| How to Write a Cover Letter Posted: 15 Jan 2017 04:00 PM PST Cover letters. As much as they require more work, cover letters are a great opportunity to cover qualifications we can't fully explain in our resumes. In addition, they help personalize job applicants to enable them to come across more as real people to potential employers. If you throw together a cover letter in the hopes that nobody will actually read it, you might be missing a chance to land the job. To take advantage of a cover letter's full potential, follow these steps below. You'll find advice on formatting, reviewing, and researching cover letters. You will also find links to three free samples, which you can copy and adapt to your own personal cover letter. EditSample Cover Letters Here are some well-written sample letters you can copy and use as a starting point. EditWrite an Email Cover Letter - Include a salutation. There are a number of cover letters to choose from. And, the greeting you choose will depend on how much information you have about the company.
- If you know the name of the hiring manager, your salutation should be something like "Dear [insert name]" followed by either a comma or a colon. Make sure to address the manager formally using their proper title (Mr., Ms., Dr., etc.).
- If you don't know the name of the hiring manager, consider addressing your letter "Dear Hiring Manager," "Dear Recruiting Team," or "Dear [insert company name] Team."
- As a last resort, address the letter "To whom it may concern," though we recommend avoiding this salutation, as it could come across as a template letter.
- Write the first paragraph of your letter. This is where you will mention the job for which you're applying and how you found the job listing. It only needs to be 1 to 2 sentences in length.
- Write the body paragraphs of your letter. Most cover letters will only have 1 or 2 body paragraphs. You don't want to overwhelm the hiring manager or use up a great deal of his or her time. Try to answer the following questions in your body paragraphs:
- Why am I a qualified candidate for this position?
- What work experience do I have that fits the job requirements in the company's listing?
- Why do I want to work for this company specifically?
- Write the final paragraph of your letter. This will be where you wrap up and discuss how you will proceed with the application. Consider including the following:
- Reiterate in one sentence why you feel you're a perfect fit for the position.
- Discuss what you'll do next. If you plan on following up with the hiring manager in a week or two, include a specific date. Otherwise, just say that you look forward to interviewing for the position and discussing your qualifications further.
- Provide your contact information. Include your email address and your phone number so the hiring manager can get in touch with you.
- Mention that your resume or references are attached (if applicable).
- Thank the person for their time.
- End your cover letter with a respectful closing statement. "Best" or "Sincerely" are both classic options. Also, since you won't be able to sign your email, finish the letter by typing your full name.
EditWrite a Paper Cover Letter - Add a letterhead at the top of the letter. Your letterhead should include your full name, address, telephone number, and email address. Some guidelines to follow when creating your letterhead:
- Your name should be in bold 14- or 16-point font.
- Your address and other contact information should be in normal 12-point font.
- The font of your letterhead does not need to be Arial or Times New Roman, like the rest of your letter, but it should be professional looking and easy to read. The most important thing to remember is to include up-to-date information so that you make it easy for the employer to contact you.
- You may want to include an extra line under the letterhead to create visual appeal and to separate the letterhead from the rest of the letter.
- Write the recipient's name, address, and the date below the letterhead. It doesn't matter whether you put the date first or last, or how many blank lines you include between them, as long as it looks professional.
- From here on out, use 12-point Arial or Times New Roman throughout the entire letter, set your margins to one inch, and use single spacing. Be sure your font is black, and if you're printing your letter out, use standard-sized paper (8 1/2" by 11").
- Address the recipient. Be sure to refer to the recipient by his or her proper title (Mrs., Mr., Dr., etc.). If you're not sure who the recipient is, write, "To Whom It May Concern:" or "Dear Sir or Madam"; however, it is always best to address a cover letter to a real person to make it look like you're not sending form letters.
- State your purpose in the first paragraph. Tell the employer why you are writing to them in two or three sentences. State the position for which you are applying (or the one you would like to have should it become available).
- You don't necessarily need to include how you became aware of the position unless it was through a mutual contact or recruiting program—in which case you should make the most of the connection.
- If you are writing a letter of interest (also known as a prospecting or inquiry letter) in which you are asking about positions that might be available, specify why you are interested in working for the employer.
