Common interview questions

1. Tell me about yourself? – I am Graduated in Bulacan State University with a Course

of Hospitality Management.

2. "Why do you want to work here?" or "What about our company interests you?

3.Why did you leave your last job?.

4.What are your best skills?

5.What is your major weakness?

6.Do you prefer to work by yourself or with others?

7.What are your career goals? or What are your future plans?

8.What are your hobbies?" and "Do you play any sports?"

9.What salary are you expecting?

"What have I forgotten to ask?

Here are some other job interview questions you might want to rehearse:

Your qualifications

 What can you do for us that someone else can't do?

 What qualifications do you have that relate to the position?
 What new skills or capabilities have you developed recently?
 Give me an example from a previous job where you've shown initiative.
 What have been your greatest accomplishments recently?
 What is important to you in a job?
 What motivates you in your work?
 What have you been doing since your last job?
 What qualities do you find important in a coworker?

Your career goals

 What would you like to be doing five years from now?

 How will you judge yourself successful? How will you achieve success?
 What type of position are you interested in?
 How will this job fit in your career plans?
 What do you expect from this job?
 Do you have a location preference?
 Can you travel?
  What hours can you work?
 When could you start?

Your work experience

 What have you learned from your past jobs?

 What were your biggest responsibilities?
 What specific skills acquired or used in previous jobs relate to this position?
 How does your previous experience relate to this position?
 What did you like most/least about your last job?
 Whom may we contact for references?

Your education

 How do you think your education has prepared you for this position?
 What were your favorite classes/activities at school?
 Why did you choose your major?
 Do you plan to continue your education?

Prepare for the job interview

Make a good impression at your interview by doing a little homework beforehand.

Research the company and the position

The more you know about the company and the job you are applying for, the better you
will appear in the interview. An interviewer will be impressed by your interest and
motivation, and you will be able to explain what you can do for the company.

Find out as much key information as you can about the company, its products and its
customers. If possible, talk to people who work at the company. There may be other
sources of information on the Web, especially if the company is publicly traded.

Search for the following:

 Office locations
 Products and services
 Customers
 Competitors
 Philosophy
 History
 Recent news
 Financial info, including salary and stock

Prepare for the actual interview

Practice your answers to common interview questions. Likewise, prepare a list of
questions to ask the employer. Most interviews follow this pattern: First, you answer
questions about your experience and qualifications, and then you ask questions about the
job.

Rehearse your interview with a friend. You should be able to convey all pertinent
information. Tape yourself to check your diction, speed, and body language. About
yourself in 15 minutes

Prepare your interview materials before you leave. Bring several copies of your resume, a
list of references, and, if appropriate, any work samples. Make sure they are all up-to-
date.

Dress professionally and comfortably. You will be judged in some respects by what you
wear. When in doubt, dress conservatively.

For women:

 A straight-forward business suit is best.

 Wear sensible pumps.
 Be moderate with make-up and perfume.
 Wear simple jewelry.
 Hair and fingernails should be well-groomed.
 Bring pen and notepad to jot down any information you may need to remember
(but don't take notes during the interview).

For men:

 A clean, ironed shirt and conservative tie are a must.

 A simple jacket or business suit is a good idea as well.
 Shoes should be polished.
 Face should be clean-shaven; facial hair should be neatly trimmed.
 Hair and fingernails should be well-groomed.
 Use cologne or after-shave sparingly.
 Bring pen and notepad to jot down any information you may need to remember
(but don't take notes during the interview).

Types of job interviews

There are different types of job interviews you may participate in during the hiring
process. Here are the major ones and tips on how to handle them.

Stress interview

Stress interviews are a deliberate attempt to see how you handle yourself. The interviewer
may be sarcastic or argumentative, or may keep you waiting. Expect this to happen and,
when it does, don't take it personally. Calmly answer each question as it comes. Ask for
clarification if you need it and never rush into an answer. The interviewer may also lapse
into silence at some point during the questioning. Recognize this as an attempt to unnerve
you. Sit silently until the interviewer resumes the questions. If a minute goes by, ask if he
or she needs clarification of your last comments.

One-on-one interview

In a one-on-one interview, it has been established that you have the skills and education
necessary for the position. The interviewer wants to see if you will fit in with the
company, and how your skills will complement the rest of the department. Your goal in a
one-on-one interview is to establish rapport with the interviewer and show him or her that
your qualifications will benefit the company.

