You mentioned team-building is critical to success in this position. At my
current employer, I am an organizational leader, trainer, and educator recognizedfor
my bility to merge dissimilar people into cohesive teams with common focus.
Organizational Skills
I interviewed a candidate named Steve some time ago and hired him based on
his ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. His resume listed: "Excellent
organizational skills." Then I worked with him, and within 90 days it proved to
be blatantly untrue. Steve could not plan or manage multiple projects or issues
simultaneously. Sometimes ! wondered how I missed it during the interview. I was
faked out. I now discount that phrase "excellent organizational skills" as a hiring
manager unless it is supported.
That's the key- -to support the skill with some backup, so it seems credible, and
not with cover letter fuff. Consider the following phrases and how they are supported.
Notice that the actual phrase "organizational skills" is not always present; it is implied,
which is perhaps even more powerful.
PerfectLetter Phrases Demonstrating Organizational Skills
PerfectLetter Phrases Demonstrating OrganizationalSkills
My 15 years experience in managing multiple projects simultaneously,
including the ability to work under pressure, meet tight deadlines, and utilize problem-
solving skills to ensure projects met stated goals and objectives, is a very good ft for
your operations management position.
毒My success lies in leading revenue generation programs with particular skill in
managing multiple projects simultaneously from concept to completion.
. I consistently bring projects to a successful finish on time and on budget by
successfully managing multiple projects simultaneously and effectively managing my
time.
In 2005, I was promoted to lead the Project Management Team. I managed all
aspects of the division's business and systems projects by preparing and managing
project plans, scheduling and facilitating status meetings, and evaluating and
analyzing cost-beneft relationships.
●As a principle at Arrow Consulting, project management for marketing
programs is a cornerstone of successful engagements and in building a client base.
I am experienced in all areas of targeted marketing, retail management, and ad
production and printing, and at managing multiple projects simultaneously.
. My organization led a strategic marketing plan for the company, researched
and evaluated new safety software, provided detailed case research and accident
reconstruction support for ongoing litigation, and published press releases, all of which
contributed to a successfullPO in 2006.
Working with cross functional teams, 1 achieve win -win outcomes through
strong organizational sills with an acute ttention to detail, aility to manage multiple
projects simultaneously, and ecellent analytical, ollow-through, and decision-making
skills.
As managing account executive, lam responsible for marketing, coordinating,
and managing vendor services for large corporate accounts. My group represented
multiple regional vendor services, specializing in workers' compensation, auto, medical
malpractice, and disability insurance, requiring excellent organizational skills and
project planning.
●I was recruited to provide risk, logistics, inventory, facility and warehouse
operations management, including personnel supervision, for a leading
remanufacturer of consumer electronic products. This position requires excellent
organizational skills in order to manage all functional areas properly. Responsibilities
included coordinating international logistics between multiple manufacturing
and refurbishment centers, and establishing and managing the reverse logistics
department, handling over 15,000 units per year.
At Cisco Systems, I managed the partner program support, including the
production and distribution of Electronic Partner Packages, multiple collateral projects
(data sheets and Division Overview brochure), trade show collateral, and signage
requirements.
●A successful coordinator effectively manages integrated marketing programs
A successful coordinator effectively manages integrated marketing programs
with limited resources from development and implementation to program reporting
and analysis. I am experienced at consulting with teams to understand their needs,
uncovering opportunities, and recommending creative ideas and solutions. I also have
proven skills in organizing, prioritizing, and managing multiple projects simultaneously
on time and budget.
My sales support organization interfaced with three regional sales centers and
with field marketing to develop projects targeting installed customers to increase
customer loyalty. Under my leadership we developed and managed integrated
marcom projects from concept to completion,
●I managed the creative development of sales literature, including product
software specification sheets, brochures, reference guides, and case studies. Success
lay in ensuring completion of projects on time and within budget guidelines. I worked
with various agencies regarding copywriting, design, and print production, managing
multiple projects simultaneously.
. I was recruited to develop a communication strategy to ensure that group
goals were being tracked and that they met project deadlines. While I was the
managing partner, I developed streamlined project tracking processes that resulted in
acquisitions of over $53 million, while managing multiple projects simultaneously with
outside vendors.
The plant for which 1 was responsible increased production efficiency by an
average of 14 percent annually for three years. I accomplished this by managing
multiple projects simuitaneously, incuding dient rlations, schedules, anddeadines.
Problem Solving
A manager's primary function is to solve problems. A manager's understanding
of the problem-solving style he or she most often uses is an essential early stepto
becoming a more effective and creative problem solver.