- Outline your qualifications in the middle paragraph(s). Make sure to match them to the requirements of the position. If you are writing to inquire about open positions, tell the employer how you can contribute to their bottom line, not what you want to get out of the deal. To do this, use what you have researched about the employer's background and history.
- Make your qualifications jump out at the reader by researching the company to which you are applying for a job and tailoring your letter accordingly. This will also be useful if you get an interview. Some questions to keep in mind as you write are
- What is the employer's mission? What do they promote as the one thing that sets them apart from their competitors?
- What kind of customer base does the employer have? Who is their target audience?
- What is the company's history? Who founded it? How has the business evolved? What are the main highlights of the company's performance over the past few years?
- Include a positive statement or question in the final paragraph that will motivate the employer to contact you. Make this closing paragraph between two to four sentences. Direct the employer to your enclosed resume and make sure you specify that you're available for an interview. Finish off by thanking the recruiter for their time and consideration, and welcome them to get in touch with you to continue the conversation.
- Write an appropriate closing. It's a good idea to thank the reader for his or her time. After that, write "Sincerely," "Respectfully," or "Regards," leave several spaces, and print your name.
- Add your signature. If you will be submitting your cover letter digitally, it's a good idea to scan and add your signature, write it in with a digital writing pad, or make a digital signature stamp with appropriate software.
- Make a notation of the enclosures. If you enclose something, such as a resume, with a letter, you should indicate that the letter contains enclosures by making the notation "Enclosure" or "Enclosures" at the bottom of the letter.
EditReview Your Cover Letter - Spell-check and proofread. If you have a spell-check feature, use it. Some programs, such as Microsoft Word, also include a grammar check that you should use. Proofread your letter yourself. Some things to avoid are
- Common misspellings.
- Writing in the passive voice. Own your accomplishments. Stay away from phrases like "This experience gave me the opportunity to...," or worse, "these goals were met by me." You don't want to sound like everything happened to you or that it was done by some other entity. Make yourself the active subject of every sentence (e.g., "In this role, I developed/reinforced/learned/etc."). However, this does not imply that every sentence should start with "I..." so vary your syntax accordingly.
- Colloquial (informal) writing. You want to sound professional and educated. Avoid all forms of slang, unnecessary abbreviations, and texting lingo.
- Incorrect punctuation.
- Read your letter aloud to hear how it reads. Do not rely on the spelling and grammar checks to catch mistakes. Consider asking a friend, or even two, to proofread your letter as well. If no one is available to help, another good strategy is to spend some time away from your final draft (a few hours or even a whole day) so that you can return to it with a fresh perspective.
EditChecklist for Preparing Your Cover Letter - Double-check some of the most-overlooked basics before you do anything. While misspelling or misidentifying the name of the company you're applying to isn't the end of the world, it's not exactly starting off on the right foot. Double-check the following:
- The complete name of the company to which you are applying for a job
- The name of the person to whom you are addressing the cover letter
- The address of the person to whom you are sending the letter
- The title of the job for which you are applying and/or its reference number, if it exists
- Ask yourself what skills do you possess that you are not using enough in your current role. Would the ideal candidate for this new role be required to make more use of those types of skills? What opportunities are missing in your current role? Answering these questions will help you explain why you are interested in leaving current position. For example, are you looking for:
- "room for advancement"
- "an opportunity to learn new skills"
- Hammer down your current job or educational position. This may seem like an obvious question, but knowing how to clearly define your current role is a tremendous asset. For example, you could be a:
- "graduate student in environmental science"
- "customer service professional specializing in the high-end retail market"
- Provide a general description of your accomplishments/experiences in the field to which you are applying. For example, you could have:
- "fifteen years of excellent customer service experience"
- "an outstanding background in scientific research and discovery"
- "a solid history of dependability in the automotive industry"
- Identify the assets can you offer to the company to which you are applying. List a few in your cover letter, such as:
- "extensive experience with start-ups"
- "demonstrated ability to solve problems"
- "refined ability to manage teams"
- What will you help the company accomplish, if given the job you desire?