Screening interview

A screening interview is meant to weed out unqualified candidates. Providing facts about
your skills is more important than establishing rapport. Interviewers will work from an
outline of points they want to cover, looking for inconsistencies in your resume and
challenging your qualifications. Provide answers to their questions, and never volunteer
any additional information. That information could work against you. One type of
screening interview is the telephone interview.

Lunch interview

The same rules apply in lunch interviews as in those held at the office. The setting may
be more casual, but remember it is a business lunch and you are being watched carefully.
Use the lunch interview to develop common ground with your interviewer. Follow his or
her lead in both selection of food and in etiquette.

Committee interview

Committee interviews are a common practice. You will face several members of the
company who have a say in whether you are hired. When answering questions from
several people, speak directly to the person asking the question; it is not necessary to
answer to the group. In some committee interviews, you may be asked to demonstrate
your problem-solving skills. The committee will outline a situation and ask you to
formulate a plan that deals with the problem. You don't have to come up with the ultimate
solution. The interviewers are looking for how you apply your knowledge and skills to a
real-life situation.

Group interview

A group interview is usually designed to uncover the leadership potential of prospective

managers and employees who will be dealing with the public. The front-runner
candidates are gathered together in an informal, discussion-type interview. A subject is
introduced and the interviewer will start off the discussion. The goal of the group
interview is to see how you interact with others and how you use your knowledge and
reasoning powers to win others over. If you do well in the group interview, you can
expect to be asked back for a more extensive interview.

Telephone interview

Telephone interviews are merely screening interviews meant to eliminate poorly qualified
candidates so that only a few are left for personal interviews. You might be called out of
the blue, or your telephone call to check on your resume might turn into an interview.
Your mission is to be invited for a personal face-to-face interview. Some tips for
telephone interviews:

Anticipate the dialogue. Write a general script with answers to questions you might be
asked. Focus on skills, experiences, and accomplishments. Practice until you are
comfortable. Then replace the script with cue cards that you keep by the telephone.

Keep your notes handy. Have any key information, including your resume, notes about
the company and any cue cards you have prepared next to the phone. You will sound
prepared if you have you don't have to search for information. Make sure you also have a
notepad and pen so you can jot down notes and any questions you would like to ask at the
end of the interview.

Be prepared to think on your feet. If you are asked to participate in a role-playing

situation, give short but concise answers. Accept any criticism with tact and grace.

Avoid salary issues. If you are asked how much money you would expect, try to avoid
the issue by using a delaying statement or give a broad range with a $15,000 spread. At
this point, you do not know how much the job is worth.

Push for a face-to-face meeting. Sell yourself by closing with something like: "I am
very interested in exploring the possibility of working in your company. I would
appreciate an opportunity to meet with you in person so we can both better evaluate each
other. I am free either Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning. Which would be better
for you?"

Try and reschedule surprise interviews. You will not be your best with a surprise
interview. If you were called unexpectedly, try to set an appointment to call back by
saying something like: "I have a scheduling conflict at this time. Can I call you back
tomorrow after work, say 6 p.m.?"

Make a good impression

Here's what you should keep in mind the day of the interview and immediately afterward.
Before the interview

Be on time. Being on time (or early) is usually interpreted by the interviewer as evidence
of your commitment, dependability, and professionalism. Be positive and try to make
others feel comfortable. Show openness by leaning into a greeting with a firm handshake
and smile. Don't make negative comments about current or former employers. Relax.
Think of the interview as a conversation, not an interrogation. And remember, the
interviewer is just as nervous about making a good impression on you.

During the interview

Show self-confidence. Make eye contact with the interviewer and answer his questions
in a clear voice. Work to establish a rapport with the interviewer.

Remember to listen. Communication is a two-way street. If you are talking too much,
you will probably miss cues concerning what the interviewer feels is important.

Reflect before answering a difficult question. If you are unsure how to answer a
question, you might reply with another question. For example, if the interviewer asks you
what salary you expect, try answering by saying "That is a good question. What are you
planning to pay your best candidate?"

When it is your turn, ask the questions you have prepared in advance. These should
cover any information about the company and job position you could not find in your
own research.

Do not ask questions that raise red flags. Ask, "Is relocation a requirement?", and the
interviewer may assume that you do not want to relocate at all. Too many questions about
vacation may cause the interviewer to think you are more interested in taking time off
than helping the company. Make sure the interviewer understands why you are asking
these questions.