Managers tend to deal with problems in one of three ways:
1. Avoid them. Refuse to recognize that a problem exists. Not quite the strongest
managers, but I have had the pleasure of knowing some of these folks. Some people
just don't understand most problems do not self-correct.
2. Solve them as necessary. Deal with the urgent. Better, but still not senior
management material.
3. Seek them out. Anticipate, to avoid the problems becoming urgent. You want
tobe here!Thisis where youneedto positionyourself and represent your kills on your
resume and during the interview.
Perfect Letter Phrases for Problem Solving
●1 have always beenacreative problem solver. My experience moving beyond
limiting questions and nuturingproblem-solving ideas through each of four phasesof
creative problem solving has resulted in a very solid foundation.
Asa hospital administrator, success has included strategic thinking and 10 years
ofsolving design, communication, and process problems.
Having been promoted to account management with Chiat-Day, a leading
advertising firm, Imanaged all print and presentation projects, exceeding a 95 percent
on-time rate. Ihandled project tracking, system/ile management, estimating, budget/
billing, vendor bllig, and liaisons with all clients.
A veteran production manager, I am experienced with quality assurance,
problem solving, streamlining processes, and optimizing production work flow.
Succeeding in my position requires extensive experience in project management,
creating intuitive business collateral, Internet promotion, and developing proactive
marketing strategies.
My strength is a problem-solving ability: analyzing the symptoms, identifying
what is wrong, and finding the solution.
At Ford Motor, 1 implemented the following structured programs and methods
into the engineering department: Advanced Quality Planning, Dimensional Control
Plan Plus, Failure Mode and Effects Analysis, Design of Experiments, Quality Operating
System, 8-D Problem Administration, and Planning & Problem Solving.
●A core strength of mine is overseeing multiple tasks with varying priorities,
working with many departments within an organization to ensure smooth
operation, identifying areas of improvement, as well as researching, developing, and
implementing improved procedures. An example includes ... [Use one relevant to the
target company's business.]
。My vice president has always recognized my ability in problem solving, witha
strong background in methods and time studies for setting production standards. This
is particularly relevant in assessing and resolving employee conficts and organizational
problems, allowing for increased productivity.
●I developed strategic relationships with various department heads and
suppliers, which significantly improved communication and problem-resolution
capabilities within the organization.
●I have applied strong interpersonal and communication sills in working witha
wide range of personnel at all levels to gain valuable insight avoid potential problems,
and facilitate the timely completion of projects.
●AS a claims manager, I sucesfully implemented customer deductions
programs, which identifed problem areas within the corporation adreportedresultsI
then made recommendations to senior management on a dily basis in itteview
summaries.
Time Management
Time management isa vital sill for a ucessful person,in any dscipline.No
Time Management
Time managementis a vital skill for a successful person, in any discipline. No
ouestion. So many people think they have it and so few do. Ihad a vice president
several years ago who used to say, Give me someone smart, passionate, and who
knows how to use their time, and we can give them the experience." Same with time
management for me. It's vital to success. If you can convey that you effectively manage
multiple projects simultaneously, you will be much more valuable to your prospective
employer. Then call me because I want you working with me!
Don't let anyone steal your time. it is priceless and should be guarded with care.
Benjamin Franklin once said, "Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that
is the stuff life is made of." More recently, Henry Kissinger, former Secretary of State
said,"There cannot be a crisis next week. My schedule is already full Needless to say,
the most valuable commodity in the world is time. It is easlly wasted and can never be
replaced; therefore, time management is essential.
Consider the following phrases, employed to convince employers that these
candidates use their time effectively.
PerfectLetter Phrases for Time Management
While a district manager with Lane Bryant, sales and time management skills
were required for success:
售Conducted training needs assessments for 23 stores to determine training
shorfalls and needs
Attended several sales and time management courses (i.e Covey, Franklin.
Career Path)
. Developed and conducted specifc training courses that addressed the needs
of our business
Provided consultation services in time management training to four other peer
district managers
●Excelling as a plant manager in a large scale production environment requires
excellent time management skills and the ability to meet deadlines and work under
pressure. My team led productivity targets by leading the floor, training the staff, and
anticipating problems before they occurred.
●[Hiring manager], you mentioned being successful in this role requires strong
time management skills. While general manager for Aramark, my success required
finding out how much time is worth, concentrating on the right things, deciding work
priorities, planning to solve a problem, tackling the right tasks first through prioritized
"to do" lists, and executing the plan timely.
