Just a girl from Detroit Job Ready

Should you always use a cover letter when applying to jobs?  I will leave that for your discretion. Personally, I don't include a cover letter each time I have applied for jobs. However, I will provide you with 4 reasons of when to include your cover letter. First, let’s start with the basics.  What is a cover letter? A cover letter is an introduction or proposal to your resume. The goal is to get the reader to look at your resume. A professional cover letter can contain,  2-3 short paragraphs with some of your key strengths and skills. Example, introduce yourself and tell how you learned about the position in first paragraph; Next, mention key aspects of your experience and strengths and last mention how you believe you are a good match and refer the reader to your resume.   Cover letters are meant to be tailored to  each  job you apply to.  When should I include a cover letter? Required . If the position y...

I have had recruiters text message me about a job opening. I don't feel it's appropriate to text in place of a call or an email. (Especially if I did not give permission when and if I applied). I have had bad experiences when recruiters text. Personally, I feel there is no way for me to know it's really a recruiter, and it's a lazy way to do the job professionally. It's too many scams out here. I am very cautious because I have been a victim. When a recruiter uses email to communicate, you will see their contact or information related to the company they represent. Links you can click on about the company to see the validity. I also believe texting first, is not a good step to represent their company or build a rapport with the candidate. Well, I don't think the first contact is to text a prospective candidate. For me, it's a red flag on proper communication. Reach out and call first, it's the basic way to build rapport. If they don't answer leave a ...

I have a friend that I used to work with that says, "Stay ready so that you don't have to get ready". She is always prepared and very knowledgeable. Trust me she stays ready. You have to put in the work, so be job-ready! Part 3: Be prepared/Follow up A recruiter’s pet peeve is a prospective candidate who looks good on paper but cannot convey their job experiences and skills well or at all. Here is what you can do to be job-ready. Be prepared before and during a phone interview, video interview, and or in-person interview. Be yourself,  be comfortable. Think positive, and smile when you are talking. For every job for the past 10 years keep a list of the job duties you did. What did you do? What tools, programs, equipment, type of machines you used, etc. Explain your typical day. Make sure your skills match what you are applying for. If you are trying to change careers let me help you change your resume so your skills can stand out.  Practice your elevator speech...

It can be frustrating job searching, interviewing and not getting hired. Even filling out hundreds of applications and not getting call backs can test your patience. Trust me I have been there. Job hunting is a job in itself. As my father says, you can't expect different results doing the same thing. Definitely change it up! I will go over some basic changes in 3 parts. Part 1. Your resume' (or lack of) Part 2. Networking/Social Media Part 3. Be prepared/Follow up Part I: Resume Do you have a resume? If so, is it up to date? Do you change it to fit the job description details of the job you are applying for? If you do not have a resume or work experience, I can still help you create one. What is a resume?  A resume is a document usually 1-2 pages that includes your name, contact information, work history (up to 10 years), education, and skill set, as well as enhancing it with a summary, accomplishments, and credentials. A resume is a quick marketing tool to pres...