Show you want the job. Display your initiative by talking about what functions you
could perform that would benefit the organization, and by giving specific details of how
you have helped past employers. You might also ask about specific details of the job
position, such as functions, responsibilities, who you would work with, and who you
would report to.

Avoid negative body language. An interviewer wants to see how well you react under
pressure. Avoid these signs of nervousness and tension:

 Frequently touching your mouth

 Faking a cough to think about the answer to a question
 Gnawing on your lip
 Tight or forced smiles
 Swinging your foot or leg
  Folding or crossing your arms
 Slouching
 Avoiding eye contact
 Picking at invisible bits of lint

After the interview

End the interview with a handshake and thank the interviewer for his or her time.
Reiterate your interest in the position and your qualifications. Ask if you can telephone in
a few days to check on the status of your application. If they offer to contact you, politely
ask when you should expect the call.

Send a "Thank you for the Interview" note. After the interview, send a brief thank-you
note. Try to time it so it arrives before the hiring decision will be made. It will serve as a
reminder to the interviewer concerning your appropriateness for the position, so feel free
to mention any topics discussed during your interview. If the job contact was made
through the Internet or e-mail, send an e-mail thank-you note immediately after the
interview, then mail a second letter by post timed to arrive the week before the hiring
decision will be made. Follow up with a phone call if you are not contacted within a week
of when the interviewer indicated you would be.

Illegal interview questions

Various federal, state, and local laws regulate the questions a prospective employer can
ask you. An employer's questions — on the job application, in the interview, or during
the testing process — must be related to the job for which you are applying. For the
employer, the focus must be: "What do I need to know to decide whether or not this
person can perform the functions of this job?"

Options for answering an illegal question

You are free to answer the question. If you choose to do so, realize that you are giving
information that is not job-related. You could harm your candidacy by giving the
"wrong" answer. You can refuse to answer the question. By selecting this option, you'll
be within your rights, but you're also running the risk of coming off as uncooperative or
confrontational - hardly the words an employer would use to describe the "ideal"
candidate

Your third option is to examine the intent behind the question and respond with an
answer as it might apply to the job. For instance, if the interviewer asks, "Are you a U.S.
citizen?" or "What country are you from?," you've been asked an illegal question. Instead
of answering the question directly, you could respond, "I am authorized to work in the
United States." Or, if your interviewer asks, "Who is going to take care of your children
when you have to travel?" you might answer, "I can meet the travel and work schedule
that this job requires."
Types of questions

Subject: Nationality
Illegal: Are you a U.S. citizen?; Where were you/your parents born?; What is your
"native tongue?"
Legal: Are you authorized to work in the United States?; What languages do you read,
speak or write fluently? (This question is okay, as long as this ability is relevant to the
performance of the job.)

Subject: Age
Illegal: How old are you?; When did you graduate from college?; What is your birthday?
Legal: Are you over the age of 18?

Subject: Marital/Family status

Illegal: What's your marital status?; Who do you live with?; Do you plan to have a
family?; When?; How many kids do you have?; What are your child care arrangements?
Legal:Would you be willing to relocate if necessary?; Travel is an important part of the
job. Would you be willing to travel as needed by the job (This question is okay, as long
as all applicants for the job are asked it.); This job requires overtime occasionally. Would
you be able and willing to work overtime as necessary? (Again, this question okay as
long as all applicants for the job are asked it.)

Subject: Affiliations
Illegal: To what clubs or social organizations do you belong?
Legal: Do you belong to any professional or trade groups or other organizations that you
consider relevant to your ability to perform this job?

Subject: Personal
Illegal: How tall are you?; How much do you weigh?
Legal: Are you able to lift a 50-pound weight and carry it 100 yards, as that is part of the
job? (Questions about height and weight are not acceptable unless minimum standards
are essential to the safe performance of the job.)

Subject: Disabilities
Illegal: Do you have any disabilities?; Please complete the following medical history.;
Have you had any recent or past illnesses or operations? If yes, list and give dates.; What
was the date of your last physical exam?; How's your family's
health?; When did you lose your eyesight?
Legal: Are you able to perform the essential functions of this job with or without
reasonable accommodations? (This question is okay if the interviewer thoroughly
described the job.)

(NOTE: As part of the hiring process, after a job offer has been made you will be
required to undergo a medical exam. Exam results must be kept strictly confidential,
except medical/safety personnel may be informed if emergency medical treatment is
required, and supervisors may be informed about necessary job accommodations, based
on the exam results.)

