I found quite a few jobs that look promising. (In case you haven't figured out already, most jobs I've run across want someone with 5-7 years experience or they are looking for someone with an ACTUAL degree. I say these jobs look promising because they didn't fall under these two categories). I decided to do the next step; look up the company and learn something about them first.

Whether or not they will be able to tell I know more about their company will be all determined in interviews I'm sure. I figure to stand out in this job market, I need to learn about a company and show interest (other than for the paycheck). I have to have the skills to do the job right, and to get things done, otherwise they wouldn't want me, right? So, I spent some time thinking about how I would write cover letters.

I thought back to Dr. Clancey's class. The one about technical writing. Ahh... he's a Packer fan. Gotta love the guy! Oh... right... back on track, Carisa. So, anyways, in that class we learned how to write cover letters and spruce up our resumes. I know my resume is up to snuff, but I just had to recall the cover letter stuff. I remembered that the first paragraph should address the job interest, and where you found out about it. The second paragraph should have an example of how you might fit in or list relevant skills. The next paragraph should be something of interest to the reader, but not too unprofessional... then there's something else. and the closing paragraph, give an action for the reader to do. Call, email, fax, write, etc so you can follow up contact. Make sure to thank the reader, and if you haven't mentioned it already, mention that you have your resume attached.

That's pretty good advice. So I started writing cover letters. The first one was really generic. Sounded kinda stiff except for the part about having a dream about working with fellow animal lovers. (for a receptionist position at a Vet Hospital). So, then I wrote the second cover letter. It was a little more exact. Didn't sound super personal, didn't sound super professional. Just somewher in between. The last one I wrote (for today, anyways) was probably the best. I gave a specific job that was similiar to the one I was applying for and told why they were similiar. Then I explained that I would make a nice addition to their team without coming across as too pushy. Finally, I just ended it with the action for them to take.

Now that I have 3 different cover letters out there, I will see what one works best. They are for very similiar positions, so we shall see what the responses are (if any... and I'm hoping there are). I'm not saying they'll be banging down my door, but just some friendly response would be great. :)

Tomorrow, I plan to write some more cover letters and send out my resume to more companies (that I found I might be able to work for). But I've just gotten so tired today. I guess all that wacky sleep schedule switch-up has been making my body wanna protest.

So, I know I'll fall asleep with the feeling of satisfaction. Why? Because I actually did something productive today. Yay me! :)

Carisa