6 Steps to a Great Cover Letter

Nothing can be more daunting than applying for jobs. Make sure you put your best foot forward and send in a well-written cover letter to potential employers to give you the leg up on your competition. Here are six easy-to-follow steps for the best cover letter possible.

1)      Research the company. Although it takes time, it will set you apart from the other applicants and will help you during your interview. Look up key facts – what’s the company’s mission, what kind of work they do and who is the target audience. Also, find out information about how the company differs from its competitors. Facts like this will show the interviewer that you have done your homework.

2)      Format the letter in a professional, easy-to-read way. Times New Roman, 12 point is usually a good standard font to use. Your personality can also be showcased with your font choice for your name and address (usually located in the header).

3)      It may seem obsolete in a world of informal email messages, but familiarizing yourself with the basic letter format will show potential employers you know how to communicate in a professional way. Remember to include the date, name, address and a salutation under the header.

4)      The body of your letter can be split up into 3 parts

• The first paragraph should tell the employers why you are writing to them in two or three sentences. Include the position for which you are applying. If you heard about the job through a mutual contact, include his or her name.
• The next paragraph, or paragraphs, should be an outline of why you match the requirements of the positions. Use what you researched and make sure to include any relevant experiences.
• Finally, write a question or statement that will encourage the employer to contact you. Direct them to your resume and don’t be shy about saying that you’re available for interview. Finish by thanking the recruiter for their time and consideration, and welcome them to get in touch to continue the conversation.

5)      Closing salutation: “Regards,” “Sincerely,” or “Respectfully,” are good options. Make your signature work for your letter and for the prospective company.

6)      Type your name like you’re going to sign it. After some thorough proofreading and printing, sign it in ink for a personal touch and send it off.

You’re one big step closer to landing the job you desire.

Staying Motivated!

The key to getting anything accomplished is motivation. It may be hard to stay motivated on certain tasks, but if you have a gameplan, it can make any task seem possible. Here are some tips to help you stay on track and achieve your goals!

Think Positive – The first, and arguably most important, tip is to stay positive. If you think you can, you can. It just takes that positive spirit to carry you through your task list. Go in to any assignment with the mindset that you will not only complete the project, but will receive the highest marks possible.

Prioritize You Workload – Make sure you know what you want to get accomplished. Make a list of all the things you need to get done and start with the most important. It may seem easier to start with the easy stuff and work your way up, but if you get all of the most difficult parts out of the way, you’re mind will be the most fresh and alert when you’re working.

Set Goals – When you have something you’re working toward, it’s easier to stay motivated to finish it. Just like someone who is starting a diet or new exercise regimen, you need to know where you want to go before you can start getting there.

Discuss Whatever You’re Working On – Sometimes it helps to talk to someone about the project-at-hand. This is especially successful if it’s someone in the same class or who is already interested in the topic. You can bounce ideas off one another and come up with solutions you’d never have thought of on your own.

Helping Others – When you feel as though you’ve mastered a concept and it’s becoming less interesting for you, help someone else understand the concept. It feels good to help others, and it’s a great opportunity to review the material.

Reward Yourself – If you’ve finished an especially hard assignment or received a good grade on an assignment, treat yourself! Go out to dinner, buy a new outfit or just make a point to do something you enjoy. You’ll be more productive when you return to your work.

Is it hard to stay motivated? Yes, we’re all human, but it all has to get done. What are some ways that you stay motivated? Share your ideas with us in the comments box!

How to Balance your Job and Education

Whether you’re going to school for the first time or if you’re returning after a couple years in the work force or military, balancing work and school can be quite a challenge! If education is important to you, you’ll make it work but you’re going to need to set some goals and rules for yourself to stay on top of your game:

Schedule your time wisely – This might seem obvious, but there’s no way you can succeed in school if your time is being stretched to the limit. If you know your schedule, try to fit your work schedule around it as much as possible and allow time for studying and homework. Keep a calendar visible and updated somewhere in your home or apartment, preferably close to the door so you can always stay aware of your schedule.

Be reasonable with your time – It may be tempting to take more hours each semester or term so that you can finish sooner, but if you work a full schedule, try just going to school part-time. You may not be finished as soon as you’d like but you’ll get more value out of your education if you give each course the time it deserves.

