Naperville, Illinois is home to a very unique piece of property called the Naper Settlement. If you are trying to come up with some traditional ideas for a Web design concept, spend the afternoon here with the costumed interpreters and you are sure to get some material that you can work with. The property has 30 historic buildings that are located on 13 acres, and visiting each of them makes you feel as though you have been transported back in time.

It’s no different than the results enjoyed when you include a great cover letter with your resume. A cover letter is an introduction of you to a total stranger. This total stranger may be your next employer. Your letter must be compelling, personable, and brief. It also needs to be specifically related to the position for which you are inquiring. Remember: this is your first opportunity to make a good impression, and it could be your last. If you include your cover letter in response to an ad, job board, or Internet posting, make sure keywords included in the description of the opportunity are included both in your cover letter and your resume.

The content of your cover letter should include the following:

Proper Address

When possible, your letter should be addressed directly to the person making the hiring decision. If you are unable to obtain that person’s name, address it to a high-level executive in your area of interest. If you are answering a blind ad, you should address it to a human resource professional. You should avoid using “To Whom This May Concern.” Make sure that all names and positions are accurate and properly spelled. Place a phone call to the personnel department and verify all names, titles, and departments.

Salutations

Always address the recipient by name: “Dear Mr. Jones,” NOT “Dear Sir/Madam” or “Gentlemen.”

First Paragraph

In this paragraph, say something that will catch the reader’s attention. Next, state the reason for your letter and the specific position you are applying for. Indicate briefly how you heard about the position.

Second Paragraph

Indicate why you are interested in the position, the company, its products or services and what you can do for that employer. If you are a recent graduate, explain how your academic background makes you a qualified candidate for the position. Point out specific achievements or unique qualifications that differentiate you from others applying for the opportunity. Try not to repeat the same information they will read on your resume.

Third Paragraph

Refer the reader to the enclosed resume which summarizes your qualifications, training, experience, and most importantly, your accomplishments!

Final Paragraph

Indicate your desire for an interview and your flexibility on time and place. Repeat your contact information. Finally, close your letter with a statement or question which will encourage a response. One example would be stating that you will call on a certain date to set up your interview. If you take this approach, make sure you follow up on that exact date.

 Closing

Keep it simple and professional and most importantly, don’t forget to personally sign each letter you send! You never want to MASS PRODUCE your cover letter. You want to customize each letter toward the specific hiring authority, company and opportunity.

Go here for more information and samples of cover letters.

Benefits of membership include access to ADC events which include things such as workshops, exhibitions, conferences and networking opportunities. Since the group is a global organization, the ability to correspond with other professionals throughout the world is also a nice perk. Although many of the gatherings are in New York, the organization enjoys a long, solid history and has a good-sized membership. More information is available at their Website.

Graphic Designers, copywriters, and web gurus--what do you do to market yourself? This section of our blog has talked extensively about marketing yourself in a way that lets you stand out from the crowd. It is more important than ever now, as you know. Here's a great tough-love article on the importance of a solid PR campaign in helping you not only land your next job, but propel your life-long career.

Art Deco is a truly unique style, and if you are looking to find a way to incorporate it into a design, the Chicago Architecture Foundation's "Downtown Deco" tour is a must. Not only will it get you in touch with the history of this popular design style, but it will teach you details about the motifs and characteristics of Art Deco as well. Chicago is home to many buildings that exemplify the Deco look, including the Field Building, the Carbide and Carbon Building and the One LaSalle Street Building.

Where do you turn when you need to write a resume? If not writing from scratch, you should remember that it is important to always update your resume so that this “ticket to an interview” is ready for use when an opportunity presents itself.

The following questions will allow you to self assess your resume:

• Does the layout invite attention?
• Are key words included in the top 30% of my Resume?
• Is it clear and easy to read with appropriate spacing?
• Did I list only my past 10 years of work experience?
• Did I list my education? High School? College? Trade School? Any job relevant? Professional courses? Any job relevant certification?
• Does my resume highlight my accomplishments and the impact they had on my prior employer?
• Did I list rewards/awards that set me apart from my past co-workers?
• Do I have a skills section that lists all career specific skills?
• Did I make it extremely easy to contact me to set up interviews?
• Did I check my resume for 100% accuracy?
• Is my resume on one page (ideally one page, two is fine also)?
• Does it include a clear-cut Objective or Summary of Qualifications?
• Is my verbiage clear and professional (no jargon)?
• Is my information honest and ethical?
• Does it grab the reader’s attention immediately?
• Did I omit any personal information?
• Did I omit any reasons for leaving past jobs?
• Did I omit any salary information?
• Am I using strong impact statements?
• Are my responsibilities clear and understandable?
• Did I avoid abbreviations?
• Would my resume entice the Hiring Authority to select ME as one of their candidates to interview?
• Did I offer to provide References at their request?

These are just the very basics as you review your resume.  Remember that your resume is your “ticket to your interview.” Your interview is the main step to your job offer. If you are submitting your resume and not booking interviews, you need to revise your resume.

Need advice on where to target your job search? Want to know where you have the greatest chance of success? A well thought-out, concise marketing plan is an essential part of your successful job search! A solid, detailed plan forces you to focus and direct your job search, ensures that you are covering all methods, keeps you aware of how much work you have to do and evaluates the quality of your efforts.

Your marketing plan is a dynamic, action oriented plan that helps you set realistic and meaningful daily, weekly, and monthly goals. A marketing plan is critical to your career management program.

STEP ONE – Define your target market

• Industry
• Corporations in the Industry
• Services/Products of the Corporations
• Number of Employees
• Geographic Locations
• Corporations’ Net Worth
• Management Program

Step 3 – Review Internet ads for sample job descriptions

Step 4 – Compare:

• Skills
• Experience
• Education
• Background

Compare what you bring to the table in these areas compared to the specs of the job description.

Step 5 – Map out your strategy with research

Step 6 – Compile your networking list

Step 7 – Develop a list of recruiting firms that specialize in your area of expertise

Step 8 – Organize direct mail campaign

Step 9 – Complete resume and other marketing materials

Step 10 – Call hiring authorities to schedule interviews

Step 11 – Document results

Step 12 – Follow up

You have to think of yourself as a product you are responsible for selling to a prospective buyer. Job searches are difficult because you have to sell yourself. If you are not in the sales profession, it can be extremely uncomfortable – but it is necessary! If you were selling a product, you would identify “who” would be most likely to purchase your product. You must do that same type of methodical planning when you write the marketing plan for your job search. Compiling this plan will drastically reduce the time it will take you to find your next career opportunity.

Please join us on Wednesday, July 8, as we co-sponsor the next Out of Work Chicago event. This is a great networking opportunity and a fabulous chance to meet hiring managers all across Chicago. This event will take place at Pazzo's. Out of Work Chicago provides a great way to meet with individuals across a wide variety of industries. We hope to see you there! You can learn more about Out of Work Chicago on their website.