- "increase its bottom line"
- "meet its goal of providing only the best in customer service"
- "expand its customer base and increase its revenue"
- Specify the type of job or level of the position you are seeking. Is it:
- "entry-level"
- "management"
- "senior level"
- Be concise. Never use two words when one will do. Always strike the word "very" and eliminate the word "that" as much as you can.
- Consider name-dropping if you are confident that the person you know at the company you are applying to will vouch for you. Sometimes a bit of inside help does go a long way, so don't dismiss this option if it is open to you.
- Do not overdo the style elements. Choose a font that is simple but elegant. Avoid uncommon decorative fonts unless you are applying for a job where being quirky is of greater value than being businesslike and the people who are doing the hiring are on board with this philosophy.
- Make sure your cover letter is visually appealing and coordinated with your resume. Use the same personal information block in the heading of your cover letter and your resume. A cohesive resume package is a very attractive selling point. If using paper (i.e., not online), use the same high quality paper for the cover letter as for your resume.
- Tweak your cover letter depending upon your target. If you are applying for specific jobs then make it as relevant as possible. Include the job reference number and address your cover letter directly to the company contact (if you have their name). Alternatively, if you are applying speculatively you can start with the salutation 'Dear Sirs,' and finish with 'Yours faithfully' rather than 'Sincerely'
- Avoid generic, empty language ("I will bring a depth of experience," or "I believe my qualifications and experience suit the demands of the position"). Be specific and concrete about what you can bring to the position.
- Be careful not to overplay your cover letter's role in the job application process. Yes, a good cover letter is important and a well-written cover letter should help entice the employer to read your resume. Even so, you should still be aware that your resume/CV is the main player, whereas the cover letter's role is a supporting one. If you get the balance wrong and place too much emphasis on the cover letter (making it too long and complex), then it could deter the employer from reading your resume.
- This is not your autobiography. Keep it well under a page.
- If you're doing a thorough job search, you will get rejected sometimes. If you're not getting rejected, you're not putting yourself out there enough. In addition, if you don't learn to see rejection as a chance to improve your approach, then you'll have a very difficult time getting a job.
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| How to Enjoy the Moment Posted: 15 Jan 2017 08:00 AM PST Whether you are in school or a working adult, you probably feel like life is rushing past you from time to time. In your day-to-day life, it's easy to get distracted with thoughts about what you need to do after work/school, plans for the weekend, and errands you'll need to run. Or perhaps you get swept up in the past, regretting some decision you made, wishing you had said/done something differently, and thinking about what your situation might be like if you'd made different choices. These types of thoughts can inhibit your ability to be present and enjoy what you're doing in the here and now. Learning how to be mindful and more aware of yourself and your surroundings can help you enjoy the moment, no matter what you're doing. EditPracticing Mindfulness - Be present in the moment. Think about how much time you've wasted through the years by dwelling on things you can't change from the past, or worrying about things you can't predict or alter in the future. It can cause you a lot of stress and anxiety when you get lost in that way of thinking, especially when you recognize how powerless you are to alter the past or future. The only thing you can change is this present moment right now, and it starts with being mindful of where you are, what you're doing, and what is happening around you.
- Observe what is happening around you without judgment.
- Simply notice your environment and any events unfolding around you.
- Try to describe (in your head, or out loud) your surroundings or any events happening in your immediate environment. Focus on concrete, observable sensory information.[1]
- Notice how you fit in with your environment. As you breathe in the air around you, walk across the ground, or sit quietly, recognize without judgment that you are temporarily a part of this place.[2]
- Eliminate distractions. There are many things that might distract you from enjoying a moment. In addition to the countless thoughts running through your head, you might easily become distracted by your electronic device(s). Incoming text messages, phone calls, emails, and social media updates can all distract you from whatever you're trying to do. Whether you want to spend quality time with others, or simply sit alone in a calm environment, your cellphone (or your friends' phones) can quickly ruin the moment.
- Personal devices like cellphones and tablets can distract you from a moment, whether it's a moment spent alone or with others.
