Great Cover Letters - Introduce the Resume!

By John Groth

Great cover letter are partners that first introduce the resume and specifically call attention to your qualifications that are desired by the prospective employer.

A resume cover letter should introduce the resume. The resume cover letter should point the person reviewing the application packages to the resume. It should not be the prime mover but rather a means to direct the recruiter to learn more in the resume.

The well written cover letter that accompanies the resume should clearly express your interest in the job opening. It should not be a one-size-fits all job openings. Generic cover letters are transparent to the reviewer and normally do not do the required job of introduction.

There is a body of thought that although it is important to draft a well written cover letter that some human resource personnel and hiring mangers pay little or no attention to the cover letter.
This may be true in some isolated situations but just like in personal introductions what is said and how it is said in the introduction will set the tone for the reviewing of the resume.

For example, if the job announcement stated the employer is looking for an industrial engineer with experience in a high volume distribution center you would point out this relevant experience in early in the cover letter. This would then lead to the second paragraph where you would highlight a quantifiable achievement working in this type of environment. This experience would not duplicate what was in the resume but rather supplement the achievements listed in the resume.

In this regard the resume is more important than the cover letter. Employment pros and personnel directors want to see a good solid focused resume, one that will provide enough information to let them make good decisions on your qualifications.

What has not place in the cover letter are the listing of achievements that do not match the job.
If you were assistant comptroller, for example, and you are trying to take credit for your employer doubling sales in five years a statement like this just does not ring true. Employment professionals will respond negatively if you are trying to boast and brag in the cover letter.

These experts will be skeptical about the cover letter and may just skim it before going on to the resume. If the cover letter is too obvious in its tone, the resume will have less of a chance for serious consideration.

Always remember, the main purpose of the cover letter is to show the company representative that the resume is from an individual who is truly interested in what the company has to offer. Managers and supervisors have become quite accustomed to recognizing a mass-mailed letter or a broadcast letter. These folks are looking for personal commitment and specific interest, not a shotgun approach of mailing a resume package to every company that has a job opening.

A good cover letter will generate a bit of interest before the manager actually gets to the resume. Quality writing in the cover letter is just as important as with any business communication. While the contents of the cover letter may not be quite so critical to resume success, an unfocused, sloppy, poorly written letter may be so obvious to the reader that your resume has no real chance.

In summary your cover letter is your introduction. In the first paragraph refer to the opening that you are applying for and where you learned of the opening. If appropriate, in your research of the company, you can add something that will indicate your interest. In the example of the industrial engineer job opening listed above you might mention something about new logistics technology that the company just implemented.

In the second paragraph you highlight achievements that are appropriate for the job opening. If they are looking for a particular certification and you have it here is the place to mention it. Last paragraph you sum up your interest and indicate you will call them to follow-up in a week or ten days.

Keep the cover letter to one page if possible. If your cover letter is a simple, direct introduction your resume is more likely to be read and you'll be well on your way to the first interview.

John Groth is a former HR executive and career coach. Find Recruitment Ideas ,valuable articles and a Free seven day career planning guide. Discover up to date career and recruitment strategies at our Resume Writing Guide all to assist you in advancing and managing your career.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=John_Groth

Kenya Safari Security-Kenya Safari Safety, Insurance Cover, Plan

By Robert Muhoho

Kenya safari security, culture / exercise.

The word safari means “journey” in Swahili. A “safari in Kenya” sounds like such an outdoor, healthy activity. It connotes exercise (perhaps strenuous) and possibly hiking boots. A false impression. For most tourists, game –watching safaris in the major game parks mean game drives in vehicles, vast amounts of food in the form of generous buffets, perhaps a siesta, and sitting around the campfire. Hardly great for abdominal muscles.

Many game lodges are now realizing the popularity of game walks. There is a move to offer more personal interactive experiences with the African bush. Because of park regulations, this is easier for places outside of game park Boundaries. Ranches and home stays often specialize in this kind of interaction.

Ironically, it is easier to get more exercise at the coast. There is always swimming, perhaps disco dancing at night, and long walks along the beach. However, sun and humidity, the languid pace, big meals and good beer also mean that exercise might not feature in your Kenya coastal holiday. You can always return to your aerobic classes when you get home.
Kenya tourist Security

Kenya has more than its share of bad press, particularly in the north and in Nairobi. While theft and violence are real concerns, the tourism industry and the government of Kenya are taking every possible step to ensure your safety. Travelers should exercise good sense and take some reasonable precautions:

• Don’t parade valuable jewelry
• Don’t stroll the streets at night
• Catch cabs rather than walk in strange areas.
• Don’t carry lots of money and important papers
• Don’t take valuables to the beach
• Don’t walk around Nairobi at Night.

Culture shock/stress in Kenya
Although Kenya is one of the wealthier countries in Africa, there is still a great deal of poverty. Visible poverty. Poor mothers with babies beg in the streets, makeshift shacks mushroom next to modern buildings, trash heaps have just but recently disappeared.
Life goes on in public-hairdressers ply their craft under a tree, sewing machine
s sing on sidewalks; furniture makers display their wares in the sun.

Kenya jars and excites with color and chaos, vibrant life and the unexpected. It can be an exhilarating, eye-opening cultural experience.

If you come from a fast and efficient lifestyle, you may feel frustrated by the slow pace and the inefficiencies. Humor works better than anger. Surely, slowing down and appreciating a different culture is part of what makes a holiday.

Remember one of the most common Kenyan Swahili expressions: “Hakuna Matata” Kenya- no problem in Kenya.

Vendor vigilance
You may be pestered by local vendors. Bargaining is the order of the day. Bartering is an option-T-shirt and pens are popular. Remember! Use humor and don’t be dismayed at persistence.
Photos-animals, landscape, people in Kenya

Photograph landscapes, photograph animals, but ask permission before taking photos of people, and be prepared to pay for the privilege in some instance.

Creepy Crawlies
You will see less of these than you expect but they do exist. You should not walk around at night, or in the bush, without shoes. Hopefully you will be lucky enough to see some brightly colored lizards or perhaps the odd chameleon. (P.S. most of us who have lived in Kenya for years have only seen a snake twice). Don’t forget your insect repellant.

Our Furry Friends
The animals are wild. They are not paid to entertain the guests, Respect them, and keep your distance. The fact that hippos are grazing next to your tent at night does not mean you can pat them. Hippos are very dangerous. So are lions, elephant, buffalo, rhino, crocodiles, monkeys, teddy-bear-like-hyrax…It is just not prudent to pet.

The big Five are lion, elephant, rhino, leopard and your choice of buffalo or hippo. Remember, each animal is more than an addition to a list. It is fun to see how individuals react with each other, in groups, and with the environment.

Favorites of tiny five
A scarlet nit, an iridescent emerald fly, and the walking stick.

Robert is a Kenya travel agent of Landmark safaris- One of travel agencies in Nairobi. At Landmark, we provide you with African travel advisories, Health and disease information and preventative injections and medications. Let us know where you want to go and your travel health questions here http://www.landmarksafaris.com