Work Related--finding the strength to forgive and move on

[reset]

what do you guys think about cover letters? I haven't used one.

Basically I respond to a craigslist and say "hi I'm responding to (xyz) I currently work for sweatshop. I have extensive experience with this. Attached is my resume and a link to my online portofolio, thanks"

I guess I could flesh it out a little more, but my resume itself has an objective in it.

 

[MacAvoy]

They are a necessity (in Canada anyway), here they would throw out your application without one.

 

[MikeEdward1973]

I made a cold-call today to someone, they aren't looking but it felt good to talk about getting a new job and to hear someone else be interested in what I'm doing.

Have you posted your resume on Monster? I would highly recommend it.

 

[MikeEdward1973]

what do you guys think about cover letters? I haven't used one.

Basically I respond to a craigslist and say "hi I'm responding to (xyz) I currently work for sweatshop. I have extensive experience with this. Attached is my resume and a link to my online portofolio, thanks"

I guess I could flesh it out a little more, but my resume itself has an objective in it.

I've actually never used a cover letter when responding to a posting on Craigslist. In the body of the email, I do exactly what you just did, although in a more formal manner.

I just say "Attached, please find my resume, which I'm sending in response to your posting for [job description here]. I believe that [3 descriptive attributes relating to experience and/or degrees] would make me an excellent fit for this position"

Part of the reason I don't use a cover letter is that, as a hiring manager, I look at a lot of resumes, and I almost always go straight to experience, and educational background.

 

[reset]

I haven't joined monster. I mean I look at the postings they have, I'm not sure what joining does.

I've looked at their postings and craigslist has way more jobs. I don't know why since monster is so popular.

 

[reset]

What about salary history? I've worked at the same place six years. Don't you negotiate that?

"I currently earn $$$"?

 

[MacAvoy]

Sidebar: when applying for jobs via email (95%) the email is the cover letter. Craigslist isn't very big in Canada though.

 

[MikeEdward1973]

I haven't joined monster. I mean I look at the postings they have, I'm not sure what joining does.

I've looked at their postings and craigslist has way more jobs. I don't know why since monster is so popular.

When you post your resume on Monster, it gets read by recruiters. That is one of the best ways to get job offers. The recruiters read your resume, and call you.

Right now, you're reading job postings, and responding to them. But when you post your resume, you will get people calling you.

Do yourself a favor, and post your resume. Let them come to you.

 

[MikeEdward1973]

What about salary history? I've worked at the same place six years. Don't you negotiate that?

"I currently earn $$$"?

I wait until you're in an interview, and asked about that. I would not suggest including that in a cover letter/email. I would wait until you get into at least a first interview to ask about comp, and what you're currently getting comped.

 

[MacAvoy]

I wait until you're in an interview, and asked about that. I would not suggest including that in a cover letter/email. I would wait until you get into at least a first interview to ask about comp, and what you're currently getting comped.

Unless its stated in the posting to state your salary expectations. Then its a test and you need to answer it. I always put a 10k range in there on questions like that though.

 

[reset]

Unless its stated in the posting to state your salary expectations. Then its a test and you need to answer it. I always put a 10k range in there on questions like that though.

Well the one I'm looking at now says to include my salary history. Are you saying to round up?

 

[MikeEdward1973]

Unless its stated in the posting to state your salary expectations. Then its a test and you need to answer it. I always put a 10k range in there on questions like that though.

Personally, I avoid situations where they choose to use salary expectations as a screen during the initial application process. I very much prefer to negotiate once they've 'bought into' the idea of me. If you must do that, then yes, I'd put in a loose range.

 

[reset]

Personally, I avoid situations where they choose to use salary expectations as a screen during the initial application process. I very much prefer to negotiate once they've 'bought into' the idea of me. If you must do that, then yes, I'd put in a loose range.

Guys I appreciate you helping me out here, I'm about to apply in a minute to another one.

So say I earn $1,562. a year. Do I say "I currently earn $1,600 a year"?

Are you saying you prefer to not work for a company that asks up front? I've noticed many say "include salary history".

I'm very much inclined to just attach my portfolio samples and just leave the money out of it, even though they're asking.

 

[MacAvoy]

If they ask, then I would put in a range and say depending on responsibilities. Many HR departments put the question in there for 2 reasons, to see if you have enough stones to answer the question, some depts will automatically toss out your application if you don't answer it. Secondly, they want to see how much you value yourself. Finally they want to exclude people who are overpriced (out of their price range) and people who undervalue themselves.

Thats just my experience though and I'm Canadian. Not sure of how much different it is in the US, even though most things are very similar.

 

[reset]

So to clarify, "I am currently seeking a salary of $1,600 to $2,600 depending on job responsibilities"?

 

[MacAvoy]

I would annualize it. aka $35 000 to $45 000 or whatever your range is. But basically exactly what you said except the annual amount.

 

[MikeEdward1973]

Reset, in your situation, I would keep in mind that your top priority is a place where you can grow beyond your current circumstances.

If you really do have to talk about compensation, I would say, "My current annual compensation is $X. In my new role, I'm looking for a compensation package between $X and ($X+10%). My top priority is job responsibilities and a place where I can personally and professional grow."

Let them know that you're thinking about things other than money. They like that.

 

[MacAvoy]

I agree with Mike about adding the part about responsibilites, its great. However I wouldn't say how much your earning now.

 

[MikeEdward1973]

Well, if he's going to apply to a situation where they're requiring salary history, rather than salary expectations, I would add it.

Again, I hate engaging employers on Monster or CL that ask for that, but if it's a must, I have to assume that if he doesn't include it, he risks having his application discarded.

Reset, are you being asked to submit salary history, or just salary expectations?

 

[reset]

Done. Thanks for your help guys. I will include the price for this one, no it's not just about money. So here I go sending off another resume.