THE BETTER LETTER: MOVING BEYOND THE BASICS

You have probably heard it said that the purpose of the cover letter is to generate interest, but what are some specific ways that this document is evaluated? Understanding how search committees read cover letters can help you produce a better letter. I have had the opportunity to serve on several search committees and, though they were for different positions, the committee members all wanted to determine the same things: interest, knowledge, experience, and potential. To catch an employer’s attention, find ways to address these topics in your cover letter.

To express interest, don’t just say you are interested in the position; prove it! Conveying that you have demonstrated interest in a field through involvement in clubs, professional organizations, and by writing related articles for magazines or newspapers is quite compelling. More importantly, it establishes a professional track record that indicates you have a strong work ethic.

You can show your knowledge of a field by commenting on a pressing issue, staggering statistics, a recent study, or a conversation between two notable parties (if one of them is from the hiring organization, that is really impressive!). Also mention relevant research or course experience. This will show that you are intellectually engaged; great preparation for future decision making and strategizing.

Perhaps the most important area, experience, is expressed by emphasizing projects you have led, transferrable skills you have developed, and recognition you have received. For added emphasis, mention the impact of specific actions you have taken and the relevance of your past performance to your desired job. Search committees love to read about relevant experience because it increases the chance that the candidate is past the “testing it out” phase and ready to assume greater responsibilities.

The last category, potential, is much harder for search committees to assess. To help them, be aware of the institution’s objectives and address how you will do your part in achieving their goals. Discuss how you meet or exceed the qualifications for the position and, for the skills that are lacking, how you expect to develop them. Lastly, have someone vouch for your potential. If this person has an “in” to the organization, ask this reference to make a call. It speaks volumes if someone is willing to put his/her reputation on the line for you. In your letter, be certain to gently remind the reader of your relationship to this person and that s/he encouraged you to apply.

Adopting these tips will help you produce a better letter than the competition and give an image of confidence, professionalism and competence.

By Nadine Verna, Barnard Career Development

Career Connections

April 1, 2010

Barnard Career DevelopmentElliott Hall, 2nd Floorwww.barnard.edu/cd

STAFF

Robert Earl, Jr.Director

Alexandra Nestoras Senior Associate Director

Won Kang Associate Director

Nadine Verna Associate Director

Will Simpkins Program Director / Community & Diversity Initiatives

Rachel TannenbaumCareer Counselor

Christine ShinAlumnae Counselor

Katherine Hendry Assistant Director

Halle Kiefer Career Resources Assistant

Hiraida Crespo Office Assistant

Genise Reid Student Employment Assistant

Bruce RossAdministrative Assistant

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Career Connections

April 1, 2010

Barnard Career DevelopmentElliott Hall, 2nd Floorwww.barnard.edu/cd

LIBRARY RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT:

COVER LETTERS THAT KNOCK ‘EM DEADBY: MARTIN YATE, C.P.C.

A great cover letter can't always get you hired, but it can get your resume read with serious attention. Learn how to stand out from the crowd by packaging your background and work experience into a readable and powerful sales pitch. Cover Letters That Knock 'em Dead arms you with the key words and phrases you need to land that critical first interview and provides you with follow-up letters to help turn those meetings into job offers.

Available in the Career Development Library!

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TEN TIPS FOR WRITING A COVER LETTER

1. Open strong. Open your letter in a way that would make the reader take notice. Some people compliment the person or organization based on information they have gathered ahead of time, such as referring to the interviewer's recent published work or to the organization's newest grant.

2. Make yourself stand out. Get the competitive edge by writing a cover letter that focuses on your unique and exceptional qualities. What makes you an ideal candidate? Be strategic, persuasive, and concise.

3. Keep it simple. Use simple direct language and proper grammar. Clearly state why the organization is of interest to you. Let your letter reflect your personality, but avoid appearing too aggressive or humorous. Keep your cover letter brief; half a page is ideal. Be sure to use clear, professional language while steering away from buzzwords, acronyms, jargon, or anything overly personal.

4. Target the right person. Sending your letter to the proper person can make all the difference. Avoid generic addresses such as “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam”. Instead, call the company and find out the name and title of the person who does the hiring for the job that in which you're interested. Remember to ask for the correct spelling of his or her name.