Subject: Arrest record

Illegal: Have you ever been arrested?
Legal: Have you ever been convicted of _____? (The crime should be reasonably related
to the performance of the job in question.

Subject: Military
Illegal: If you've been in the military, were you honorably discharged?; In what branch of
the Armed Forces did you serve?
Legal: What type of training or education did you receive in the military?

Asking questions in an interview

At most interviews, you will be invited to ask questions of your interviewer. This is an
important opportunity for you to learn more about the employer, and for the interviewer
to further evaluate you as a job candidate. It requires some advance preparation on your
part.

Here are some guidelines for asking questions:

Prepare five good questions. Understanding that you may not have time to ask them all.
Ask questions concerning the job, the company, and the industry or profession. Your
questions should indicate your interest in these subjects and that you have read and
thought about them. For example, you might start, "I read in Business Week that ... I
wonder if that factor is going to have an impact on your business."

Don't ask questions that raise warning flags. For example, asking "Would I really have
to work weekends?" implies that you are not available for weekend assignments. If you
are available, rephrase your question. Also, avoid initiating questions about compensation
(pay, vacations, etc.) or tuition reimbursements. You might seem more interested in
paychecks or time-off than the actual job.

Don't ask questions about only one topic. People who ask about only one topic are
often perceived as one dimensional and not good candidates.

Clarify. It's OK to ask a question to clarify something the interviewer said. Just make
sure you are listening. Asking someone to clarify a specific point makes sense. Asking
someone re-explain an entire subject gives the impression that you have problems
listening or comprehending. For example, you can preface a clarifying question by
saying: "You mentioned that at ABC Company does (blank) . . .Can you tell me how that
works in practice?"

Common mistakes to avoid

Want to know what not to do at the job interview? Learn from the mistakes of others. Here are "18
Deadly Interview Mistakes Job Seekers Make," adapted from Drs. Caryl and Ron Krannich's 101
Dynamite Answers to Interview Questions.

What not to do:

1. Arrive late for the interview.

2. Indicate you are late because the directions you were given were not good.

3. Look disheveled and inappropriately dressed.

4. Slouch in your seat.

5. Don't maintain good eye-contact with the interviewer.

6. Does your company research at the interview by asking, "What do you guys do here?"

7. Don't make a connection between your skills and the needs of the employer.

8. Brag about how great you are, but neglect to cite evidence of your accomplishments.

9. Respond in an unfocused, disorganized, and rambling manner.

10. remain low-key and display no enthusiasm for the job.

11. Answer most questions with simple "yes" and "no" answers.

12. Appear desperate for a job - any job.

13. Call the interviewer by his or her first name, or use the wrong name.

14. Give memorized responses, forgetting parts in the process.

15. Badmouth your current or former employer.

16. Ask "How am I doing? Are you going to hire me?"

17. Blurt out, "I need to make at least $35,000. I hope this job pays at least that much,"
near the beginning of the interview.

18. When asked "Do you have any questions?” reply "No."

Resume handbook
A resume, no matter how good, will not get you a job by itself. However, a good resume will
attract the attention of the hiring manager and secure a job interview. The purpose of a resume is
to disclose your accomplishments and qualifications to a potential employer. If the employer likes
what she sees, she will contact you for a face to face meeting. Think of your resume as a
promotional brochure about you. You need to show a potential employer what you have
accomplished and where your experience lies. Your strategy should be to emphasize the
experience and skills that a particular employer is looking for.

Your resume is also an example of your communication and organizational skills. A well done
resume is itself another reminder of what kind of valuable employee you would be. Likewise, a
sloppily produced resume is a terrific way to get yourself taken out of the running before it even
starts.

There is a lot of information available on resumes and resume writing - some of it contradictory,
but most of it useful. Our advice is to find a good book on resumes and learn the fundamentals of
resume writing. Try and stay with the most current material you can; resume advice follows
trends. The Internet is home to plenty of free advice and information, but in most cases that
information will be less detailed than a good resume guide.

Formatting your resume

With so many different employment experiences possible, there is no single resume
template that works for everyone. There are, however, generally accepted ways to
arrange the information on your resume to present it in the best light.

The two styles that are discussed most often are the Chronological format and the
Functional format. Both have their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to
presenting your information. A third style, the Combination, is a compromise between
the two and has become more popular in recent years. CareerBuilder gives you an
overview of each format to help you decide which is best for you.