- Try scheduling your device usage, making time for device-free activities, or simply turning your phone off when you're trying to enjoy a moment alone or with others.[3]
- Focus on your breathing. You take countless breaths every day without even thinking about it, but actively concentrating on your breathing can help you live more consciously and mindfully. Focusing on your breath has been shown to help calm an anxious mind and return your attention to the present moment, which is a vital part of living mindfully.[4]
- Concentrate on the sensation of air flowing in through your nostrils and back out.
- Notice the way your breath feels on your nostrils, in your chest, and all the way down to your diaphragm (below your ribcage).
- Feel your belly rise and fall with each slow, deep breath.
- Any time your attention starts to drift to other thoughts, simply return your focus to the sensation and experience of breathing mindfully.[5]
- Ignore fleeting thoughts. It's easy to feel as though your thoughts are in control, especially during a crisis or moments of anxiety. But it's important to remember during these moments that you have the power to decide whether or not to engage with a given thought. With practice and mindfulness, you can eventually observe your thoughts and choose whether to dwell in those thoughts or let them pass you by.[6]
- An important component of mindfulness is accepting your thoughts as they are, without judging them, holding onto them, or resisting them.
- Remember that your thoughts are immaterial. They only gain meaning when you give them meaning.
- Do not try to push unpleasant thoughts away, as this may only make your mind dwell on the discomfort of that thought. Similarly, do not try to grasp at pleasant thoughts.
- Imagine each thought that drifts into your mind like clouds floating across the sky.
- If you do not like a particular thought, simply wait without engaging it and it will slowly pass by and drift away.
- Let go of the past. It can be very easy to get lost in memories. There's nothing wrong with enjoying your past success or learning from your past mistakes - in fact, you actually should do those things. But dwelling on things that are no longer around or relevant, or obsessing about things you can't do anything about (like wishing you'd said/done something differently) will only cause you stress and anxiety.[7]
- It's important to recognize that there is nothing you can do in the present moment that can alter the past.
- Once you accept that you cannot change the past, you begin to take away its power over you.
- Think to yourself, "I cannot change the past, so what good will it do to worry about it?"
- Even though you cannot do anything to alter the past, you do have the option of controlling the present. By living mindfully, you determine how to live in this very moment.
- Avoid thinking about the future. You might be thinking about the future in anticipation (like waiting for the weekend) or in dread (like contemplating how bad Monday will be when your weekend is over). It's good to be motivated by your ambitions for the future, but dwelling on the future in any way makes you lose track of the present. It can make fun times go by more quickly, or it can fill you with a sense of dread as you anticipate things that you can't control in this moment.[8]
- When you think about the future, you forfeit your ability to fully be present in this very moment.
- Avoid looking at your watch, checking your cellphone, or anticipating anything that isn't relevant to what you're doing right now.
- Instead of getting caught up in what might/will happen, practice mindfulness and work to be present in this very moment.
- In this very moment you can decide how to act, what to say, which thoughts to engage with, and what mindset you will hold on to. These choices will affect your future, so it's important to make the most of what you can do in the here and now.
- Practice acceptance. You may be tempted to force some type of evaluation on the present moment. Perhaps you're thinking about how much better this moment is than a moment last week, or you might be thinking this moment would be made better if some other factor were different. However, these types of evaluations can hamper your ability to mindfully enjoy the present moment as it is. Instead, work to accept every moment, and let thoughts or emotions exist without imposing values or judgments.[9]
- Resist the urge to judge. Any kind of value statement/thought can be a judgment, even considering something "cool" or "fun" or "beautiful".
- Judgments extend beyond people and places. You may be judging the situation you're in, the weather you're exposed to, or even the thoughts running through your head.
- Mindfulness requires you to work at accepting things as they are without imposing value or judgment on them. This takes work, but once you are able to accept things in the present moment you will feel much more at peace.
- Any time you find yourself judging someone or something, try to catch yourself and stop yourself in mid-thought. Think to yourself, "I will let this pass without judgment," and try to let go of that thought.
- Try to recognize that enjoying this moment as it is, without judgment or desire, will make it that much more meaningful to you. That meaning will stay with you as a strong, positive memory of the present moment.
