How to Start a Cover Letter [Introduction 25+ Opening Lines]

How to Start a Cover Letter [Introduction 25+ Opening Lines] Youve got your resume locked down, and youre ready to turn in your job application.But that damn cover letter.Youve been staring at your blank screen for what must be weeks now. Here and there you think you have a bolt of inspiration, only to think better after a sentence and revert back to an empty document.How to start a cover letter?Relax.In this guide, well show you how to start a cover letter perfectly and captivate the hiring manager enough to want to immediately call you in for an interview.Well craft a professional cover letter introduction, and well sort out all the header details while were at it.Want to write your cover letter fast?Use our cover letter builder. Choose from20+ professional cover letter templatesthat match your resume. See actionable examples and get expert tips along the way.Sample Cover Letter for a ResumeSee more cover letter templates and create your cover letter here.One of our users, Nikos, had this to say:[I used] a nice template I found on Zety. My r esume is now one page long, not three. With the same stuff.Create your resume nowTable of Contents:Best Ways to Start a Cover Letter (25+ Examples Methods)How to Start a Cover Letter (Step-by-Step Guide)Cover Letter SalutationCover Letter Opening LinesHow *NOT* to Start a Cover Letter (Common Mistakes Bad Examples)Addressing a Cover Letter Formatting the Heading AreaKey Takeaway125+ Examples of Ways to Start a Cover LetterLooking for the single best way to start a cover letter?It doesnt exist.Each cover letter intro should be tailored to that particular job, company, hiring manager, and situation.There are quite a few ways to go about how to begin a cover letter, from showing your enthusiasm to using a direct approach.Here are the best and most effective cover letter opening sentence examples:1. Submit an Accomplishment or Your Impressive BackgroundHere are three examples of how to open a cover letter using something impressive about yourself:Im an elementary school teacher with 5+ years of experience leading classrooms of 20+ children in the 4th and 5th grades. During my employment at Westbrook Elementary, I was able to bring the average score up by 10 points, playing a role in allowing Westbrook to rise from the bottom of the states rankings. I would love to implement a similar strategy over at Sallyport Middle School.Currently a web developer with more than 3 years of experience in front end development, I recently earned a W3C FEWDC certification. Im skilled in HTML, JS, CSS, JS libraries, and Agile methodology. I also actualized a new responsive site design which helped to increase returning visitors by 25%. I believe I make a strong candidate for the senior front end developer position, and I eagerly submit my job application.As a longtime fan of Cisco's internal certifications, I was excited to see your project manager opening. With my experience cutting costs 55% for VMware while dropping lead times 35% and boosting quality, I think I can help with Cisco's current challenges as I continue to expand my skill set.Starting a cover letter with a brief humblebrag about your past wins is super effective with hiring managers for performance-centric positions. Always use numbers to quantify achievementsits way more effective to prove your skills rather than just say you have them.Accomplishments in your cover letter opening lines are awesome on IT cover letters, project manager cover letters, and CNA cover letters.2. Show You Love the Company Are Aware of Its NeedsHere are two examples of how to start cover letters by showing youre a huge fan or mindful of their requirements:Currently, Im a barista at the Starbucks over on Elm Street, but today I just came across your job ad for a server at Freddys Bar Grill and Im thrilled to officially apply for the position. Living just 3 blocks away from Freddys, I pass by each day during my commute and get hunger pangs from the aromas wafting out. Once a month, I make my friends come over from the other side of the river to devour some of your ribs; they dont mind the distance, and I dont blame them.The Boston Consulting Group's emphasis on employee development is why I'm so excited about this position. My 98% client satisfaction rate at Deloitte owes a lot to my commitment to constant skills improvement. I'm excited to see where I could take your client KPIs within such a well-constructed system.Customizing a cover letter to match the job requirements is crucial to its success. What better way to tailor your cover letter intro to the company than by showing your love for it or your recognition of their objectives?This strategy for cover letter opening paragraphs is awesome for jobs where names matter, such as architecture cover letters, paralegal cover letters, consulting cover letters, and internship cover letters.3. Name-Drop by Saying You Know Someone RelevantDid someone internal refer you to the job? Let them know with this method for cover letter opening sentences:Y our colleague, Jennifer Shannon, suggested I apply to the content editor position as she is well aware of my love for the English language and storytelling. Ive followed Strapped Medias blog for some time now, and I would be honored to be a part of it. With my background as a copywriter, I know I have the skills and experience needed to be a valuable asset on your marketing team.As a web designer for the past decade, I've collaborated with many people on various projects, large and small. Recently, I had the opportunity to work with James Ellegaard. After working together for several weeks, he recommended that I apply to join the Product Design team at Osiris Visuals. With my 100% client satisfaction ratings, I believe I am the right candidate to hire as the next graphic designer.Internal referrals give you a huge advantage over other candidates. The hiring manager was just notified of a colleagues confidence