Dear Human Resources

by Erin O'Connor Jones

categories: Cover Letters, Job Seekers, Resources, Search Strategy

Published May 27, 2009 @ 05:44PM PT

Image courtesy of www.flickr.com

Even with email, the cover letter is NOT a thing of the past.  Here is my top 10 list:

1. Keep it to one page. I know it's difficult to keep your excitement to a minimum, but one page is long enough.
2. Don't forget key information like address, phone number and email address. There is nothing worse than wanting to contact someone right away and having to hunt for relevant information.
3. Definitely personalize each letter with specific reference to the nonprofit and the position.
4. Always find a name to address the letter to and spell his/her name correctly (it can be a headhunter, human resource director or even the CEO/President or Executive Director).
5. Customize your cover letter by mentioning where you saw the position advertised and the specific title.
6. Don't use acronyms, the latest business guru's ideas or jargon - be straight with your information.
7. Match your skills and achievements to the job responsibilities and reference your accomplishments.
8. No tables, charts or graphs PLEASE.
9. Set yourself apart and make yourself unique to the reader by referencing your accomplishments and passion for the field.
10. No bright colors, pictures, photos or personal information (like recently divorced, married or have three kids).

A few extra points, don't rely on spell check only to detect errors. I know you are thinking what's the point of spell check if you now have to check it, but mistakes happen even in spell check world. The last point: Look on your book shelf for the classic, Elements of Style  and if you don't own it, consider purchasing a copy.  

The $64,000 Question, Please Include Your Salary History

by Erin O'Connor Jones

categories: Cover Letters, Job Seekers, Resources, Resumes, Search Strategy

Published June 11, 2009 @ 06:44PM PT

In addition to your (fabulous) resume and cover letter, please include your salary history is a common request. This is one of the hardest questions a sector switcher must answer because comparing your previous salary to a nonprofit compensation package might show a BIG gap.  And why would you leave all that money on the table?  Because there are other things to consider in life besides compensation including more fulfillment and an opportunity to make a difference.

There are a couple of strategies to use when dealing with the salary issue:

1. Don't answer it and hope it goes away.  This isn't what I recommend, but if you want to take the chance, go for it.  Most often it'll look like you are avoiding the question or think you're too important to answer it.
2. Know when to answer the question.  If you are at the beginning of the process, you can respond with a "I'd be glad to talk about this once the process moves forward. Why don't you tell me more about the job."
3. Don't lie.  Most important, don't be tempted to enhance or exaggerate your salary because the chances are VERY good they'll find out the real truth. Tell them the range of what you were making in the private sector, and then give a range for what your expectations are for this job. 
4. Do your homework.  You can get a sense of what the salary range by investigating on your own if the potential employer hasn't shared this information up front.  Visit www.guidestar.org to research Nonprofit 990s to find out what the top salaries are in an organization.

Salary history is used for to weed out candidates that are way above or way below a range and typically not a "We'll use this information in the negotiation when we get there" tactic. It's also your first attempt at following instructions from your potential, new employer.  Given this, you should definitely answer the question. 

Weekend Read: Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve

by Erin O'Connor Jones

categories: Cover Letters, Job Seekers, Resources, Resumes, Search Strategy, Sector Switcher Stories

Published June 21, 2009 @ 06:37AM PT

If you have a few minutes, visit www.Encore.org to read a recent article by Laura Gassner Otting, founder and president of NPAG (there is also ALL kinds of great information at Encore and NPAG!).  Laura has some sage advice for preparing for an interview, writing a cover letter and networking. Telling your future employer that you want to make a difference just isn't enough to close the deal. There are other more effective strategies, including a focused cover letter that supports your passion for a specific job or demonstrating two or three specific transferable skills.   

Job seeking is complicated and now, more so by the economy. If you are having difficulty with your job search, do a full 360 review.  You need to take a complete inventory, look at  your resume, cover letters, personal style and strategy to determine what's not working.  Thinking strategically almost always pays off (you'll hear me say this A LOT). (photo courtesy of www.Flickr.com)

Do They Even Read My Resume? 3 Things to Remember

by Erin O'Connor Jones

categories: Cover Letters, Job Seekers, Resources, Resumes, Search Strategy

Published June 22, 2009 @ 08:05PM PT

Over 1,000 job seekers line up for a job fair in New York City

If you are actively job seeking, you know the drill. Send a resume and cover letter, and then wait for a response, any response. So you've sent your resume, and then what? Does anyone even read it or does it go into a file drawer or some cyber resume space? If it makes you feel better, your resume is probably looked at, but no guarantee that it ends up in the right hands.  It's estimated that some resumes only get an eight second glance.  Yes, 8 seconds (I know, that's tough to hear).  As you look for your dream job, and write your next cover letter, use the following checklist (aka the acid test):

1. Do you meet the minimum criteria for the position? As in, do you have the education, years of experience or other definite requirements listed in the job posting?
2. Can you meet the requirements as they are stated in the job posting? Is there a salary range and does it meet your expectations? Are you able to relocate if necessary?
3. What else do you offer? This is the time to customize your resume to demonstrate all the extra things you bring to your potential employer. Take another look at the job posting and the organization to match your achievements and skills to the job.