. As advertising account manager Iutilized extensive project coordination,
prioritization, and details/time management techniques to keep all schedules on track
and time sensitive projects on time and on budget.
●lam certfedin time management through the Franklin Covey Education series.
At SE Toyota, 1 sponsored an 80;20 program, which argues that typically 80
percent of unfocused effort generates only 20 percent of results. The remaining 80
percent of results are achieved with only 20 percent of the effort. This led toa new
initiative to improve time management skills of 670-plus employees. The company
estimates we improved productivity by 17 percent the frst year, very high by industy
standards,
assisted in the implementation of SAP R/3 as the time management
deployment lead, and directed the implementation of the time management module
at each factory site. I also assumed the lead site payroll and HR personnel with data
mapping and conversion, and instructed site power users and end users in time
management training classes.
●Having been promoted to senior project manager, I demonstrated how to
prioritize tasks, organize and coordi-nate activities, manage time, set and achieve goals,
meet deadlines, develop relationships, and establish procedures.
●I assisted the production coordinator by leading the floor, training the staff, and
pulling statistics. Skills used include: time management, ability to meet strict deadlines,
and the ability to work under pressure.
●Your [position] requires an organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated
professional with excellent time management, prioritization, and multiple task/project
coordination skills. Ihave demonstrated that in my past two positions, and my abilityto
manage time effectively was the main reasonI earned an internal promotion.
●My current role as project manager enabled me to become certifed in an active
listening course, Decker Communication Course, and Franklin Time Management.
Time management to me is the abilty to manage multiple assignments and
maintain quality of service under fast-paced conditions.
●I trained the clients' project team and determined the global template
functionality for the global project team in the U.S. Duties included project plan
preparation, progress reporting, training of local project team, determining local
requirements, identification and specification of system interfaces, final configuration
of the system, and system and acceptance testing. Modules configured and
implemented were PA, PD, Training and Events, Recruitment, and Time Management.
Effective time management required me to list out tasks, prioritize them, and
map out execution of them all.I do not procrastinate, but rather use my time wisely,
plan exceptionally, and employ the Covey planning system.
Written Skills
Having written a dozen books on topics like this book, I am biased concerning the
importance of writing in business. I majored in accounting and never thought about
the importance of writing early in my career. In fact, pride had more to do with my
attention to detail in writing than anything: I never wanted to be caught with a typo
or obvious incorrect grammar and have the reader think 1 was less professional or notqueued to be promoted.
Good writing silsare an absolute reflection on your professional sills Muchofit
isin poofreading and some atention to detail. 'll tell you this: When you wirite poorly,
people think less of you professionally.
Demonstrating excellent writing sills begins with writing ltters and e-mails.
What ollows are some phrases to consider to prove that you do in fact have excellent
writing sills. Note how detailed and specifc some of the descriptions are written. Asa
hiring manager, I would not doubt the writing skills of candidates like these.
Perfect Letter Phrases for Writing Skills
●In preparation for the 2006 CES Show, ! wrote preview briefs for two clients that
were used at industry seminars.
As a product manager, I built briefing books for clients utilizing information
obtained from various sources.
●My accomplishments include validating other consultants' plans, thoughts,
and presentations for their clients. I provide consulting, business plan and market plan
assistance, preparation for multiple presentations, marketing brochures, and mailing
programs for a diversity of companies.
●1 worked with creative directors and training managers to develop, implement,
create, and design staff instruction manuals, newsletters, Web pages, policy and
procedure manuals, and announcements to publicize various trining programs using
Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Lotus Notes.
●| led the layout, design, and production of printed materials, including
newsletters, brochures, slides, graphs, and other visual PowerPoint presentation
materials. Icreated Excel/Access spreadsheets, database, word processing, and graphics
computer software programs.
●My support role requires being highly resourceful, possessing strong
merchandising and visual presentation skills, and strong attention to detail. I also have
a keen sense of color, balance, and scale. Past accomplishments include drafting the
sales boilerplate, presentations, and statement of work outines.
●As a client manager, I led the client communications, product branding,
product rollouts (creative and tactical implementation), communication templates,
proposal style guides, process documentation, and ad campaign development.
A successful marketing communications copywriter writes copy for marketing
pieces, including but not limited to product sheets, press releases, brochures and flyers,
ad copy, board reports, and client communications, which 1 have done with much
success for PepsiCo for the past two years.
●Currently I am senior technical writer under contract to Sprint. There,I
developed the Sprint Proposal Library, which included writing and editing proposal
materials, proposal boilerplate, forms, templates, technical manuals, technical
requirements, and designreports.