Tell your loved ones your plan – It’s easier to accomplish a stressful feat when you have positive and supporting people in your corner. If you’re balancing a work and school schedule, your social life may have to take a back seat for a while. True friends and loved ones will support you in your endeavors to better yourself and are less likely to hassle you if you don’t want to go out the night before a big test. Keep others, like professors and employers, in the loop about your schedule, as well. They’ll likely be on your side if they know your situation.

Make time for yourself – You’ve been working hard – schedule in some down time for fun events that keep your spirit up. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the day which can lead to a lot of stress. Exercising, going out with friends or leisurely reading are all great stress-reducing activities that can help you stay positive during this busy time.

Going to school while maintaining a work schedule can be challenging, but with the right attitude and work effort, you can achieve anything.

How to Choose a Career That’s Right For You!

Choosing a job is different than choosing a career. Jobs are temporary, but careers can last a lifetime. You want to make sure that you’re setting yourself up for the career that you will love and want to stick with for a long time. How do you go about choosing a career? Here are a few tips to help you choose the right career for you!

Decide how much money you want to make – While we’d all like to say that money doesn’t drive the world, we’d be kidding ourselves. If you’re looking to make a lot of money, perhaps you should look towards the healthcare field rather than education. You can also look at lists like this one that will lead you towards the jobs that pay the most. However, you shouldn’t expect to make millions in your first job. It takes a combination of hard work, time and experience.

Figure out your strengths and weaknesses –What better a guide to what you want your career to be than something you already enjoy doing. If you enjoy planning events for you and your friends, why not become a professional event planner? If you manage your own website and enjoy updating it, look into careers in the computer science field. It’s better to build on what you already know and your talents you’ve attained than to start from scratch.

Find out your passions – If you have a passion for giving back to the community, the non-profit sector would be a good fit for you. If you like taking care of people, why not look into jobs in the medical field? There’s no better motivator than a personal passion. It will help you get up every morning and love what you do.

Figure out your schedule – While most jobs are from 9-5, there are still plenty that allow more flexibility. If you have other obligations to tend to during the day, seek out a career that allows you to work out of your home office or come in at night. Figure out where your career ranks on your list of priorities and go from there.

Consult a Professional – If you’re still feeling a little lost, consult a professional. These individuals are trained in figuring out your strengths and what work environment suits you best. There are also plenty of aptitude tests out there that can help lead you in the right direction.

It’s going to take a little bit of research and self-exploration on your part, but if you can find the right career for you, it’s a decision that could last a lifetime.

Networking Tips for the Young Professional

The word ‘networking’ sounds completely intimidating but when done the right way, you could come out of situations with valuable connections. Even if all of the people you meet aren’t directly useful for you, you have experience in meeting new people with the purpose of advancing your career. Here are some tips to help you grow your network:

Quality Over Quantity – Don’t waste your business cards on every person you meet at events. Take the time to meet and get to know others around you. The ones that are relevant to you are the ones you should follow up with later. It’s better to have 10 people that know and share your interests rather than 500 who might lose your card and name by the end of the night.

Don’t Expect Anything – If you have the opportunity to follow up with someone over lunch or coffee, don’t enter into the conversation asking what they can do for you. Begin the conversation by asking questions about the person you’re meeting and what they do. Most people enjoy talking about themselves, but more importantly, you’re gaining valuable information about someone who could be very influential in your future. Nurture the professional relationship before asking for favors.

Always Follow Up – If you’re fortunate enough to have someone reach out to you, never leave them hanging. You’ve already made a good first impression, keep up that rapport and you might have a very valuable contact in your arsenal.

Nurture Your Current Network – A new client is harder to attain than keeping a current client – this also applies to networking. Send emails and make phone calls to people you’ve already successfully connected with to maintain a good relationship.

Get Out of Your Comfort Zone – If you want to take a break from the happy hour networking events, find other methods of meeting new people. Volunteering is a great way to meet people with similar interests as you, and you’re doing something good for your community.

Networking is only difficult if you don’t put in the time to do it properly. Contacts aren’t just going to come to you. Do your research and look for people that you want to get to know. They may hold opportunities you didn’t even know existed.

