Help me!! Quick!

Sorry for the rush but I'm applying for this job (http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/ofc/410861495.html) and I want to portray my knowledge of computing but I just cant seem to write a cover letter everything I put sounds stupid! Im very outgoing and although I dont know much about mac's Im a real fast learner and would really like to be considered for this job.

This is what I have so far

Dear Katherine:

I was interested in the position of Receptionist and would like to learn more about this opportunity with growing company.

I have extensive experience in adminstrative duties. My experience includes 8+ years of Windows based operating systems and all around knowledge of computing

and im stuck there, I can't think for the life of me and I dont want to sound stupid, I just want to get my point across with out taking 5 yrs rolleyes
someone help! please!:cry

Thanks

 

yep, the resume is all polished and ready to go but in most places if your cover letter isn't a hit they don't bother with the resume.

Thanks again

 

Yo Dy.... right up my alley here.

Best advise is to take 15 minutes and do a little web research on the company, if that fails, go to your local library and check in the local business/financial section.

The key is to learn some of the basics and a couple of the not-so-basics about the company and work them into your letter.

example: You want to work for a Mac store.

Find out if they have any special services and mention any skills you have that would relate to them.

Do they offer classes? Are you familiar with what they offer? THings like this are what will grab the attention of the person reading. Know the company before you walk in the door, that is what impresses people.

If you don't know squat about Macs, try coming at it from an angle that you have heard a lot fo great things about what a Mac can do and how it is widely used in the entertainment industry (think Pixar). mention how you would love the opportunity to learn more about this powerful graphics processing machine. Take what you do know, and make a list, then spin it into what they need.

Here's a few thoughts I just put together:

OK, this is just a quicky, take it and use it if you want or toss it, no harm no foul either way


~C

PS: Just make sure that you don't start each paragraph with hte same letter. A row of I's down the left side of the letter looks wierd Alos, check my splling, getting ready to walk out the door to work and didn't spell check

 

I was about to state, that the cover letter should be an over exaggeration of your talents and knowledge, in a letter format. But, the above posts are great.

 

Hi Dyamond

I agree with Calltakers letter; it is pretty much what I would write.
While they want someone who is familiar with Mac, this is not the
most important thing (in my opinion).
They want someone who is enthusiastic and willing to learn, someone
who knows how to mix work and fun

I wish you all the best

 

Excellect advice Calltalker! Thanks so much everyone, I will use these tips not only for that cover letter but for future ones.

You guys are the coolest! http://www.alexanderpringwilson.org/images/emoticons/friends.gif

 

huff puff, got here fast as I could, see it's all under control LOL

 

Very nicely done Calltaker

 

ovbiously not fast enough:innocent LOL

 

Never done a resume myself. Being a florist you apply for jobs by doing arrangements. Generally one or two, one guy was trying to get me to fill his cooler once, after about 4 I said enough, you got to have an idea by now.


Anyway, got some terrific advice there, good luck :wave

 

You set a record getting from the west coast to the east coast!
http://bestsmileys.com/sports3/14.gif

 

Thats really cool job darlene, flower arranging really takes creativity (which I lack obviously!)

Thanks

 

Glad I could help.

I spent some time teaching in adult ed here and one of the things I covered was resume/cover letter writing. I kept it up afterwards because you never know when it comes in handy. Always glad to help out when I can.

Be sure to let us know if you get it


~C

 

Now yours is a resume that would be interesting (long I believe) but interesting

 

Not especially, you learn basics, there's gadgets. I beleive the word Floral Designer should be done away with. It's used by floral Divas, I don't sweep, clean buckets, wait on customers, answer phones - guess what - you won't be working here either.( usually said once they are out the door) LOL Although I have refused to do jobs or take an order, funerals for children, I end up crying right along with them.
Holidays, Valentines Day (gag me) and Mothers Day are referred to as hell week. School proms and weddings will keep you up all night then some. God how I miss it: cry

 

If I ever put my entire experience onto a resume, it would be a short novel. Then again, that is what makes me so darn good at anything I do........ LMAO!!! can't say that with a straight face, but I do have 4 or 5 different resumes I keep on file depending onwhat kind of job I would be applying for.


~C

 

I thought it would be interesting just knowing what different jobs you've had, not the when or where. every so often in your post it's - oh theres another one
Mine - mommy, clerk, florist, nothing :cry

 

LOL... in no specific order: Retail, Gas Station Attendant, Convenience Store manager, Car Sales, Phlebotomist (draw blood), Line cook, Waiter, dishwasher, bar cook, bouncer, bartender, fast food employe, maintenance worker, office cleaner, Truck loader, furniture finisher, repo man, tow truck driver, Adult Ed instructer (various computer classes), Cardiac Technician, PC and Cabling technician, Baker, Route Driver, Magazine sales, Medical Referral Technician (aka calltaker), Hair Stylist, and there are probalby some more that I can't think of right off the top of my head.

Comes from being a little on the hyoper sde and needing to keep doing something


~C

 

Looks like I am way too late to help . . .

 

You can never be took late to help. Everyone has different experiences/ways when writing a cover letter and I'm more then grateful to learn anything people have to offer

 

Imagine what you could rack up in another ten years or so

 

Actually, I'm trying to settle down now


~C

 

It's good to find your niche, and be paid, better yet!

 

True.... kinda wish I had taekn up hairstyling a long time ago, but I don't think I would appreciate it as much if I had


~C

 

Hey Dyamond!

You certainly had some good responses. Hopefully this input will come in useful for future job applications.

Best way to attack a covering letter is to focus on the criteria noted in the job description and highlight these in the letter to gain reader's attention (these can then be expanded in your Resume).

e.g. points you should have focused on for letter would have been based on keywords (criteria) from the ad, such as:

• fabulous and outgoing (not easily phased)
• busy (you're efficiency in such a busy work environment)
• coworkers (how well you work in a team environment)
• upward mobility (what strengths/value to the company you have to offer towards moving upward)
• fantastic, overqualified customer service receptionist (your communication skills, quality customer service)
• smart (how you can "think on your feet", go outside the square
• really good with people (accomplishments of dealing with different types of people, particularly difficult ones and excellent results)
• great personality (friendly, approachable manner)
• make something of themselves (personal ambition to rapidly gain knowledge of the company and progress through it)
• familiarity with Macs (even if you don't have the skill, you are quick to learn different computer types/systems)

You need to address each above criteria with an example of situation and positive outcome...and ensure spelling is correct and try to stick to a one page cover letter with up to a 3 page Resume!

Re the personality quiz for "We want to get a sense of who you are": - wouldn't hurt to check out some websites on psychometrics type tests that cover personality to give you a feel and general taste of what is involved before you attempt the personality quiz they offer.

Hope that helps for any future job seeking.

Cheers

LS

...and email the results, along with your resume and cover letter, to katherine@springboardmedia.com

 

Thanks http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/emoticons7/9.gif

And thanks again everyone, I'll let ya know!!