Once you've answered these three questions, take the time to customize your resume and write a great cover letter. If you are having a tough time putting together a cover letter, look at the criteria again.  Is it a little stretch or big stretch?  If it's a big stretch, it may not be the "right" job for you. If it's a little stretch, than definitely take the chance and submit your materials. 

Think about this - 8 seconds to do a quick acid test and learn what your value-add is. Go easy on yourself and remember, there are hundreds more applicants per position than there are jobs. Keep a positive attitude and Ready, Set, Go! 

Overqualified? 5 Ways to Deal With It

by Erin O'Connor Jones

categories: Cover Letters, Interviewing, Job Seekers, Resources, Search Strategy, Sector Switcher Stories

Published August 19, 2009 @ 07:46PM PT

I spend a lot of time thinking, looking, talking about and even, writing resumes.  Over the course of a week, I see lots of resumes (some way better than others) and talk with a lot of people. This week, I've identified a common theme: overqualified candidates. As in too many years of experience, over-educated with more than two degrees, compensated very well and lastly, too senior (I am not referring to age, but the top of the org chart).  If you are facing this problem, you aren't alone.

Here are a few tips that might make the process easier to manage: 

1. Talk about it openly. If you are lucky to land an interview, talk about your qualifications openly. Maybe you are seeking a better work/life balance, new challenges, or even, fewer responsibilities.  Take your cue from the HR person or person interviewing you, and answer the question honestly. If you are worried about being overqualified, they probably are too.
2. Play down your accomplishments.  I know, I know... I just said this.  If you are changing sectors, you may want to do less talking and more listening during the interview phase especially if you fall into the "way overachiever" category.  Tempering your accomplishments with your desire to learn will earn you points in the long run. Most importantly, talk about all the ways you can contribute to the organization in the future.
3. Deal with the salary.  You'll want to do this right away to clear away any false expectations.  Often, employers think they can't afford you.  And even if they can't, you should clear this up at the start. If you are asked for your salary range or history, answer the question.  Employers aren't trying to exclude you based on this information, but include you.
4. Learning and facing new challenges.  If you are changing careers or even, switching missions, talk about your interest and passion for learning more about the sector, mission, or service area.  If it's a totally new field, come prepared with your list of transferable skills and be ready to defend them. Most importantly, talk about how your learning will have a positive impact on the organization.
5. Make a commitment.  Give your future employer a time commitment to let them know that your serious about the career change. Assuming it's a good fit, could you stay one or two years? Think about it, and mean it if you say it (see my previous post about planning). And then, be ready to hear their response "When can you start?".

It's Official: Register NOW for Nonprofit Boot Camp!

by Erin O'Connor Jones

categories: Cover Letters, Interviewing, Job Seekers, Resources, Resumes, Search Strategy, Sector Switcher Stories, Sector Switchers

Published November 02, 2009 @ 06:37PM PT

If you are feeling frustrated, disengaged or depressed about your job search, you'll want to learn about the new job seeker boot camp! I am going to co-lead the series with Laura Gassner Otting, author of "Change Your Career: Transitioning to the Nonprofit Sector" and founder and President of the Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group.  This Boot Camp promises to be out of the ordinary, engaging and filled with timely and lively discussions to help your job search!  Here are the details:

NPAG's "Boot Camp for Nonprofit Job Seekers," four-part series will begin on Thursday, November 18, 2009 at 12 noon (EST).  You'll learn the subtleties of nonprofit sector, the best way to craft a winning resume and cover letter, new and improved strategies for networking and a session dedicated to answering your job search questions. Best of all, participants will receive NPAG's nonprofit job seeker workbook, designed with checklists, resources and tools to complete a successful job search.

Boot Camp dates and topics include:

• Working in the Nonprofit Sector, November 18, 2009 12 noon (EST)  You'll get a look inside the nonprofit sector to determine if it's the right place for you. Laura and I will lead participants through the sector, talk about the culture and address the many myths and misconceptions about work in the nonprofit sector.
• Craft Your Winning Resume and Cover Letter, December 2, 2009 12 noon (EST) This session will look closely at resume and cover letter design and format. You'll see the good, the bad and the ugly through the eyes of recruiters, and take away important, new knowledge about presenting your best self.
• Improved Job Search Strategies, December 9, 2009 12 noon (EST) Do you feel like you've exhausted all your resources? Or are you losing or lost your motivation? Let us help with your job search strategy with new techniques and sources along with our favorite, best-kept job search secrets!
• Live Question and Answer, December 16, 2009 12 noon (EST) This is the final session where all your questions will be answered. If you can't join the others, take advantage of this lively and informative Q&A session. Questions will be accepted in advance, and you'll definitely want to listen to hear and learn from fellow job seekers.

We are accepting only a limited number of registrants to make this Boot Camp as personal and interactive as possible.  Given this, register now for the entire series or just the topic that interests you the most!  Don't miss this chance to engage and reinvigorate your job search!  Email me (erin@change.org) if you have any questions - I want to hear from you! (Don't let the picture scare you, there won't be any push-ups.)