EditFinding Ways to Be More Mindful - Meditate. The basic goal of most meditations is to focus on the present moment without distraction or disturbance.[10] This may sound easy in theory, but it can take a lot of work to cultivate a mindful meditation practice. However, any effort you put into meditating will reward you with a sense of calmness and an enhanced perspective of the present.
- Choose whether to meditate while sitting comfortably or while walking slowly through a peaceful environment.
- Focus on your breath. Take deep breaths down into your diaphragm, feeling your belly rise and fall with each breath.
- Scan your body and notice any physical sensations you're experiencing. You might feel the air moving through your nostrils, the sensation of the floor underneath you, a sense of calm, or even a sense of fear/anxiety.
- Do not judge the sensations you notice, and do not try to hold on to them. Simply acknowledge their existence and let go of them.
- Any time a thought enters your head, do not force it away or cling to it. Much like the sensations you noticed, you should acknowledge that thought's existence and simply let it go.
- Any time you lose focus or become distracted, return to your breathing and focus on the sensation of each breath.
- Focus on your senses. Your brain has a seemingly endless river of thoughts rushing through it at any given moment. These thoughts help you most of the time, but they can be distracting or even damaging. The best way to quiet your mind is to focus on what's observable. Take note of concrete, tangible sensory information, and force your mind to dwell on the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and physical sensations of your environment.[11]
- Look around you and notice the intricate arrangement of the world around you.
- Let yourself listen to the sounds of your environment. If you are in a noisy area, like a crowded coffee shop, try to listen to the steady hum of all the voices together instead of trying to single out individual sounds.
- Feel the chair/couch/floor under your bottom, and take note of the ways your legs and rear end feel against that surface. Notice the way your feet touch the floor, the way your hands rest on your lap or on the arm rests at your sides.
- Don't force yourself to appreciate the things around you. If you are fully present, you will become aware of everything in your immediate environment.
- As you observe your surroundings with your senses, resist the urge to evaluate them. Think of them as simply "being," rather than as being good or bad.
- Try to appreciate the little things. You may be tempted to think of your life as a series of big events, and those events are important. But don't forget that your life is also composed of countless little moments, which are available to you every day. One of the easiest ways to enjoy a moment is to mindfully engage with that moment and appreciate it for what it is. You can do this in countless little ways each day to bring greater meaning and peace to every moment.[12]
- Slow down each day to appreciate the way things look, sound, taste, smell, and feel.
- When you shower, notice the sensation of rubbing shampoo into your hair or soap on your body.
- Every time you eat, slow down and notice your food: the way it looks, smells, tastes. Chew slowly and think about how much water, sunlight, and farm work went into creating that meal.
- Engage with each moment fully, and eventually you will learn to enjoy and appreciate every aspect of every moment.
- Learn to see other perspectives. If you're upset about something that a friend, relative, or colleague said/did, that frustration can quickly ruin an otherwise enjoyable moment. It's easy to feel angry with others when you view that person's actions from your own point of view, but it's worth considering that his/her choice made sense to that individual.
- When you feel yourself becoming upset with another person, take a moment to step back.
- Force yourself to think of three positive reasons that someone might have said/done the thing that upset you. Focus on positive reasons - don't say things like, "He did it to upset me," or "He doesn't know what he's doing."
- As you come up with positive reasons, work to see the situation from that individual's perspective. He or she probably had a rational reason for the behavior at hand, which you might be blind to because you're locked in your own perspective.
- Learning to see things from other people's perspectives can help you see situations more objectively, making you more calm and in the moment. It can also help you become a more understanding, empathetic individual.[13]
- Try to always be in the present moment, acutely sensitive and aware of your thoughts, feelings, words, and actions.
- Do not resist seemingly random thoughts/feelings that come wandering into your mind, but do not grasp at them either. Simply acknowledge them and let them pass without judgment.
- Mindfulness is NOT about drifting into your own world and being oblivious to what's around you. This can be damaging and potentially unsafe, depending on your environment. Mindfulness involves engaging fully with the present moment and being aware of yourself and your surroundings.