in your abilities, so theyll definitely pay closer attention to your job a pplication.Name-dropping an employee or former worker is effective in most scenarios, but it can be particularly great when writing a cover letter with no experience.4. Exude Enthusiasm, Excitement and PassionAre you excited about this particular job opening youre applying to?Dont tone it down.Here are a few examples of enthusiastic cover letter openings:I was browsing through Facebook just now, minding my own business, when I came across your ad seeking an English-Swahili translator. Not only are they both native languages for me, but I also have 3+ years of experience translating documents between the two languages already. And, the cherry on topI live just 10 minutes away from your office! This ad really felt amazingly fortuitous for me, and I eagerly send you my official application for the translating position.After sending off about 10 applications for area jobs in marketing, I came across your job post in search of a social media specialist. Ive always admired Jensens brand o f socially-conscious advertisements, and I cant believe that theres an opportunity for me to be a part of it! As a marketer with 3+ years of experience posting conversion-optimized Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram posts, I just know Id be a perfect fit.Showing passion is always in fashion in cover letter introductions. They are looking for a human, after all, not the robots wholl replace us a decade from now.So, show some color. Use an exclamation mark. Make them feel your excitement for the job through your cover letter opening statement.Passionate paragraphs make good cover letter openings, but they dont work everywhere. Avoid them in formal situations, such as on a librarian cover letter, pharmacist cover letter, or a journalism cover letter, as they can be a bit over the top.5. Drop Some Knowledge of Their Current Events or NewsHere are a couple of ways of starting a cover letter using news or current events about the company as a talking point:Yesterday, I stumbled across the news that Jedno Corporation has set a strict goal to reduce their carbon footprint to zero by 2025. I applaud your companys goal, and one thing led to another and I found a perfect specialist position waiting to be filled on your careers page. I would love to be a part of Jednos historic reduction in dependence on fossil fuels.Griswold Groups change in course from an online retailer to an exchange platform is why I was so excited when I came across your job ad for a new office manager. I have always been a supporter of freely-accessible platforms, and your new direction matches my ideals perfectly. I believe my experience as an office assistant in the past will make me a great office manager at Griswold Group.Know something specific about the company that recently happened? Mentioning it shows youre well informed and interested in the company.This cover letter greeting works well when youre applying to a position close to where the news affects most. For example, its less relevant to talk about major Marriott Hotel corporate news if youre writing a local hotel front desk receptionist cover letter.6. Display Some Creativity HumorWant to show the HR manager youre their perfect choice? Learn how to start off a cover letter using creativity or humor:You posted a job ad for a line cook for the Red Sparrow Restaurants kitchen staff. I would love to apply for the position, as I can make a reduction like no ones business, do crazy utensil-flipping tricks like those chefs at Benihana, and cook a steak people fight over. Also, if you hire me, Im a size small, so it could save you money when you order chef jackets (compared to hiring some larger candidates).I dont know an algorithm from an aardvark, but I do know customer service. Having worked as a CSR for the last 3 years, I believe Ive made more people happy than Dan Harris. Though I didnt always give customers the answer they were looking for, my communications left the customers I dealt with satisfied with the out come. Well, all except this one guy, who just wouldnt take my calls. But, other than that, pure success!Disclaimer:Use at your own risk. Creative sentences or hilarious one-liners can make great cover letter openers. But they can also backfire.Like too much enthusiasm, though, avoid letting your inner child out on more formal cover letter intros, such as on a research assistant cover letter, nursing cover letter, or an academic cover letter.7. Inform the Company What You Can Offer ThemHere are some ideas about how to start a cover letter greeting by informing them what you can offer:Having just come across your job posting for a senior financial analyst, I believe I have the ideal mix of skills and past experience to be a top candidate. Having worked as a financial analyst with Poole Sons for over 4 years, my work there has enabled them to cut error rates by 30% while improving efficiency by 15%. If hired as the senior financial analyst at Standard Financial, Im certain I would be able to bring the same level of commitment and results along with me.As a recent graduate of the Italian cuisine route at the International Culinary School, I was thrilled to find your ad for a new chef at Trattoria Antica Maddalena. Not only was I the highest-scoring student in my studies, but I also have previous experience preparing the traditional foods of Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Emilia-Romagna during my part-time employment throughout my classes. I know I would bring a high level of quality and skill to your restaurant if you consider me for the position.Employers are on a missionto find a candidate who offers their company the best bang for their buck. By letting them know what you bring to the table straight away, youll have a compelling cover letter introduction.This way of writing the first paragraph is perfect for a career change cover letter, for instance, as youll need to go further to convince