Iserved as Web editor responsible for writing and maintaining content
.1 served as Web editor responsible for writing and maintaining content,
induding service offering descriptions, value propositions, FAQs, news items, and seed
content for online community. Key accomplishments include:
推Manage content administration for Web site, including updates, revisions and
posting of new material (ATG/Interwoven content management system).
Redevelopment of Web sites, including page design, site structure, and
navigation.
Researched, developed, and wrote Web-based, interactive business training
(included instructional story and material); quizzes and tutoring; expert
interviews and audio; glossary and FAQs; conceptualized and worked with tech
staff to develop multimedia component that reinforced instructional material
. Developed informational resource articles on work/ife issues; identified new
areas and ideas for development, including resources, tools, and potential
alliance partners.
PartIV
Job-Search-Related Phrases
Follow-Up Letters
1 interviewed a regional manager candidate about a year ago and was on the
fence; He was amply qualifhed--maybe too qualifed-and I questioned his desire and
commitment I decided to wait it out and see what he did following the interview. |
never heard from him, and moved forward with another candidate.
In many cases, the difference between success and failure is follow-up. Most
people send out a resume and expect that someone will call.Itis not a strategy that
breeds accomplishment. The mission is to produce actions interviews and meetings.
Follow-up letters are tools to inspire such action when original tactics fall short of
expectation.
Perfect Phrases for Follow-Up Letters
。After reviewing my notes from our conversation, it is evident that you require
a dynamic person who will not only generate sales revenue, but also play an integral
part in maintaining International's positionasa "leading edge supplier of world class
packaging equipment In my present role,I do this every day.
. After reviewing my resume, perhaps you may think that I am overqualifed and
my compensation exceeds the level of pay anticipated for this particular position. To
put your concerns to rest, the opportunity to join your group is an opportunityI do
JIY-P HUIVPPVILUIIYLUU
not want to pass by. Although my compensation has averaged $115,000 my salary
requirements are flexible, considering future opportunities for growth within the
organization. I would welcome a personal interview to further discuss the search and
am confident that the outcome would be benefcial to future KPMG business results. I
appreciate you passing this information along.
Again, thank you for meeting with me and affording an opportunity to discuss
the position with you and Ms. Jennings.If I can answer any further questions please
feel free to contact me at the telephone number listed above. I look forwardto
speaking with you soon.
. I am confident that my strengths will help you to create a greater customer
focus, which will in turn boost earnings and raise morale. Could we speak soonabout
my possible contributions to Smyth insurance? Thank you for your time;leagerly await
the opportunity to meet with you in person.
●Our meeting at the end of the day revealed that my tchnical apaililtiscould
ft into anumber of areas at Dartwalsh. My conversation with Mike Tarmew concerning
laser technology and high-speed through-put leads me to believe that this is an area
where you may have a needI can fll. However, 1 remain open to exploring a variety
of opportunities to find the best match. 1 will call you next Friday morning to set up
another meeting.
●I am writing to follow up on the letter and resume| sent you on February 16
last year, You were recruiting for a product manager with experience in voice and data
integration and experience selling in the Fortune 250 arena. I am a product manager
with IBM with four years of product sales experience and have presented to over 30
CXOs from the Fortune 250.
. I want to thank you for your candor in explaining why you did not choose me
for the position I interviewed for two years ago. lunderstand that you wanted someone
with more than my one year of experience in health-care administration.Inow have
three years of experience.
●Nearly a year ago you andImet to discuss anopening inyour salesdepartment
We were in the process of etting up a second meeting whenCalledtoletyouknow
thatIhad accepted a position at Haverty's.
Maylask whether you are sill recruiting for your accounting fice, for whichI
plied on January 30?
●Iknow youhave been away on business, butlam wondering if you received my
letter of January7.I sent youa brief business plan outlining what 1 would do if given
the opportunity to lead the new marketing initiative we discussed.
●In response to your district manager posting of August 18, I forwarded my
resume, two references, and a cover letter. Since I have received no response, I am
wondering if my materials failed to reach you. My backgroundis a very close ft with
the position requirements described.
●As a follow-up to our telephone conversation of May 16, here is an updated
copy of my resume.
●During our telephone conversation yesterday afternoon you offered to forward
my resume to your Springfeld office. Here is an updated copy that 1 would appreciate
you sending. Thank you very much for your help.
Internal Job Search
Pursuing job opportunities internally is much different than pursuing them
externally. The biggest difference is spin and positioning. While you should alwaysbe
truthful when representing your qualifications externally your spinis severely limited,
communicating internally versus externally
Externally, no one really knows if you were the nerve center behind Appl's
resurgence with the iPod or not. However, if you work for Apple, well, your
qulications are much more widely known and can be validated.