5. Make it look good. The overall visual impression of your cover letter can be just as important as what's written on it. Use crisp, quality stationery. Match the style of copy on your cover letter with the style of your résumé. Stick with one font and avoid solid walls of text that make the reader’s eyes bounce right off the page. Break your text into digestible morsels with lots of white space.

6. Be challenging. If possible, include some thought-provoking points that will cause employers to feel that discussion with you would be worthwhile even if they really hadn't been planning to hire anybody right now.

7. Sell yourself. Don't expect to wow a prospective employer with a lengthy checklist of past accomplishments and titles. Instead, position your accomplishments in terms of how you could bring the same benefits to their company. Your cover letter needs to answer the question “What’s in it for my company”? Clarify how your expertise will benefit them directly.

8. Get a proofreader. Never underestimate the effect of bad writing, which can greatly hurt your chances of landing a new position. Invest in your career by getting a professional writer or editor to check your cover letter for spelling, grammar, and overall readability.

9. Ask questions. Ask the recruiter about next steps: How should you follow up? What are the next steps in the hiring process? Should you apply online? Show that you have taken time to learn about the company or demonstrate your interest.

10. Close with action. Close with a statement that indicates your next step. You control the communication when you indicate that you will follow-up with the employer’s office to set up a possible interview rather than wait to be contacted.

Sources: WorkTree.com, AllBusiness.com

A WORD FROM OUR PCA – Jenny LyubomudrovaMAKING THE MOST OF eRECRUITING

Often the most challenging aspects of the internship or job search is getting started. As a PCA, one of the questions I hear most often from students during drop- in hours is, “Where do I begin?” My answer, typically, is to start with e-Recruiting, Barnard Career Development’s database of internships, jobs, and other career opportunities. Although eRecruiting might seem straightforward enough at first glance, there are definitely some tips and tricks that any student can use to get the most out of the website.

If you have enough time--perhaps during a prolonged layover coming home from spring break--you might be interested in simply going through the numerous pages of posted opportunities. However, assuming you’re back on campus with a myriad of pressing deadlines, current internships, and extra-curricular activities, you probably want to conduct a more limited search. eRecruiting’s pre-existing searches are a good start; some of the categories include “newest jobs,” “internships-ALL opportunities” and “summer jobs.” You can also use these to search for Federal Work Study opportunities, on and off campus. If your interest is more specified, designing your own search is also a good idea. You can enter keywords, and narrow your selection by location and opportunity type (job or internship).

Basics aside, here are a few tricks to help you with your search. Save searches and opportunities that appeal to you to revisit later--you can actually make and name folders to categorize what you’ve found on the website itself. Once your search yields a good amount of interesting options, sift through the results one step at a time. Say, this Tuesday, you will review your findings on internships in the arts, Wednesday media and Thursday only paid summer jobs. This way, you can keep the multiple options from becoming overwhelming, and still manage to find something that is of interest to you.

PEER CAREER ADVISOR E-MAIL

Now you can contact a Peer Career Advisor (PCA) with quick questions about writing your resume and cover letter, job searching, interviewing, and other career-related concerns from your own home! Just email pca@barnard.edu and the PCA on duty will respond. This service is only available during PCA drop-in hours, 10 AM – 4 PM daily; if you email after those hours, you will be contacted by the next PCA on duty.

April 1, 2010

Barnard Career DevelopmentElliott Hall, 2nd Floorwww.barnard.edu/cd

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INTERNSHIP SPOTLIGHT:

US STATE DEPARTMENT-RESEARCH UNITBy Diana Willson’10

In the Spring of 2009 I took on a full-time internship position with the State Department as well as being a full-time student. While interning with the State Department, I worked specifically for the Research Unit of the U.S. Mission to the UN. My time in the "vault", as my colleagues would describe it, was nothing short of amazing. I interpreted and analyzed research on a broad range of political, economic, social, legal, financial and parliamentary questions concerning the UN. In addition, I maintained several in-house research tools focused on the Security Council, Economic & Social Council, General Assembly and UN reform. While it was a difficult semester trying to juggle an 8 AM - 4 PM job on top of all of my school work, it was without a doubt one of my favorite semesters at Barnard.

FEATURED INTERNSHIPS

For these and other great opportunities, check out eRecruiting at www.barnard.edu/cd.