them youre a better fit than your competitors with industry experience.8. B e DirectHere is how to begin cover letters by being straightforward about your intentions:Id like to officially submit my application for the manager position at Smiths Wholesale Club. With 5+ years of experience as a supervisor at Costco, Ive developed a knack for effective, empathetic leadership and easily discernible results. I know that my supervisory experience and sales floor skills make me a perfect prospect to be one of Smiths management staff.After seeing the poster for a new cashier at Gapescoat Grocery in the window earlier today, I am excited to formally apply for the position. Having worked at the Stop Fill just a few blocks from your store, I am sure that my customer service skills, mathematical abilities, and cash-handling experience give me an excellent advantage as a candidate. If youd give me the time to come in for an interview, I know Id be able to alleviate any lingering doubts or questions you may have.Sometimes beating around the bush turns an employer off. I f you think thats the case on this particular job application, you can just state that youre applying for the job in your cover letter beginning.These cover letter greetings are perfect for job applications which attract lots of applicants (such as a sales cover letter, customer service cover letter, or web developer cover letter). Cutting to the chase with a simple-yet-powerful cover letter introduction ensures you arent passed by before youve even made your pitch.9. Woo the Hiring Manager SpecificallyHere are two cover letter introduction examples of how to open by charming the employer or HR representative reading it:I recently had the honor of reading your guide on how SEO will change over the coming decade. Amazing stuff, Sarah! Recently, I saw a position open up for another junior content specialist to join your team of writers, and I knew I had to jump at the chance. As a content marketer myself, Ive loved the posts youve published on the topic, and it would be an honor and a privilege to be able to research, write, and edit articles related to SEO, SEM, and other related fields.For the last few years, Ive come to you and your team at Thompsons Taxation when Ive needed to file my returns. After trying it on my own several years ago, your team was able to find me deductions I hadnt thought about, saving me several thousand dollars in the process. Now Ive earned my certification as a professional accountant, and theres no other firm Id like to work for.When writing a cover letter, you dont have to impress the entire company (at first). You only need to influence the HR specialist reading your application. So, why not try a cover letter intro paragraph that does just that?Use these for less formal job openings where creativity is key, such as on a graphic design cover letter or marketing cover letter. Avoid these particular cover letter starters on a medical assistant cover letter or architecture cover letter, for example.10. Tell Them Something They Don't KnowSave the obvious or redundant points for the next job applicant. Heres how to keep things fresh in cover letter opening statements:Attached alongside this cover letter is my resume for the supervisor position. Because of its purpose as a place to give hard facts and figures, I used a lot of numbers in there related to successes I enjoyed during that time. However, what those numbers are unable to show is just how personable my brand of management really is. Whether its giving feedback to my team members or helping a customer with a question, I have always strived to be friendly and patient. It would be wonderful if I could bring this same brand of service over to Cohens as the future shift supervisor.As I applied for your opening for the admin assistant role, it was fun to update my resume with my current secretarial position. Unfortunately, my resume was unable to highlight my personality, so Id like to go into that a bit here. As an office secretary, I did all the tasks I lis ted on my resume, and I did them well, as the numbers I listed is meant to imply. However, I came each day to work with the goal of making my coworkers and our clients lives easier, through a combination of friendly service, anticipation of needs, and unflappable demeanor.An opening paragraph cover letter statement is meant to inform the HR manager of your application to the job. However, dont just repeat your resume. Use this extra real estate to talk about something theyre unaware of for a captivating cover letter intro.Try this tactic out on an administrative assistant cover letter, data analyst cover letter, or accounting cover letter, where your words can paint a picture on top of the numbers you documented in the resume.11. Craft a Powerful Belief StatementFinally, here is how to open cover letters by utilizing a powerful belief statement:As a web developer, I believe every person should be able to access the internet on any device, unrestricted, and in an efficient manner. I admire Johnson Gilchrists commitment to bringing affordable electronics and unfettered network connectivity to the less fortunate. I would love to be a part of your praiseworthy efforts and submit to you my official application for the back end developer position.Growing up in Chicago, I was blessed with access to world-class galleries, museums, and educators, among other things. I know my childhood benefitted from how easily accessible these formative experiences were. Knowing that, I believe every child has the right to the best education, and Id like to apply as the art teacher candidate for the opening at Midwood High School.A belief statement directly states a particular idea or value you care deeply about, often reflecting the companys opinion, as well.Belief statements used in cover letter beginnings can be quite powerful, especially for executive assistant cover letters, manager cover letters,teacher cover letters,and consulting cover