Chronological

This is the most common resume style, and the one that employers prefer. In the
Chronological format, the emphasis is placed on employment experience. The applicant's
job history is presented in reverse chronological order, with the most recent jobs placed at
the top of the list.

The Chronological resume is good if your recent job experience is relevant to the job you
are applying for, and you want to stay on a similar career path. Potential employers can
easily see what you have done, and how you have progressed and garnered experience.

Despite its popularity, there are some reasons why the Chronological format may not be
right for you. If you are just entering the workforce from school, a resume like this may
actually highlight your lack of experience. You may have held jobs recently that have no
relevance to the position you're applying for. If you are re-entering the workforce after a
substantial absence, this resume will highlight your recent inactivity. Any large gaps in
your recent employment history will be evident, and you may be asked about them.
Likewise, a job history full of briefly held jobs might lead a potential employer to
question your ability to remain employed. A long employment history at a single
company will reveal your age to some extent, something you may not feel comfortable
doing.

Functional

In this non-linear format, your skills and achievements are emphasized. Your
employment history is summarized or avoided all together. Your skills and previous
relevant experience (including educational experience) are presented at the beginning of
your resume. They are organized so the employer can see how your skills relate to the job
position you are applying for. (In a Chronological resume, employers may simply be
looking at the jobs you have held previously to see if you have the experience they are
looking for.) It may take more effort to write a Functional resume, but you are free to
highlight your talents instead of your recent job experience.

The Functional resume can be particularly effective if you've held a number of similar
positions; it will allow you to highlight your skills rather than itemize what might be a
redundant looking job history.

But the Functional resume may also raise concerns in some employers' minds as to
whether you are withholding information. This doesn't mean that functional resumes are
ignored or that they can't be effective. But an employer looking for a clear job history
may be put off by the Functional format, especially if you've used a Functional resume to
hide your inexperience or a long gap in your employment history.

If you don't have any problems with the reverse Chronological format, use it instead. If
you still like the idea of the Functional format, you may want to make it more acceptable
by combining it with the Chronological format and creating a Combination resume.

Combination

The Combination resume is simply a Functional resume with a brief employment history
added. Skills and accomplishments are still listed first; the employment history follows.
You need to reveal where you worked, when you worked, and what your job position
was. This will allay an employer's worries about your experience, and it still allows you
to emphasize your talents and how you would use them for the job you are applying for.
While most employers might still prefer a Chronological resume, this is a good
alternative to the Functional resume.

Writing tips
The CareerBuilder Network offers this collection of wisdom for fine-tuning a resume into
a winner:

Keep it concise. Employers have lots to do, so don't make the mistake of asking them to
read through an unnecessarily long resume. A long, wordy resume will put off someone
who is already short on time. Resumes should be one page, if possible, and two if
absolutely necessary to describe relevant work experience. A two-page resume is no
advantage if it's full of information that isn't reasonably applicable to the position you're
applying for. Use the space only if you need it to fully disclose your accomplishments.

Make your words count. Your use of language is extremely important; you need to sell
yourself to an employer quickly and efficiently. Address your potential employer's needs
with a clearly written, compelling resume.

Avoid large paragraphs (over six or seven lines). Resumes are often scanned by hiring
managers. If you provide small, digestible pieces of information you stand a better
chance of having your resume actually read. Use action verbs such as "developed,"
"managed," and "designed" to emphasize your accomplishments. Don't use declarative
sentences like "I developed the..." or "I assisted in..."; leave out the "I." Avoid passive
constructions, such as "was responsible for managing." It's not only more efficient to say
"Managed," it's stronger and more active.

Make the most of your experience. Potential employers need to know what you have
accomplished to have an idea of what you can do for them. Don't be vague. Describe
things that can be measured objectively. Telling someone that you "improved warehouse
efficiency" doesn't say much. Telling them that you "cut requisition costs by 20%, saving
the company $3800 for the fiscal year" does. Employers will feel more comfortable
hiring you if they can verify your accomplishments.

Be honest. There is a difference between making the most of your experience and
exaggerating or falsifying it. A falsified resume can be easily spotted by an employer (if
not immediately then during the interview process), and if it doesn't prevent you from
getting the job, it can cost you the job later on.

Don't neglect appearance. Your resume is the first impression you'll make on a
potential employer, and a successful resume depends on more than what you say; how
you say it counts as well.

