Job Search Letters for Dummies

by Kennedy, Joyce Lain

• ISBN13: 9781118436417
• ISBN10: 1118436415
• Edition: 4th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2013-07-29
• Publisher: For Dummies

Summary

Much has changed since the 3rd Edition of Cover Letters For Dummies was published in 2008. The economy and job market are slowly recovering from recession, while the number of applicants for available jobs is steadily increasing. To help applicants stand out from the crowd, a good cover letter is essential, now more than ever. This updated edition of Cover Letters For Dummies includes bleeding edge information from Joyce Lain Kennedy. Topics include effective strategies for internal career communications on topics such as raises, promotions, and position changes; rules for communicating professionally with texts, and networking on social media platforms such as twitter and LinkedIn; fresh and updated communication phrases to voice accomplishments and make job-fit statements; and post-interview etiquette and letters such as thank-yous, "hire me" reinforcement notes, and interest revival queries. Supplemental materials include more than 100 new sample letters that illustrate what a modern, communications-supported job search looks like and a collection of free, formatted templates available for download on Dummies.com so that readers can skip the formatting headaches.

Author Biography

Joyce Lain Kennedy is a nationally syndicated careers columnist. Her column, CAREERS NOW, appears twice weekly in newspapers and on websites across the U.S. Kennedy is the author of seven career books, including the award-winning Job Interviews For Dummies and Resumes For Dummies.

Table of Contents

Introduction  1

Part I: New Tools for New Times  5

Chapter 1: Best Messages: Land Jobsand Leap Ahead 7

Chapter 2: Mobile Meets Job Search 15

Chapter 3: Newcomer Letters that Persuade 27

Part II: Essential Job Search Letters  45

Chapter 4: Job Ad Reply Letters and Notes 47

Chapter 5: Getting Help: Networking Letters 85

Chapter 6: Prospecting Letters 103

Chapter 7: After-Interview Letters 121

Part III: Creative Fresh Messages  139

Chapter 8: Social Media Messages 141

Chapter 9: Branding Statements, Bios, Profiles, and Speeches 151

Chapter 10: Interview Leave-Behind Docs 183

Chapter 11: References and Recommendations 195

Chapter 12: Online Portfolios, Prezis, and Videos 213

Chapter 13: Getting Ahead in the Job You Have 221

Part IV: Best Writing Elements  235

Chapter 14: Writing Your Way to a Job 237

Chapter 15: Language That Snap-Crackle-Pops 247

Chapter 16: Great Lines for Success 263

Chapter 17: Job Seeker’s Skills Finder 279

Part V: The Part of Tens  299

Chapter 18: Remember Ten Social Forget-Me-Not Tips 301

Chapter 19: Top Ten Google Tips for Jackpot Job Search 307

Appendix: Directory of Job Letter Writers 319

Index  327