letters.2How to Start a Cover Letter (S tep-by-Step Guide and a Ready-to-Use Template)The king himself, Stephen King, says, there's one thing I'm sure about. An opening line should invite the reader to begin the story. It should say: Listen. Come in here. You want to know about this.Your cover letter is a story, a brief autobiography.Like any great story, it needs to draw the reader in, make them want to read on, and encourage them to pick up your resume and call you in for an interview.How?Start with their name.How to Write a Cover Letter SalutationThe salutation, or greeting, of a cover letter is often given little thought, if any at all.However, it easily sets the tone for the reader.How?Have a look at these two salutations for cover letters:Bad ExampleDear Sir or Madam:Good ExampleDear Jason:When a hiring manager receives a cover letter with the first introduction example, they may think oh fun, another generic cover letter to look at.Not so on the second one. You took the time to find out their nameits looking promis ing already. Studies have shown that using someones name is more likely to earn the desired result, whether for a sale or a job interview.To find their name, check the companys website or LinkedIn. If those dont work, you could even call up the receptionist.First name is immediately engaging, but last name is still way better than nothing. According to a recent recruiting industry survey, 19% of applicants who reached out directly to the hiring manager scored the job, but only a mere 0.14% of candidates tried to do so!On a more formal cover letter, it may be better to use their title and surname only.But, how to start a cover letter with no name?If you cant find the name of the person to whom youll address the cover letter, dont worry; all is not lost.In that case, try one of these:Dear Hiring Manager:Dear Marketing Department Lead:To Whom It May Concern:Be as specific as possible. You may not know their name, but try to figure out the job title of the person who will handle your em ployment process. This way, youll still show you put in the work.How to Craft a Great Cover Letter Opening StatementWe gave you plenty of cover letter examples for opening paragraphs already.But, here are general guidelines and suggestions to help you craft a great cover letter intro:Personalize it to the company and the job position.Engage the reader with creativity, humor, or an interesting story.Show them youre enthusiastic and excited about the chance to work with them.Be sincere and direct.Dont waste their time with irrelevant sentences.Combine the various cover letter opening statement methods for a truly powerful introduction.Feeling lazy?Heres a simple-but-powerful cover letter template to use as an example:Dear[First Name]:I was excited to come across the[Job Title]position over at[Company Name]. As a[Current Job Title]with[# of Years]years of experience, I have become quite talented in[Relevant Skills Job-Related Abilities]. Im also proud to count[Quantifiable Accomplishm ent or a Particular Win]among my various professional achievements. I would love the opportunity to bring these skills and the same quality of service to[Company Name]as the next[Job Title].Feel free to copy and paste this one, fill in the placeholders with your information, and use it as your cover letter introduction!When making a resume in our builder, drag drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check. Start building your resume here.Create my resume nowWhen youre done, Zetys resume builder will score your resume and tell you exactly how to make it better.3How *NOT* to Start a Cover Letter (Common Mistakes)Weve now gone over plenty of cover letter introductions, with dozens of examples of great cover letter openings.NowHere are a few rules to follow on what to avoid when you start a cover letter:1. BeggingYou need this job.Maybe desperately, even.But begging for it never makes for strong cover letter openings.Make the case for why they should pi ck you as best as you can, and then cross your fingers and wait. If you craft a good cover letter intro as we showed you above, youll have an interview-winning application without having to lose your dignity in the process.2. Making it All About YouYou want a job.And youd love to have great pay, a competitive benefits package, and unparalleled professional challenges.However, when a company is sifting through their stack of applications, they are concerned first with what is best for the company. Learning about what you want out of the deal is irrelevant if they havent yet been introduced with your skills, experience, and background.Save talking about what you want out of the deal for laterwhich usually means not in the cover letter intro.3. BraggingIts one thing to bring up your wins and achievements in a professional manner.Its another thing entirely to brag.Boasting, pretentiousness, and snobbishness is no way of securing an interview. The employer does have to work with you, aft er all. Aim for the humblebrag when talking about accomplishments.4. Including Something IrrelevantYour cover letter should be no more than a page, and thats including your contact details and theirs.You probably dont have any room to talk about something unrelated, but if you do, dont. Its better to keep it shorter and to-the-point rather than to go off on a tangent.5. Winging ItAlways research the company to which youre applying.This will help you write a powerful cover letter by letting you focus on what matters to them. As a bonusyoure also now way more prepared for the interview.6. Being GenericI get itcover letters are hard.But think of it this way: You can write one generic cover letter and send it to a hundred companies; maybe youll get two or three replies back.OrSend one tailored cover letter each to ten companies and also receive two or three replies back.Not so hard a choice after all, now is it?7. Weak Endings to Close the Cover LetterYou wrote the best cover letter int roduction everAnd they