Check your resume for proper grammar and correct spelling-evidence of good
communication skills and attention to detail. Nothing can ruin your chances of getting a
job faster than submitting resume filled with (easily preventable) mistakes.

Make your resume easy on the eyes. Use normal margins (1" on the top and bottom,
1.25" on the sides) and don't cram your text onto the page. Allow for some breathing
room between the different sections. Avoid unusual or exotic font styles; use simple fonts
with a professional look. Use standard, non-textured, fine-grained paper in white or ivory.
Keep in mind that textured and dark-colored paper may not copy well when the employer
makes copies to pass around to other participants in the hiring process. If you need to
copy your resume, make sure your copies are clean and clear. Even the best looking
resume can be ruined by a poor copier. Use only copiers maintained for professional
copying.

Target, target, target. Emphasize what you can do for an employer. Be specific. If you
are going after more than one job opening, customize your resume accordingly. It helps
to tailor your resume for a specific position. Remember to only include the experience
that is relevant to the job.

Eliminate superfluous details. Unnecessary details can take up a lot of valuable space
on your resume. Don't mention personal characteristics such as age, height, and marital
status. This is information that employers may not legally solicit from you, and they
would probably be more comfortable if you don't volunteer it yourself. List your hobbies
and interests only if you can relate them to the position you're applying for. If you need
room to describe your work experience, avoid this altogether. The phrase "References
available upon request" should be left off if you need room to describe your work
experience. Most employers assume you have references they may contact, and will
request them if there's a need to do so.

Avoid the "Objective" statement - your objective should be clearly articulated in your
cover letter. If you do include an objective, be specific. Vague statements, such as
"Looking to utilize my marketing skills" or "seeking a rewarding position" add nothing to
a resume and may in fact make you appear insincere.

Electronic resumes
An electronic resume is simply your resume in a format that can be sent over e-mail or
the Internet. The advantage to having an electronic resume is simple you can respond via
e-mail or the Web to job openings posted all over the world. No faxing or mailing
necessary.

If your resume is on a computer of floppy diskette, you already have it in electronic

format; that's not to say, however, that it's in the most useful format. While it's true that
most e-mail systems can accommodate document attachments — be they in Word,
WordPerfect, Quark or otherwise — it won't be true that every person or organization to
whom you'd like to send such a document is willing or able to receive it in that format.
Plain text (also called ASCII Text or MS-DOS Text and recognized by its three letter file
extension: .txt), however, is universally accessible and, in many cases, required.

To make your electronic resume universally accessible, follow these steps:

Using a standard word processing application, compose a resume as you normally

would. Note that plain text format is very basic — it does not recognize formatting such
as bullets, bold facing or italicized text. Consider using asterisks (*), plus symbols (+)
and capital letters to achieve similar effects. In any case, make sure your resume is
legible in the absence of these formatting features.
If the word processing application permits, set your margins at zero and 65 characters
(This means that your longest line, including spaces, exceeds 65 characters before
wrapping to a new line.) This makes your resume easier to read and, just as importantly,
safe to print. Using the "Save" command (or, if you're converting a document from
another format, the "Save As..." command), save your document as an ASCII or MS-
DOS Text document. Remember to append the .txt extension on to the file name, e.g.
"resume.txt."

When sending an electronic resume, remember to:

 Include a cover letter and be sure to note where you found the ad.
 Send the resume and cover letter in one file. You can do this by writing or
pasting your cover letter in the space before your resume. You can also send your
cover letter as an e-mail message with your electronic resume as a file attachment.
 Use the job title and/or job reference number as the subject of your message.
Cite any relevant job numbers noted in the ad. Follow up with an e-mail or phone
call a week or so after you submit it.

Cover letters
Perhaps the only thing job-seekers dread more than writing a resume is writing the cover letter to
go with it. True, a resume requires good, solid writing and attention to detail, but a cover letter is
addressed to a particular person — whoever is in charge of hiring — and requires the job-seeker
to answer the most important question on that person's mind: "Why is this applicant the best
qualified candidate for the job?"

How well you write a cover letter may play a large part in how effective your resume will be. A
good cover letter may get you an interview; a bad one may make your resume little more than an
afterthought.

Cover letter content

The cover letter is your chance to sell yourself to a potential employer as the best
candidate for a specific position. As such, it's just as important as your resume. In fact,
you should never send out a resume without one.

