety of developing leaders and emerging voices in the 40-year evangelical, biblical justice tradition of Sojourners. The Jim Wallis Fellow will have opportunities in the following areas:
Personal mentoring by Jim Wallis and to expand skills in research, writing, media, and public relations.
Educational opportunities related to Jim Wallis’ regular schedule of teaching classes and speaking events.
Networking opportunities with key political, academic, and faith leaders for purposes of research and writing.

The 2012-13 fellow will provide Jim Wallis with assistance in research, writing, and editing for his book projects; other projects as needed; and occasional travel support.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Research, writing, and editing support for Jim Wallis’ book projects, and other writing, teaching, and speaking events.
Staffing and travel support for Jim Wallis, including coordination with the Speaking Events Manager, COO, Chief Communications Officer, and Chief Advancement Officer; assisting with preparing briefing materials for speaking events; cultivating press, donor, and partnership opportunities while traveling; and processing receipts for event host reporting and reimbursement upon return from travel.
Other projects and opportunities as needed.

The Jim Wallis Fellow position is a 30-hour/week contract opportunity starting September 10, 2012, and ending August 2, 2013. A moderate stipend is offered, as well as benefits that include single health care insurance (through Sojourners’ group plan), 10 days’ paid vacation, 6 days’ paid sick leave, and paid holidays (according to Sojourners’ annual schedule).

TO APPLY:
Please send a cover letter, resume, and three professional reference contacts to jobs@sojo.net or Jim Wallis Fellow Search, Sojourners, 3333 14th St. NW, Suite 200, Washington, DC 20010. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Sojourners is an equal opportunity employer that continually seeks to diversify its staff.

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Advice from a Job Search Columnist

Posted on August 2, 2012 by John N. Frank

Marcia Heroux Pounds had been doing a job search column for the Sun Sentinel in Fort Lauderdale for a number of years but that assignment ended Aug. 31, 2011. She was next scheduled to write about the jobs picture in southern Florida.

I came across her last column recently, and found some of the advice in it so good that I’m opting to excerpt it here to help you in your job quest. Her key thoughts in that last column included:

“Embrace change…It may be uncomfortable, but in transitional times, we stretch and grow. In today’s workplace, change is ever-present. You never want to be seen as resisting it…

“Keep your skills up-to-date…No matter what your field, it’s important to stay attuned to industry changes, and to continually update your skills. If your employer is not providing the education you need, pursue it yourself…

“Be innovative. Gain a reputation as the employee who is always coming up with a new product or service idea.

“Avoid meltdowns. When dealing with irate customers or irritating co-workers, don’t take it personally.”

I’ve tried to embody the first three principles and am getting better at the fourth, although if you buy my book (click on the cover to the right here), you’ll read about two times when I lost my temper with a boss and what the consequences were for me. reading that should help you avoid meltdowns.
—John N. Frank

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Should Joel Ewanick Always Be Job Hunting?

Posted on August 1, 2012 by John N. Frank

It can be easy to think senior executives never have to worry about being out of work, but that ignores some recent headlines. Joel Ewanick, once the marketing wunderkind of the auto world, recently lost his job as head of marketing for General Motors.

Ewanick was credited with putting Hyundai on the auto map, transforming it from just another import to a brand that today rivals Toyota as a major Asian nameplate. His accomplishments there got him snatched away by Nissan which then lost him to General Motors, which has been in desperate need of some brand revitalization.

Former GM executive Joel Ewanick. He should always be job hunting.

But Ewanick apparently moved too fast and too unconventionally at GM, so now he’s suddenly job hunting.

True, someone at that level will likely not be looking for long and certainly doesn’t face the economic uncertainty the average Joe or Jane faces when they get booted. But the point is that everyone, no matter what level, should always be job hunting, always be thinking of a plan B should the job you have suddenly disappear. Even the mighty can fall.
–John N. Frank

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What Does an Effective Cover Letter Look Like?

Posted on July 31, 2012 by John N. Frank

One of the online groups I belong to has been having a running discussion lately about what makes for an effective cover letter when applying for a new job.

My thought is that an effective cover letter must be:

* Direct — say immediately what you offer the employer and why it should hire you.
* Customized — use key words and phrases in the ad, if you’re responding to the ad. If it’s a blind letter to a company where you want to work, use words from the company’s website, mission statement or marketing materials that sum up what the company is all about.
* Succinct — don’t ramble, no one has time for that. Make your key points and be done.
* Confident but not cocky — don’t promise skills you don’t have to deliver. Know who you are and what you’re capable of and communicate that.
* Passionate — if you don’t sound excited about wanting to work for a company, why should it consider you?
* Include a call to action — give a reason to call you or state when you will call them to follow up and schedule an interview.

Here’s an example of what has been, for me, a fairly standard cover letter. Details are changed to reflect the company I apply to:

Dear xxx,

Look no further in your search for an editorial director for xxx. I offer xxx:

* Editorial management experience spanning magazines, newsletters, e-newsletters, Web sites, blogs, publication-related conference planning, and podcasts.
* A keen news sense and innate ability to define editorial direction, voice and content
* Experience managing budgets and getting the most out of limited financial resources.
* The ability to coordinate with all the departments that contribute to the success of trade publications.
* A leadership style that develops and nurtures talent and empowers people who work with me to do their best work.
* A love of journalism and an excitement over taking it into the new directions obvious in today’s wired world.
* A decade of experience covering futures markets.

At present, I serve as an editorial director for xxx but am anxious to return to the publishing world to aid a company like xxx succeed in today’s, and tomorrow’s, fast-changing publishing environment.

My present salary is $xxxxx annually.

I look forward to hearing from you so we can discuss in more detail what I offer xxxx. A resume is attached.

Yours,
John N. Frank
847-xxxxxxx

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