Stay Awake While Studying!

If you’re like most students seeking higher education, you’ve probably had more than your fair share of all-nighters before a big test. Around 2 a.m. your head starts to droop, your eyes feel heavy and nothing in the world looks more comfortable than your bed. Instead of reaching for the high-calorie coffee, try some of these methods to help you stay awake while studying.

1.  Don’t study in your bed – You may think that you possess the willpower to withstand the comfort of your own bed, but chances are you don’t. Try to study at a desk if you can, if you don’t have a desk, study at your kitchen table. Pick a chair that has good support and a location with good lighting.

2. Exercise before or during your study time – If you get your body up and alert in a gym, your mind will be up and alert when it comes time to study. The endorphins your body releases when you work out will make you feel happier and perhaps even make you look forward to your task-at-hand. If you find yourself in need of a mid-study pick-me-up, put some music on and just walk outside for a little bit, you’ll come back to your books refreshed.

3. Eat a snack or drink some water – Low blood sugar or dehydration can make your body sleepy. Eat a small healthy snack to keep your blood sugar stable, like a bowl of grapes or carrots, to help you stay awake. By chewing your food, your mind is constantly being worked which helps it stay attentive and focused. Always keep a glass of water next to your study area. Even if this means you’ll be taking some extra trips to the bathroom, it will definitely keep you and your mind moving.

Save your money, and don’t go straight for the coffee if you start to feel tired. Try one of these techniques, and you can expect to feel ready to study in no time!

Get Organized!

Every semester, students are inundated with papers from all different courses and subjects. It’s easier to manage all of this work when you’ve come up with an organizing system. Here are some easy tips to help you get and stay organized while you’re at school:

Use a calendar or planner – Get one calendar or planner that has big enough spaces to write down EVERYTHING you need to accomplish each day. Don’t just write down test dates and when papers are due. Be sure to note study days, tutoring sessions and other opportunities to help you succeed as a student. If you’re on a workout schedule, be sure to note that in your planner to avoid over-booking yourself. Make this planner the ONLY planner you write it – too many calendars can be difficult to keep up with.

Eliminate waste at least once a week – At the end of each week, sort through your papers and assignments and decide what you actively need, what you should save and things you can recycle. Assignments you’re actually working on need to stay in a space that is easily accessible like a notebook or binder. All other papers like flyers or notes that don’t correspond to your current classes should either be recycled or kept somewhere that is out-of-sight and out-of-mind. Keep old tests and notes in respective folders, you never know when you might need them again.

Make daily to-do lists – At the end of each day, spend at least 15 minutes a day preparing what you need to do for the next day, that way you will know exactly what needs to be accomplished the next day. It might be helpful to color code these lists with highlighters – just remember what the colors stand for.

Schedule consistent study times – In your planner or calendar, schedule consistent study times to avoid last minute cramming. If you schedule your studying time directly after or close to the time your class ends, it will be easier to recall information and your study more effectively.

Staying on top of all your work each semester is easy if you go in with a game plan. Keep these tips in mind and you’re already on your way to being a more well-organized student.

Five Benefits of Higher Education

You’ve got your high school diploma or GED, now what? If you haven’t made up your mind about what path you want to take after high school, we have five reasons why you should consider attending an institute of higher education.

1. Job Availability – Generally, there are more jobs available to those with more training. Past entry-level positions, jobs become more specialized and people that haven’t been through the extra years of training become dispensable to managers. Getting your degree or certification would make you more attractive to an employer than someone that they would have to train in-house or pay to send to school.

2. The Salary – It’s no surprise that the salary of someone who holds a college degree or certification is higher than someone who doesn’t. On average, entry level jobs for employees with a college diploma pay up to 100% more than jobs for high school graduates. It may cost more to attend an institute of higher education but the pay-off in the long run is well worth the investment.

3. Networking Opportunities – College is a great time to get to know industry professionals through your professors. Most educators have worked in the business world and can offer guidance or connect you to others working in the same industry. You also get the opportunity to connect with others in your class who are interested in the same things as you.