The most important thing to remember is that your cover letter serves a separate function
from your resume and should not be used to repeat the details of your resume, such as
work history, education, or personal objectives. The resume is about you, your experience
and your skills. The cover letter is about what you can do for the employer.

An effective cover letter should accomplish three things:

1. Introduce yourself and your reason for writing

The first paragraph needs to grab the hiring manager's attention. Say exactly why you
have sent your resume: you are interested in the company and you want to fill a need they
have. Demonstrate your interest by indicating any connections between the employer and
yourself. Show that you work in the same field, that you share a common professional
interest, or that you have been following the company or industry in the news.

If you were referred to the company by a mutual friend or associate, mention them; the
hiring manager may feel more obligated to respond to your letter. (Don't profess to know
more than you do, however. If you make inaccurate statements regarding the company or
the industry, the hiring manager will see right through it.) When offering to fill the
company's need, be specific as possible. Don't just mention the job position, describe
what the company requires from that position.

2. Sell yourself

In the second part of the letter state (briefly) the skills you bring to the table that will
specifically meet the employer's needs. There is no need to go into great detail; your
resume should take care of that.

Instead, use this section to highlight how you will use your talents and experience to
benefit the company. Don't use it to indicate how you think you'll benefit from being
employed — with a stack of resumes on her desk and positions to fill, the hiring manager
isn't concerned with your personal fulfillment. Keep your use of the personal pronoun "I"
to a minimum. Try to use it in this sense: "Here's how I can help you."

3. Make a plan

Close the letter by indicating what you would like to happen next. Don't leave the ball in
the employer's court; take action! Tell the potential employer where you can be reached,
either by phone or by e-mail, but don't wait for a call. Indicate that if you don't hear from
them within a few days, you will follow-up with a phone call to make sure your resume
and cover letter have reached the intended recipient, and to arrange a face to face
interview. Be assertive but polite. (Some job seekers may want to use a paragraph to
explain anything that's not apparent from the resume, such as large gaps in the
employment history.)

Formatting the cover letter

There is no one "official" format, but here are some basic rules to keep in mind when
composing a cover letter:

A three line block in the top right hand or left hand corner of the page containing: your
home street address; city, state and ZIP code; and the date. (The date may be separated
from the block by one line.)

Another three line block, flush left, one space below the date and one space above the
greeting. This block contains the addressee's full name and address, including city, state
and ZIP code.
Use a colon after the greeting, not a comma. The greeting should address a specific
person in a formal manner. "Dear Ms. Harper:" is perfect; "Dear Jennifer:" is not.

Use a personalized salutation (not, for example, "To Whom It May Concern"). Make an
effort to find out who will be receiving your letter. If necessary, telephone the company
and ask. If you do not find a specific name, address the letter to "Hiring Manager,"
"Human Resources Manager," or simply "Manager."

Paragraphs should be separated by a line of space; indentation is not necessary.

You may use bullets and bold print in the body of your cover letter to organize and
highlight information, and make it easier to read. If you do decide to use them, do so
conservatively.

The closing should read "Sincerely," followed by your signature underneath, then your
full name in print underneath that. Always leave enough room for your signature between
the closing and your name when you print your cover letter.

Tips for writing your cover letter

How you write your cover letter is as important as the message it delivers. Your letter is
an example of how well you communicate, and no employer wants to hire people who
can't do so effectively. With that in mind, here are some tips on making your cover letter
look and sound professional:

Personalize the letter. Whenever possible, address your cover to the individual
responsible for filling the position. A generic salutation sends the message that you aren't
familiar with the company; such an impression won't convince the reader that you're
enthusiastic about the job. Likewise, "To whom it may concern" will probably concern
no one. And "Dear Sir" or "Dear Madam" are ill advised — don't risk alienating or
offending your reader.

If necessary, make a phone call, visit the library or use the Internet to find out the name
and title of the person who does the hiring. Then make sure to get the spellings correct.
Remember, the hiring manager will be looking for people who set themselves apart. Take
the time to find out who's in charge and you may be that person.

Be natural. Use simple, uncomplicated language and sentence structure. Don't try to
sound like someone else, particularly if that means using unnaturally formal language,
convoluted sentences and words you've never used before (perhaps misusing them in the
process). You may mean to impress, but you'll often sound awkward. Write as you would
speak. Be formal, but don't be a stiff. Say things in a simple, straightforward way, and
don't rely on a thesaurus. As with your resume, use action words to create dynamic
sentences.
Be specific and get to the point. Your cover letter must be intriguing enough to get the
reader to look at the resume, but should be only an introduction to the resume, not a
repeat of it. Make sure you answer the question, "Why should I hire this person?"

