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Get hired now: Writing an outstanding cover letter to grab a hiring manager’s attention

You’ve polished your resume and you’re ready to apply for your dream job. But there’s one more critical piece of the puzzle: the cover letter.

An outstanding cover letter can make all the difference in helping you stand out from the competition and land an interview. It’s your opportunity to show off your skills, share your passion for the job, and explain why you’re the perfect person for the position.

So how do you write a cover letter that will get hiring managers’ attention? Check out our tips below.

Research the company and tailor your message

Your cover letter should start with a strong opening statement that explains why you want the job and what you bring to the table.

Be sure to mention the job title and where you found the position. And most importantly, personalize the letter. This shows that you’ve taken the time to learn about the company and that you’re truly interested in the opportunity.

Include some of your personality

When it comes to writing your cover letter, think about including some of your personality.

After all, this is your opportunity to introduce yourself and show the hiring manager that you will be a great addition to the team. How do you do that? Do it through a story or two from your career that demonstrates your skills.

For example, if you’re applying for a customer service position, talk about a time when you went above and beyond to help a customer. Or, if you’re hoping to work in marketing, share the lessons you’ve learned from a successful campaign you spearheaded.

By allowing your personality to shine through stories like these, you will help the hiring manager see that you don’t just have the skills and experience they’re looking for, you’re more than that. And that’s always a good way to start a conversation.

Understand who you’re writing to

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Bear in mind who you’re writing to. After all, you want to make sure that your letter is tailored to the person who will be reading it.

Ideally, you should address your cover letter to the hiring manager by name. If you can’t find the name of the hiring manager, search through LinkedIn. If all else fails, use “Dear Hiring Manager” as a last resort.

Keep it concise and relevant

Focus on the qualifications and experiences that relate to the job you’re applying for.

The hiring manager will appreciate it if you can communicate concisely, in four paragraphs or fewer, why your skills make you a great candidate for the role.

You don’t need to go into all of your experience, just a few relevant points, and remember: focus on the job description requirements. Any non-relevant information should be left out as it will only add clutter and confusion to your letter.

How to end your cover letter

Now that you have the main body of your cover letter sorted out, it’s time to start thinking about how to artfully conclude it.

To make a lasting impression, you should always express a bit of your passion and confidence. Everyone wants a motivated employee, so why not let them know that’s exactly who they’re getting?

When wrapping up your cover letter, show appreciation for the reader’s consideration (and time) while also taking a gentle interest in the next steps. For instance, you can close by saying something like:

“Thank you for your valuable time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you regarding the next steps in this process.”

By crafting a confident yet courteous conclusion to your cover letter, you can make an even bigger impact on hiring managers and increase your chances of landing a job interview.

In summary, a well-written cover letter can make a big difference in whether or not you get hired. Follow these tips to write an outstanding cover letter that will grab a hiring manager’s attention and help you land the job you want.

How to politely reject a travel invitation from a friend

You’ve been invited by a friend to come along on their next vacation.

You’re excited about the prospect of spending some time off work, but you’re not sure if that’s the friend or group you would like to hang out with.

The decision of whether or not to travel with a friend can be a tricky one. If you’re on the fence, here are a few ways to politely reject a travel invitation from a friend.

Suggesting alternatives

Here’s a template that works like magic:

“I don’t think I’ll be able to make it this time. How about we meet for a meal before you fly?”

Honesty is the best policy

You don’t want to lead them on or make them think you’re considering their offer. The easiest way to reject a travel invitation is to be direct and say “no” in a polite way.

Keep your response short and sweet, and avoid getting into any unnecessary detail. This will help sidestep any hurtful feelings. If your friend persists, be honest and let them know that you’re not interested or you have other plans.

Ways to politely reject an invitation

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First, start by expressing gratitude for the invitation.

Let them know that you appreciate them thinking of you. And if the person is a close friend, feel free to tell them a few reasons why and how much their invitation means to you. Then move into saying why you won’t be able to join them on their trip.