4. Internships & Career Fairs – Institutes of higher education want to see their graduates succeed, and they help achieve this by holding internship and career fairs. Events like these are so crucial when you’re looking to find a career. This is the perfect opportunity to tune up your résumé, put on your most professional attire and really WOW your potential future employer.

5. The Lesson of Responsibility – Whether you’re just out of high school or you’ve been out of school and you’re ready to go back to school, committing yourself to education can teach anyone a lesson in responsibility. There won’t be anyone at home to remind you to finish your homework or study for a big exam. You’ll have to learn to rely on yourself and take responsibility for the choices you make. It’s an invaluable lesson that’s very important to an individual’s development.

Whether you’re interested in nursing, technology, business or law, the proper training will make you a more valuable and attractive employee. Avoid becoming a dispensable member of your work team, get yourself the training to succeed.

Student Resolutions

The new year is a great time for students to wipe the slate clean and begin afresh. Spend some time thinking about changes you can make that will positively affect your academic performance and use them as your New Year’s resolutions! If you’ve having some trouble getting started, we’ve put together a list of things you can include on your list of resolutions starting January 1^st!

- Get a calendar and mark all deadlines for all of your courses. Try putting it all in a planner then you can take with you to every class, that way you won’t miss out on any important dates or times.

- Get homework finished on the day that it is assigned as soon as you get a chance to work on it. If you do your homework close to the time you learned the material in the first place, you’ll be able to recall what you learned quicker and easier than if you wait until the last minute.

- Take the time to explore all of your campus resources. Find out if there’s a computer lab, writing center or an on-site recreational facility. You’ve probably already paid for these resources with your tuition, so you might as well take advantage of them.

- Build the foundation for a healthier lifestyle. Instead of giving yourself huge weight loss expectations, try to start small by choosing healthy options at the supermarket and allowing yourself six or more hours of sleep every night. After this becomes routine, then you can start to work on a fitness and weight loss regime.

- Make a point to learn everything there is to know about your student loans. This should include who you’re supposed to start paying after graduation, when and how much. You’ll be happy you did this once you start making payments.

Tell us what you plan on doing in 2012 to be a better student! Happy New Year, everyone!

Gifts in the Office

You might not think of your fellow co-workers as good friends, but if you think about it, you probably spend more time around them than anyone else in your life! It’s good to develop friendships in your office and if you have, what better way than to get them a little Christmas gift! Here are a couple of simple gifts that could go a long way with your fellow employees.

Gift cards – Gift cards are an easy choice for anyone in the office! It’s usually easy to find out where the shop, eat or hangout based on your daily conversations. Gift cards to restaurants, the movies or Starbucks are a simple present that can be delivered in a well-written card.

Box of chocolates – I would tread with caution when buying chocolate or any other types of candies for co-workers. Many people have food allergies so it would probably be a good idea to do your homework before buy someone a big box of something they can’t eat.

Aroma candles – Candles are a nice choice for a female co-worker, while she might not burn it at the office, one can never have too many scented candles. Pick out a seasonal scent like sugar cookies or evergreen to really share the Christmas spirit!

Picture frame – If you’re trying to think of a gift for your boss, a group picture of the entire office makes a nice desk gift. If you don’t have a picture of everyone, go for a blank frame that they can fill later.

Stationary – If you work in an office, chances are you take a lot of notes and are constantly looking for paper to write them on. Picking out some nice stationary or even getting it personalized would be a nice touch.

Planner – If you’ve got a co-worker that is always scheduling something, what better gift to give them than a planner or desk calendar. They’ll appreciate that you thought about their hectic schedule.

To-go cups – If there’s someone in your office that is always on-the-go, pick them out a great travel mug or reusable cup. There’s so many different colors and variety that you sure to find one that fits their personality to a tee!

Wine – This is another gift that isn’t for everyone. Make sure the recipient actually enjoys wine before making the purchase. Put it in a decorative wine bag for a bit of extra flair.

Self-care kit – Most female and some male associates like to freshen up throughout the day and it’s nice to have a little bit of lotion or hand sanitizer at-the-ready for a mid day pick-me-up. Most bath and body stores have great gift baskets right now with all the essentials in coordinating scents.

Winter is the season of giving, spread the holiday cheer to your office with one of these great Christmas gifts!