Should you submit a cover letter

3 Reasons You Need a Cover Letter

Many people participating in the job search process may skip this step of creating a professional cover letter for each application, but it’s so important to include it, and here’s why:

  1. Shows Effort – Anyone can upload a file with their work history, this takes very little effort to submit a ready resume. However, your cover letter should be tailored to the job you’re applying for. It shows you are very interested and willing to put in the effort.  Even if the recruiter glazes over it, which yes some do, it will show you’re committed to earning the position and going above and beyond even when not asked. Don’t take chances with your chances. This is one more thing you can do that will prove you want the position.
  2. Required for some Postings – This one is obvious, but if the job posting says it’s required, then you had better submit a cover letter if you want a chance. A cover letter shows effort, as discussed above, and it shows you follow directions. You’d be surprised how many people don’t submit all of the required or requested documents during the application process. Make sure you complete all requirements when applying for a position, however tedious it may seem.
  3. Showcases your Value – It is essentially a one-page elevator pitch. If the position requires certain experience, and your resume shows the same experience as another candidate, the cover letter is what shows your value. It shows that you write well, you know how to sell yourself, and gives you an opportunity to tout some of your unique skills.

Don’t miss out on a great opportunity just because you don’t know how to write one! Contact or call Heartland Resumes at 402-02-215-8238 to increase your chances of landing your dream career.

interview question

Why You Need an Interview Coach

When you are thinking about your upcoming interview, do you start to sweat and get butterflies in your stomach? Have you ever frozen up during a job interview? Interviewing is something that requires practice, just like anything else. Many people looking for careers don’t have a lot of experience interviewing. You are not alone. It’s time to consider an interview coach.

Without preparation, you are setting yourself up to fail. You should hire an experienced interview coach to help you prepare for your upcoming interviews. Our interview coaches will facilitate a series of mock interviews and will provide real-time feedback. If you have an area that you need to work on such as body language, explaining scenarios, or confidence, we are here to help!

Reasons you need an interview coach:

1. Phone screening

This is stage zero of the job interview process. If you can’t make it past the phone screen, you are not getting a real chance. Whether the call was scheduled or not, your coach can help you with building confidence and interview skills to keep moving forward to the next step. 

2. Your elevator pitch

If you are entering the workforce or a seasoned professional, crafting your elevator pitch is an intimidating task. How are you supposed to summarize all of your experiences, hopes, and dreams in 30 seconds? Your interview coach will help you to perfect your elevator pitch. You will not only be able to use this for interviews but for years to come at networking events, in your LinkedIn profile, and during phone screenings. 

3. “Tell me about a time.” 

Behavioral interviewing is one of the most common interview styles; many people show up unprepared with scenarios. It’s crucial that during the behavioral interview, you can think on your feet. You need to be ready to recall multiple specific experiences and be able to connect those experiences back to a question, all while sharing some of your most positive skills and attributes. 

4. Salary Negotiations

After you receive the job offer, you are so excited that you forget to or you’re too nervous to talk about salary. Your interview coach will help you practice your negotiating techniques. Negotiating salary is a delicate task because you do not want to insult the hiring manager, but you also want to be compensated according to your value.

Contact or call Heartland Resumes to hire an interview coach today! 402-215-8238

Tips to Consider This April Fool’s Day at Work

Ah, the first of April means the beginning of Spring–and of course, a day where many people partake in office pranks. While having fun at work is important, it’s very important to consider a few things before you fool your co-workers into doing something embarrassing.

  1. Consider your company culture – What is the culture like in your office? While some office cultures can be silly and playful, some offices are more serious and practical. Be careful to consider your company culture before pulling a prank.
  2. Think about your audience – Not everyone shares the same kind of humor that you do, so be careful to consider your audience first. What one person finds hilarious might be way out of line for someone else. Be sure that you know what you’re getting into before you pull a prank on an unwitting victim.
  3. Keep it “G-rated” & work appropriate – It’s never okay to talk about things like race, religion, or sexual orientation. If you’re going to pull a prank, it should be very simple and professional. Don’t do anything that will get you in trouble, or will hurt someone’s feelings.