When it comes to the actual refusal, don’t beat around the bush by using phrases like “maybe” or “it depends.” It’s always good to be polite but firm in your response. You can even add a little bit of humor just to lighten the mood a little.

Managing your friend’s disappointment

Let them know that even though you have no intention of going with them, you value the friendship and are thankful they thought of you.

In addition, try to avoid feeling guilty or bad about declining the invite. Remember that your friend asked because they thought it sounded like fun and wanted some company—it wasn’t a life-or-death request. So if the idea of traveling together doesn’t appeal to you, there’s no need to feel guilty about saying no!

The next time you’re invited on a trip by a friend you love but hate traveling together, remember that it’s okay to say no. You don’t have to explain yourself in detail if you don’t want to, and you don’t have to feel bad. But if you can, be honest, and be grateful for the offer.

‘Tis the Season to Avoid Romance Scammers

Romance scammers profess their love quickly, without actually meeting you. This is the first sign of an online dating fraud. Online dating and sextortion scams can poke a deep hole in your wallet and your heart. Saying he or she loves you can be a tactic to make you give up personal details and answer security questions to open your bank accounts.

Guard your personal details and be wary of your new love interest by following these tips.

#1: BE VIGILANT OF BAD GRAMMAR

It is one thing to use slang and emojis, it is another to constantly commit grammatical errors. Sweetheart scammers are often operating outside of Singapore, so pay attention for grammatical errors and misspelled words.

#2: OFFER A PUBLIC MEETING

A surefire way to get to know someone is by meeting them in person. Choose a safe, public space that will make you feel comfortable. If your sweetheart scammer refuses to meet you in person after asking multiple times, take it as a sign that he or she is probably lying to you.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#3: DO NOT GIVE IN

Strangers asking you for favors and money send a red flag. Consult your trusted friend and family members if you are unsure of an online relationship. It is best to avoid giving money to strangers.

#4: DO A QUICK GOOGLE SEARCH

Do your research by typing his or her name on Google and social media platforms. Your snooping habits should give you a clear impression if the person is real or a catfish. Remember to reverse search their social media profile images through Google.

#5: DO NOT SEND SENSITIVE PHOTOS

Sextortion is a serious crime that involves a perpetrator threatening to publish private and explicit information to others if you do not give in to the perpetrator’s demands. These demands usually involve money or sexual favors. Despite how deep your affection is towards a person, please avoid sending sensitive, personal photos.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Get to know the person better. Cross-check a person’s name, photo, location, email address and other details for legitimacy.

Sources: 1 & 2

Ease the pain: Tips for wearing high heels all-day

Are you one of those ladies who love wearing high heels but experience fatigue over the long term?

If so, you’re like most women. Lucky for you, we’ve got some tips to ease the pain but keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to this problem.

Below are a few of our favorites.

Opt for heels with padding

When looking for heels, always opt for a pair with some padding.

This will help to ease the fatigue you feel in your feet by providing extra comfort. A good pair of padded heels can make all the difference in the world when it comes to being able to wear them all day long.

Choose the right heel height

If you’re someone who experiences fatigue when wearing heels for an extended period, it’s important to choose a heel height that’s more forgiving.

A lower heel height—around one to two inches—will distribute the pressure more evenly across your foot, instead of concentrating it on the ball of your foot. Platforms or kitten heels instead of stilettos are better options.

Another thing to keep in mind is the width of the toe box. A wider toe box will give your toes more wiggle room, which can be helpful if you’re experiencing pain.

Give your feet regular massages

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You might also want to give your feet regular massages. This will help increase blood circulation and keep them relaxed.

Ask your masseur to concentrate on the pressure points in your arches—this is where most of the tension tends to accumulate. If you prefer to DIY, you can also just use your fingers to press or a tool to rub the areas in question. Use a massage oil or lotion to reduce friction.

Consider using insoles or gel pads

When it comes to dealing with discomfort caused by wearing high heels all day, there’s nothing like extra cushioning. Adding a layer of cushioning can provide your ankles and feet with added support and reduce any pain you may be feeling.