still denied you an interview.What went wrong?Starting off great is, well, great, but dont expect an interview if you cant seal the deal with a powerful cover letter close, as well. Learn how to end a cover letter properly here: How to End a Cover Letter [20+ Examples of Great Closing Paragraphs]4Addressing a Cover Letter Formatting the Heading AreaLast but not leastThe address on a cover letter.Since a cover letter is usually a formal document, follow business letter format when writing. This means your details go first, then the date of writing, and then the recipients name and address.Left align everything, unless you choose a particular cover letter template designed otherwise.Heres a sample template for how to address a cover letter header:[Your First Last Names][Your Mailing Address][Phone Number][Email Address][Date of Writing][Managers Name][Managers Job Title][Companys Name][Companys Street Address][City, State and Zip Code]Just copy and paste that above template to use in your cover letter heading area.Easy peasy!For more on the ins and outs of addressing cover letters, see this guide: How to Address a Cover Letter: Sample Guide [20+ Examples]And if youre looking for general advice on how to write a cover letter, try this guide: How to Write a Cover Letter for a Resume (12+ Job-Winning Examples)You should always aim to keep your cover letter brief but impactful, learn more here: Short Cover Letter Examples for a Speedy Job ApplicationKey TakeawayStarting a cover letter isnt so hard after all, right?You dont have to stick to the same, boring cover letter introduction you learned in high school, as there are plenty of ways to go about it.Here is how to start a cover letter:Tailor it specifically to this one job offer, this one company, and this one hiring manager.There are many angles from which to attack your cover letter introduction: be creative, name-drop a colleague, talk up your achievements, etc.You dont have to choose just one type of cover letter beginning; include a bit of several to create a cover letter opening statement thats truly compelling.Find the hiring managers name whenever possible. Youll use it in the cover letter salutation as well as in the cover letter address.Dont stop here! Writing a great cover letter opening line and first paragraph is an awesome start, but finish strong in the rest of it if you want them to reply.Hey, thanks for reading our guide on how to begin a cover letter! We hope it helped you out. If you have any questions on writing a salutation for cover letters or how to start a cover letter when you dont have their name, leave a comment below. Well get back to you ASAP!

How to Utilize Healthcare Resume Writing Services

How to Utilize Healthcare Resume Writing ServicesThere are many people who have taken advantage of the numerous healthcare resume writing services available online. These resume services are able to provide individuals with healthcare resume writing services that are sure to be able to help you get that excellent job you have always wanted. In order to obtain the best service, you will need to use the internet to find out which companies offer the most exceptional services, and which offer the best prices.Finding a company that offers the healthcare resume writing services that you need can be as simple as making a quick search on the internet. All you need to do is type in the name of the company that you would like to utilize in your search. Once you do this, the website should provide you with a list of various companies that offer the service that you are looking for.Once you have gone through the list, you will want to take a closer look at the specific companies. To help make t his process easier, you will want to use the key words 'credible healthcare resume writing services' on any website that you are planning on using. This will allow you to compare all of the companies that you are interested in and will eliminate the time consuming task of comparing each company's reputation on the internet.Even though there are numerous services that offer resume writing services, it does not mean that they all offer the same quality service. It is important that you use a service that is able to help you land the job that you have always wanted. This is an important step when trying to obtain employment and will ensure that you get that job with the highest chance of success.The best way to ensure that you are able to find the services that you need is to use the internet on a regular basis. You will want to keep track of the companies that you are considering for the healthcare resume writing services that you are looking for. You will be able to contact them at a ny time with any questions that you may have about the services that they provide.Not only will you be able to contact the different companies that you are interested in, but you will also be able to ask them any questions that you may have, as well. When you begin the process of seeking out the best services available, you will want to make sure that you find out how much each service costs. Having this information will make it easy for you to compare the prices of the different companies that you are considering.By finding the service that you need, you will have made your job search much easier. Not only will this make it possible for you to find the job that you want, but it will also make it easier for you to get the job that you are looking for. When you are able to secure the job that you are looking for, you will be able to make the most of your time while working and will not have to worry about what will happen if you do not get the job that you are looking for.There are m any benefits to finding the healthcare resume writing services that you need online. Make sure that you look into each company that you are considering and be sure to take the time to compare the prices and services that they offer. This will make it easier for you to determine which one is the best option for you.