Avoid using clichés, like "I've taken the liberty of enclosing my resume," or "I'm a
people person." It's difficult to sell yourself as unique if your letter reads like every other
one in the pile.

Be positive. Don't complain about your boss or describe your present or previous work
experience as "boring." Nobody wants to hire somebody with an attitude. Above all, don't
sound like you're begging for a job. A hiring manager may wonder why you're so
desperate.

Be confident, but not arrogant. Don't be negative or too humble. Tell them you're
qualified for the job, but don't demand it. Don't profess to know more about the company
than you really do. Explain why you find the company attractive (there must be some
reason or you shouldn't be writing) and leave it at that.

Be polite and professional. You may be a comedian with your friends, but a potential
employer should be treated with respect.

Be efficient. Don't waste space (and the reader's time) on unnecessary details. Respect
the employer's time — make sure every sentence has something to do with explaining
your interest in the company, illustrating how you'll fill the company's needs, and how
you'll contact the company in the near future.

Type your letter, but beware of the dangers of word processing. If you send a similar
letter to several companies, make sure that you change all customized statements
accordingly; no company wants to read how much you'd like to work for their
competitor. Carefully read each letter before you sign it.

Be available. Remember to tell the employer how to reach you. Give a phone number
which will be reliably answered by either a person or an answering machine. If possible,
include an e-mail address.

Do not leave the ball in the employer's court. Indicate what reaction you expect from
your letter and how you will follow up. For example, don't end with "I look forward to
hearing from you soon."

Proofread. Check carefully for grammar and spelling mistakes, then check again. Typos
and grammatical errors say a lot about the kind of work you do. Don't depend entirely on
the spell-check function of your word processor; if you use "there" for "their," for
example, spell-check won't notice. Keep a dictionary handy for proper word usage and
consult a style manual for grammar questions.

Sign it. If you forget this, the employer may feel like you've sent a form letter.
Package it nicely. Print your resume and cover letter on the same paper stock; the
uniformity will look professional. Use only printers that produce neat, readable text with
no stray marks or smudges. If possible, avoid using a dot-matrix printer or a manual type
writer.

Keep one for yourself. Make a copy of each letter sent, and keep it for future reference.

What the experts say about cover letters

Quotes from the experts:

"You need to make it easy for the employer to buy. You need to clearly state when you
will be available to talk to the employer. Be specific: give telephone numbers where you
can be reached both at work and off work. You could have a tremendous background and
see yourself very well, but if the employer can't reach you, everything could be lost."

— Lola M. Coxford, Resume Writing Made Easy for High-Tech

"Because you can use your cover letter to highlight certain aspects of your resume, the
same resume can be used to pursue different job opportunities. The beauty of the cover
letter is that you can gear it to each particular company that is the recipient of your
resume by stressing your most important qualification."

"A resume without a cover letter is like an unannounced salesperson showing up at your
door. If you are going to let in a perfect stranger, you at least want to see their credentials.
This is exactly what a cover letter does - it introduces you, a total stranger, to the reader.
It must be compelling, personable, and brief. It needs to specifically relate to the position
in question. Remember you only have eight seconds to convince the reader to invite you
in."

— Barbara B. Vinitsky and Janice Y. Benjamin, How to Become Happily Employed

"No cover letter should carry the salutation: 'To whom it may concern.' It will concern no
one if you don't personalize it. The surest way to get the information is to find the name
in trade journals or in The Standard & Poor's Register, The Dun & Bradstreet Directory,
or other directories. Failing all that, call the company and ask for the name of the
appropriate person."

— Kenneth and Sheryl Dawson, Job Search, The Total System

"If there is a catch-22 situation in job hunting, it involves the cover letter. Even in
situations where it is not requested, you should attach a cover letter to your resume.
However, a review of the cover letter is one of the most common methods by which
candidates are eliminated form the process. The cover letter is rarely anything but a
liability, but you must include it because its absence is worse."
— Jeff B. Speck, Hot Tips, Sneaky Tricks & Last-Ditch Tactics

"Poor grammar, bad punctuation, and misspelled words suggest that the applicant is
either poorly educated or simply doesn't care about the impression created. The chances
are unusually high that the employer is going to forgo reading the accompanying resume
and quickly move on to the next job applicant."