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| How to Say Happy Birthday in French Posted: 15 Jan 2017 12:00 AM PST The most direct way of saying "happy birthday" in French is "joyeux anniversaire," but there are actually numerous ways to give someone birthday wishes in the French language. Here are a few different methods you might find helpful. EditStandard Birthday Wishes - Exclaim "Joyeux anniversaire!"[1] This is the first of two standard "happy birthday" greetings used in France.
- Note that you can use this saying in Quebec and other French-speaking parts of Canada, but it is not the most common way to offer birthday wishes there.
- This phrase translates directly into "happy birthday."
- Joyeux means "happy," "joyful," or "gleeful."
- Anniversaire can mean "birthday" or "anniversary," but when said alone, it most commonly refers to one's birthday. To refer to a wedding anniversary, you would say "anniversaire de mariage."
- Switch to "Bon anniversaire!" This is the second of two standard "happy birthday" greetings used in France.
- As with joyeux anniversaire, bon anniversaire can be used and understood in French-speaking parts of Canada, but it is not the most common birthday greeting there.
- Bon usually means "good" or "well." As such, this phrase translates more directly to "have a good birthday" rather than "happy birthday."
- Use "bonne fête" in French-speaking Canada.[2] This is the most casual and commonly used way of saying "happy birthday" in French-speaking portions of Canada, like Quebec.
- Unlike "joyeux anniversaire" and "bon anniversaire," "bonne fête" cannot be used in both France and Canada. In France, "bonne fête" would usually be used when wishing someone a good "name day." One's "name day" refers to the feast day of the saint one is named after.
- Bonne is the feminine form of the word "bon", meaning "good" or "well."
- Fête means "celebration."
- Translated more directly, "bonne fête" means "have a good celebration."
EditLess Common Birthday Greetings - Offer "Passez une merveilleuse journée!" In English, this statement means "have a wonderful day."
- Passez is a conjugated form of the French verb "passer," meaning "pass" or "spend."
- Merveilleuse translates into "wonderful."
- Une journée means "a day."
- Tell someone "meilleurs vœux."[3] Use this phrase to express your "best wishes" to someone on his or her birthday.
- Note that this is not an especially common birthday greeting, but it is acceptable to use.
- Meilleurs translates into "best," and "vœux" translates into "wishes" or "greetings."
- State "félicitations." Use this greeting to congratulate someone on his or her birthday.
- This is not an especially common way to wish someone "happy birthday," but it is slightly more common to congratulate someone on his or her birthday in France than in the United States.
- Félicitations translates directly to "congratulations" in English.
- Ask "quel âge avez-vous?"[4] This question is used to ask someone how old he or she is.
- Only ask this if you know the person well and have already wished him or her a happy birthday. This can easily be misconstrued as rude. You wouldn't ask a stranger how old they are in English, after all!
- Quel means "what" or "which."
- The French word "âge" means "age" in English.
EditLonger Birthday Wishes - State "Je vous souhaite plein de bonheur en cette journée spéciale."[5] This sentence roughly translates to "wishing you every happiness on your special day" or "I wish you lots of happiness on this special day."
- Je means "I" and vous is a direct object pronoun used to refer to "you."
- Souhaite means "wish," plein means "full," de means "of," and bonheur" means "happiness."
- En means "on," cette means "this," journée means "day," and spéciale means "special."
- Tell someone "Que vous puissiez être heureux (or heureuse, if your interlocutor is female) encore de nombreuses années!" This sentiment means something along the lines of "many happy returns" or "many happy years to come." You are essentially wishing someone many more happy birthdays to come.
- Que here means "may," vous means "you," puissiez means "(to) be able," être means "(to) be," and heureux (-se) means "happy."
- Encore means "still" or "yet" and expresses the "still to come" part of this sentiment.
- Nombreuses means "many" and années means "years."
- Wish "Que tous vos désirs se réalisent." This sentiment means "May all your dreams/wishes come true."
- Tous means "all" and vos means "your."
- Désirs can mean "desires," "dreams," or "wishes."
- Se réalisent means "to be brought about."
EditBirthday Cheat Sheets
EditSources and Citations
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