Five Tips for a Smooth Job Relocation

Five Tips for a Smooth Job Relocation For some people, a job relocation is exciting. But for most people, it’s viewed with skepticism and dread. Between moving, finding housing, and meeting new friends, the process can be quite challenging. It doesn’t have to be painful, though. How to Make Your Job Relocation as Smooth as Possible If you work in a large organization with lots of different locations and room for upward mobility, then you’re eventually going to be asked to relocate in order to keep moving up. It just comes with the territory. And while there will be plenty of times when you’re sad to leave, there’s always room for optimism. Here are some tips for making the relocation process as smooth as possible. Negotiate Better Relocation Benefits When a company relocates you, they’re almost always going to provide some sort of relocation assistance. Some packages are better than others, but remember that you have the right to negotiate your benefits â€" especially if you’re relocating to take a job with a new employer. Most businesses will provide a relocation package that includes an allowance for moving expenses, as well as temporary housing for the first few weeks. If you feel like you need more time or money, negotiate it as part of your job offer. Research the Area Before moving to the area, make sure you do your research. While you might think you have an idea of what a city is like, your impression is probably a little different than reality. Take a look at things like weather, amenities, sites and attractions, cost of living, schools (if you have kids), and areas where real estate is appreciating and declining. Not only will this help you connect with the city, but it’ll also prove handy when it comes to securing housing. Find the Right Housing Speaking of housing, you don’t want to make any rash decisions. You have a variety of options â€" including rentals, townhomes, and single-family homes .   And you’ll want to be sure you’re making the smart choice. For those who want a new house, but don’t have the time to wait for new construction, quick move-in ready homes â€" like these from Candlelight â€" are the way to go. They give you a chance to live in a new house without the extended process. Simplify the Move One of the reasons moving is so stressful is that it takes forever to pack up your belongings, load them in a truck, and unpack upon arrival. You can simplify this process rather dramatically by decluttering prior to the move. According to moving industry professional Joshua Green, you should sell, donate, or dispose of anything that falls into these categories: broken or worn out items, clothes and shoes you haven’t worn in a while, items past their expiration date, duplicate household items, books, and forgotten items. Get Plugged In While it’s tempting to spend the first few weeks after a relocation unpacking, getting your house perfect, and trying to relax, don’t delay in meeting new people. The sooner you focus on building friendships, the easier it will be. Being the new guy or gal in town has its perks and is a great way to meet people. It gives you an immediate conversation starter and will appeal to people who are used to dealing with locals. While you’ll definitely want to make some work friends, it’s helpful to forge relationships outside of work. This provides some work-life balance and ensures you aren’t putting all your eggs in the same basket. Outside of work, you can find friendships in your neighborhood, at churches and religious institutions, in recreational sports leagues, and through mutual work connections. It’ll probably take a little longer to develop deep relationships, but keep working at it. Pretty soon you’ll have a group of friends (and some semblance of a social life again). Relocate Without the Stress  When you keep these tips and tricks in the back of your mind, you’ll eliminate a lot of the traditional pain points that exist with a relocation. You may even find the process to be fun and exciting. Don’t delay in planning â€" get started today!

What You Missed This Week at CCG - Classy Career Girl

What You Missed This Week at CCG Happy weekend! Time to get caught up on what you missed this week and get one step closer to making your dream life happen! From implementing a blog routine  to building an online course  and  staying productive in life,  we’ve got lots for you to check out this weekend. Here’s What You Missed This Week at CCG: How to  Implement a Blogging Routine With a Busy Schedule Welcome to CCGTV! This is a daily video show where I answer your questions! Every weekday on  YouTube, I’ll be answering YOUR questions and I am super excited!! If you have a question you would like me to answer on a future episode of CCGTV, leave a comment below or email me atanna@classycareergirl.com. How to Rock Your LinkedIn Profile in 8 Steps Social media is ruling the world. In the professional aspect, you either have a LinkedIn profile or you don’t exist… How Long Does It Take to Build an Online Course? Welcome to  CCGTV! This is a daily video show where I answer your questions! Every weekday, I’ll be answering YOUR questions and I am super excited!!  Make sure you subscribe on YouTube to stay up to date. If you have a question you would like me to answer on a future episode of CCGTV, leave a comment below or email me at anna@classycareergirl.com. 7 Things That Make Successful Women Different Women differ in their attitude towards life and their success levels are different, too. There’s a difference in mindset and leadership in successful women who try to improve themselves as much as possible throughout their lifetime. Generally, all successful women make sure they make the right choices and decisions. They set priorities in their lives. Regardless of what those priorities are, they have these common traits that contribute to them becoming successful and powerful. 36 Life-Changing Productivity Hacks to Streamline Your Life You aren’t going to streamline and improve your life if you are feeling like there is not enough time in the day. In order to be able to master your next career transition, you have to be able to master your life right now.  That starts with good time management habits. How to Act Natural on Camera When Making Videos Question: “How do you act natural in front of the camera? What do you do if you feel bad watching your own videos?”-Anonymous Related Post: What You Missed: Practical Tips and Free Learning From Experts

Tips For Choosing the Best Resume Writing Service