There are pluses and minuses to each form of communication. With an internal
communication, you need to leverage two things: relationships and accomplishments.
Internal sponsorship is critical to moving around internally or particularly in getting
promoted internally. I recall my first director position, which I took several years ago.
When I interviewed with the vice president, he expressed two potential concerns
before bringing me on.
Once I understood them, I allied all my supporters from within the organization
and scripted them with key messages to offset his concerns. Some were written in
e-mail form and some were voice mail. The point is to leverage relationships.
Below are some great introductory phrases for internal etters, usually e mails.
Perfect Phrases for Internal Job Search
●Mr. Levin, Lisa Pearman suggested I contact you about the new senior
engineering manager position inyour group.Ihave worked for Lisa for two years and
she speaks very highly of you and encouraged me to contact you, thinking it wouldbe
a great mutual fht.
As you know, 1 have worked with you for two years as Marketing Managerof
P&GS soap division. As we discussed yesterday, I am ready to move onto the Gfoup
Manager position in the family products group. As my director, you have been ableto
observe that contribution firsthand. But I felt it would be a good idea to take inventory
of my achievements.
●lam witing to formally express interest in being considered asa candidatefor
the Field Service Revenue Administration Manager. I have attached an up-to datecopy
of my resume as well as a memo detalling salient project accomplishments over the
past 18months. Ipresent the ollowing highlights ..
As a seasoned sales manager with Wagner and Poles (four years as Sales
Manager, seven years total), I am armed with extensive expertise in developing new
business, turning around sluggish sales, and significantly impacting growth and
profts. I believe I am well qualifed for the position of National Key Account Manager
within our organization, and have enclosed a resume outlining my highlights and
contributions with regard to Wagner and Poles.
Networking
Networking is widely recognized as the most effective technique in securing
employment opportunities. Networking is the process of engaging your networkof
family fiends, and asociates to help you identify and obtain the job you desire Ithink
of networking as connecting dots, creating your own six degrees of separation.
The networking cover letter is a letter communicating to your network of contacts
that you are seeking advice and information, not a job as the short-term objective.
The letter clearly defines your skills, what types of opportunities you are seeking, and
specifc organizations you'd like to work for. It is still true, like it or not, thatitis notso
much what you know that counts but who you know.
An effectively written networking letter will help you
(1) to take full advantage of your network of contacts or
(2) to begin developing/improving a network to expand your infuence.
Below are some terrific phrases designed to help you craft a great networking
letter that will help you reach the decision makers in the industries and companies you
target.
Perfect Phrases for Networking Letters
Dave Tinker from Cellcorp suggested I contact you. He said that you "know
more about the network router business than anyone this side of the Mason-Dixon
line." Iknew you would be someone I had to meet. Though I am employed with Bell
Atlantic, I have decided to make a career move toward a more entrepreneurial upstart
operation. I am not writing you for a position, but rather wanted to get some industry
advice from you ..
●Idon't know if you will remember, but we met when your frm was doing some
auditing work for Texas Oil. I was performing some legal work, as I am an attorney
speilizing in environmental law.I was very impressed with you and your team, and
have a smallfavor to ask.Ihave been with my frm for some time and am interestedin
leaving in favor of a smaller firm. You seemed to know a lot about the industry as well
as who's who in Dallas, andI'd like to ask your advice on the business climate here.
●Thanks for speaking with me on the phone earlier. I agree that there probably
isn't a good match between your current positions and me to fll. However, you did
mention that based on our phone interview you thought my credentials were strong,
and it got me thinking. Would you mind if we still met? lam new to the New York area,
as my husband was just transferred, and it looks like we'll be here for quite a while. You
seemed to be fairly well connected and in the know as to whats going on here.Iwould
love to meet just to get your advice on which frms might avoid, which ones mightbe
good, and what the overall climate is like in New York.
●May 1 ask your advice and asistance? As you know, for the last eightyears've
been continuously hallenged with new marketing asinments for PepsiCoandIve
delivered impresse sales and proft gains for all of the brands Ive managed. Grace
Since you know my alli and pentia to cntribute wouldyoutakeamomento
think about people I can cnact at age manfacuignronsuonen goos bsinesnes
inthe Cncinat are? Im cnfident that Ican bingtomy nxemplyr tesamne
Stong esuts delved for Pepsico ... In adioto any coatsuouanaugso