One option is shoe pads, which are especially great if you’re wearing pumps or stilettos. Another alternative that works just as well is foam insoles. Foam will not only provide cushioning but also pressure relief and support long walks in those stylishly high heels. You can even use them in combination with other types of inserts to customize your comfort level.

Have a pair of flats or trainers on hand

It’s a great idea to have a pair of flats or trainers on hand for when you need a break from your heels. You can always leave them at the office or in your car.

After a couple of hours in your heels, take a break and slip into something more comfortable. You can increase the length of time you’re able to stand or walk in heels if you rotate between two pairs.

Listen to your body when wearing high heels. If you start to experience pain, give your feet a rest. And, be sure to get a check-up if you have any pressing concerns. Here are a few takeaways you can do to ease the pain and make wearing high heels more comfortable: first, choose the right shoes. Look for shoes with a lower heel and a wide toe box. Second, take breaks often and elevate your feet when you can. Third, stretch your feet and legs before and after wearing high heels. And finally, don’t forget to give your feet some TLC. Massage them, soak them in a warm bath, and moisturize them often.

To curse or not to curse: The etiquette behind swearing at work

You’re at work, and someone swears. What do you do?

It’s a question that many of us have faced at one point or another in our careers, and the answer can be a little tricky.

It all depends on your workplace culture and the individual situation. In general, however, it’s probably best to avoid swearing in front of your boss or clients—unless, of course, they happen to be the type of people who don’t mind cursing themselves.

The relevance of context to cursing

There’s a big difference between dropping an F-bomb when you stub your toe and doing so during a meeting with your boss.

And while it might be okay to release a few curse words in the privacy of your workspace, it’s probably not a good idea to do the same in the pantry.

The key thing to remember is that swearing is a form of communication, and like all forms of communication, it should be used in the right context. Think about the words you choose, and make sure they’re appropriate for the situation.

The consequences of letting loose your language

On one hand, it can be seen as unprofessional and indicative of a lack of control.

After all, if you can’t handle yourself in an office setting, what does that say about your ability to represent the company? Swearing can also make you come across as insensitive.

On the other hand, some people see swearing as a way of releasing stress or anger. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what’s appropriate in your workplace. Just be aware of the consequences of your decisions, both good and bad.

Finding the right balance between casual and professional language

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Swearing can make you sound unprofessional and like you don’t care about your image.

It can also come across as aggressive or hostile. On the other hand, if you don’t swear at all among coworkers who do, you might seem stuffy or like you’re trying too hard to be a saint.

So where do you draw the line? As mentioned earlier, it depends on your workplace culture and the people you work with. Some offices are more relaxed and don’t mind a few curse words, while others are more conservative and find swearing inappropriate.

Use your best judgment and find what’s right for you.

Pros and cons of having a strict anti-swearing policy

If an organization has a no-swearing policy in the workplace, it sends the message that cursing is not acceptable in the work environment.

This can be beneficial in some ways, as it can create a more professional atmosphere and a more cohesive team dynamic since everyone is playing by the same rules.

On the flip side, creating a strict company policy banning swearing may take away honest communication. It might also lead to employees feeling like they can’t fully express themselves, since their verbal style may be seen as socially unacceptable.

Additionally, having too rigid of a policy may lead people to become even more likely to swear when they are angry or frustrated because they feel like they have already been judged for their language.

Cultural considerations on swearing at work

Depending on where you work, there are likely to be cultural considerations regarding swearing at work.

If you’re working in a foreign country, it’s worth doing some research to find out what the norm there is when it comes to the use of profanity.

That said, cursing should never be aimed at or used in front of those who have a higher rank than you—regardless of the culture. It’s okay to use profanity among peers as long as everyone is comfortable with it.

In the end, it’s up to you whether or not you want to swear at work. If you’re comfortable with it and it doesn’t offend anyone, then there’s no harm in doing so. But even then, we would recommend exercising caution and using your judgment to gauge the mood before using expletives or assuming everyone else will feel the same way about cursing as you do.