Tips For Choosing the Best Resume Writing ServiceIf you have a job to get into, then hiring a resume writing service for your needs is something that you need to consider. This will give you the ability to obtain a professional looking document so that you are able to appear at your first interview in the best possible light.These companies have offices in several different cities across the United States, and are all professionals who work together to make sure that their clients are satisfied with the results of their job. Because of this, many people have made the decision to get this type of service to create a well-written document that they can use at their first job interview. Some people want to give themselves an advantage with this, and in this article we will discuss a few tips that you can use to help you choose the best one for you.The first thing that you want to look for when choosing a service is that the professional does not assume that it is the responsibility of t he applicant to do everything on the job. The goal of a professional company is to make sure that the resume is professional looking and up to date. If you are on a budget, then you should expect the same service from these types of services that you would get from someone who is charging much more. In fact, there are some services that are offered for free.The next thing that you need to look for is that they do provide a portfolio of samples so that you can see how they are going to present the information in the resume to you. Most services offer sample portfolios, and it will let you know that they are not selling you something, but are simply providing information so that you can choose the company that you think is going to be the best for you. Having a portfolio is definitely something that you want to look for when choosing a service.Lastly, they should allow you to give feedback about what you think of the resume. Since you are working with a professional company, you are g oing to be working with them for a very long time. You want to be able to get an idea of what the quality of their work is like. By being able to give feedback at the beginning of the process, you will be able to avoid wasting time later on when you have an actual job interview to attend to.When you find a professional resume writing service, make sure that you understand the work that they do so that you know exactly what you are getting. You should ask for examples of past projects so that you can see what the general standards are. Make sure that you ask if there were any mistakes in the project or if they did not follow your instructions completely and then give feedback.Another thing that you want to do is have a plan in place to ensure that you receive top quality for your money. The best way to ensure that you have all of the information that you need is to determine how many projects you want done, how often, and whether or not you want the company to offer a guarantee. If y ou are going to be signing a long term contract with the company, then you want to make sure that you are assured that they will do everything that you have asked for so that you do not have to worry about a thing.By asking these questions before you get started, you will be able to make sure that you are able to hire the best resume writing service for your needs. Remember that you should be looking for professionalism and a high standard, and this will ensure that you are able to hire the service that is going to work for you.

Not getting the results you want in your career Change the plan, not the goal. - Sterling Career Concepts

Not getting the results you want in your career Change the plan, not the goal. Not getting the results you want in your career? Change the plan, not the goal. We’ve been discussing career goals for 2014 in this series of posts. I’ve helped you define a plan by outlining the steps needed to achieve your goals. This post is the last of 4-part series and includes a one-two combo to wrap things up: take action, and measure progress. First, take action! With your tasks outlined, you now have a checklist of items to take action. If you are working through the steps and discover you need to add additional items, update your task list. You may also discover additional projects that need to be completed to make the next step â€" and the overall goal â€" easier to accomplish. You may also find that you need to make adjustments to your timeline. For example: If you discover that a six-month program to learn about social media would help you land your new marketing job, you might adjust your goal deadline to March 1, 2015, if the program won’t be completed until late December 2014. This would give you time to put some of the new skills into practice before you put them on your résumé. As you work your way through your task list, focus on the actions you are taking, realizing that if you are taking the right actions, these should eventually lead to the results you seek. Remember: If you’re not getting the results you want, change the plan, not the goal. Re-examine your tasks and see if there is something you are missing. It can also be helpful to get outside feedback. Enlisting the help of an accountability partner â€" a friend, family member, coach, résumé writer, or therapist â€" can provide valuable perspective on your progress. This individual can also keep you on track, making sure you are working through your task list. And if there is a specific area where you need help in order to cross the task off your list, be sure to ask for assistance. For example: Writing a résumé to support a career change can be difficult. Enlisting the help of a professional résumé writer can help you cross that task off your list. Keys to success â€" • What help or outside assistance do you need to reach your goal? • Who is your accountability partner? Second, measure progress! With long-term projects such as a job search, it can help to periodically assess where you are to make sure you’re on the right road. If you miss a step along the way â€" or take a “wrong turn” â€" you can find yourself a long way from your intended destination. Be sure to plan periodic assessments of your progress along the way. This can be a monthly “check-up” where you review your plan and make any necessary changes or a quarterly review. Key to success â€" • How close (or far away) are you to reaching your goal at this moment? • Do you need to make any adjustments in the goal, tasks, or deadline? Taking the time to think through â€" and plan out â€" your career roadmap is an important step in helping you create the career you want for yourself. If you don’t, you may find your career stuck or stalled. I wouldn’t want you to wake up next January 1st wondering, “Why am I still here?” If you want to achieve more in your professional life, invest some time and effort now in a career plan. Part of that investment may be hiring a career professional to create a resume or other career materials. To your career success!

Change made easier a BFF thank you - Hire Imaging

Change made easier a BFF thank you - Hire Imaging My husband and I recently experienced job relocation, moving from a very small northern Minnesota town, to the Twin Cities. Actually, we now have three locationsâ€"a permanent spot up north, a Metro rental and a central Minnesota base campâ€"plus a storage unit. Yes, I’m a career transition coach. That doesn’t mean I don’t experience the stress that goes with relocation. A lifelong friend powerfully helped with one invitation. Friends keep us grounded As with most friendships, it was by chance Aleen and I met; by choice we became friends. At age 19 and a college sophomore, I answered an ad to share a house with three other girls. Aleen and I clicked. She was (and is) the bossy one; I was (and still am, I guess) the passive aggressive one.   We were roommates for only a year. Aleen moved back to the metro and I stayed at school. Life went on. We never lost connection. For us, it was like nothing had changed. Friendship is a strange thing. Once this package has been opened, it’s not closed; it’s a constant book always waiting to be read and enjoyed. We were in each other’s weddings (another beautiful chance thing: her husband and mine came from the same town). We took some trips together. We were there to listen when the other lost loved ones. I remember calling her when my older son took his first steps. Now my younger son is getting married and Aleen is sharing one of her talents, decorating for our hosted rehearsal dinner. And we are planning a couples’ trip to Europe next year to celebrate Aleen and my birthdaysâ€"we were born five days apart in the same year. Over the past 40 years, I’ve met and enjoyed many friends. But I think the old saying is true: Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other’s gold.” New beginnings About ten years ago, my husband and I bought a lake home not far from Aleen and her husband’s lake place. What a gift to reunite, give our children the chance to enjoy this connection, and make memories. But our day-to-day lives were still apart. We lived and worked in separate cities all of our adulthood. Now, we live 15 minutes apart. With this latest relocationâ€"just two weeks in nowâ€" I’m trying to get my bearings. Although I think of it as an adventure, it’s not been without stress. Relocation of office and routine. A rental that was leftâ€"shall we sayâ€"in ill repair and in need of a thorough cleaning; and my son’s upcoming wedding just weeks away. And of course, I want to give my clients uninterrupted service and value. I admittedly have been feeling a bit of doubt about my ability to handle it all well. So, my bossy friend who counts fitness instructor as one of her four jobs, said “Why don’t you come to one or two of my classes, Barb?” “I think you’d like the yogaâ€"it’s a great stress buster. There is no judgment or competition. You can learn to relax and apply it to any point of your life when you feel tense or stressed.” So, yesterday I went to her class. I’ve taken lots of exercise classes before, and enjoyed them. But this was different. My friend showed another great gift I had not seen before. In the yoga class, she was passionate but encouraging. I felt the tension ease out of my body, and a weight lifted. On a roll, I went to the next class, a mixed strength and cardio class. Aleen was interactive, funny and remembered the first names of every person in that classâ€"over 30 in attendanceâ€"making full introductions. I hold an even deeper respect for my friend. The bonus: I have found a place to go that’s good for me; something that helps to make this home . The power of friendship According to psychologist, author and friendship expert, Dr. Irene Levine, Ph.D., “Friendships have been shown to lower blood pressure levels, decrease cholesterol and even increase our longevity. In fact, the benefits go deeper than good health. “Friendships are so pivotal in our lives that they help us define who we are and who we will become,” Levine says. While certainly relationships with a spouse or family are important in our lives, one is legal and the other based on blood. Friendship is voluntary. It’s totally optional. Oprah once said that one of her life lessons was to “have a friend who will tell you the truth, no matter what.” She was referencing her best friend, Gayle King. Oprah has said that whether she had millions or not, her friendship with Gayle has been priceless. So, I thank you, my BFF Aleen. It’s not that you asked me to class. It’s just that it’s typical of you to be there. I borrow the words from Catherine McDonald: I am delighted to know you, my kindred spirit. Our minds, souls and spirits, in each other find the freedom to be genuine without hesitationâ€"knowing that there are no dire consequences for our candor. Thank you for this extraordinary gift of friendship.” Photo:   stevendamron