SUMMER

Lorraine Chrisomalis-Valsiadis, M.D. – Administrative and Clinical Assistant. Enthusiastic, intelligent Barnard student with an interest in medicine and women's health needed to assist in OB/GYN practice. Includes both clerical and clinical duties and the opportunity to go on teaching rounds with residents.

Liz Robbins Associates – Public Affairs Intern. Small public affairs firm representing corporate and non-profit clients is looking for organized, detail-oriented and reliable interns in their New York and Washington offices.

The New Yorker Magazine – Art Department Interns. Two internships are posted by The New Yorker, one in the photography department and one in the covers department. Opportunity to get acquainted with the inner-workings of this esteemed publication.

Scott Hitt Foundation – A.N.G.L.E Internship. To help cultivate fundraising expertise in a new generation of LGBT leaders, A.N.G.L.E. has funded an eight week paid intern program specifically designed to introduce meritorious, entrepreneurial, socially conscious college students to the various aspects of organizational operations.

The Asia Society – Policy Studies Intern. The Policy Studies Department is seeking an exceptional intern with a demonstrated interest in the social, political, and economic challenges facing countries in Asia. Strong research/writing skills are desired.

Dan Wigutow Productions Inc. – Development Intern. This Emmy-nominated independent film and television production company seeks interns to work closely with the development staff to read and evaluate a variety of material to be considered for production for network, cable, and feature film projects. WABC-TV – Eyewitness News Interns. Multiple intern opportunities at this Emmy-award winning newscaster in New York. Interns will assist assignment editors, producers and reporters in story research and gain knowledge and experience in broadcast newsgathering, assignment desk operations and field production.

Carbon Credit Capital – Media and Marketing Intern. Carbon Credit Capital's mission is to generate carbon credits and clean energy in emerging economies. They are seeking a full time intern with the opportunity to transition into a full time position to manage and develop media and marketing initiatives. The intern will also have the opportunity to learn about other aspects of the company.

March of Dimes – National Office Interns. A Barnard alumna is actively recruiting Barnard students for a broad range of internships at this premiere non-profit. Internships include marketing, advocacy, medical data, and development, among others.

April 1, 2010

Barnard Career DevelopmentElliott Hall, 2nd Floorwww.barnard.edu/cd

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LOOKING FOR AN INTERNSHIP?

In addition to eRecruiting, you have access to Internships.com and Internships-USA.com, two online resources with hundreds of different internships organized by industry and state. To access both databases, log into eRecruiting, and use the school passwords provided on the lower left hand side of the home page.

INFORMATION: eRecruiting

BARNARD EXPERIENCE FOR SENIORS IN TRANSITION (BEST)

FELLOWSHIP DEADLINES Professional fellowships provide recent graduates with valuable work experience for a pre-determined amount of time. Check out the BEST Fellowships binder in the Career Development library or search online for more information.

Massachusetts Promise FellowshipVarious locations in MassachusettsDEADLINE: RollingThe Massachusetts Promise Fellowship places Fellows who commit to a year of service at non-profit organizations, schools, and city agencies across Massachusetts to create, lead, and manage youth development projects. INFORMATION: http://www.masspromisefellows.org/beafellow.html

PolitiCorps FellowsPortland, ORDEADLINE: RollingPolitiCorps is a national Fellowship for young progressives interested in a term of service for democracy, and a lifetime of public interest activism. PolitiCorps is an intensive ten-week political organizing bootcamp. Extensive campaign experience is not required, but an understanding of campaign lifestyle does help Fellows make the most of the summer experience. Rolling Deadline but twelve Fellows will be accepted by March 20th, twelve by June 1.INFORMATION: http://politicorps.org/

U.S. PIRG Fellowship ProgramVarious Locations DEADLINE: RollingThe goal of the U.S. PIRG Fellowship Program is to develop recent college graduates for important roles in the movement for positive social change. Gain the hands-on experience it takes to organize public support. Build expertise on transportation solutions, campaign finance reform, toxic pollution cleanup, or another important issue. Conduct research, craft policy solutions, act as a spokesperson to the media, build coalitions, write grants, recruit activists and members, and develop the kind of political support you need to win.INFORMATION: http://www.uspirg.org/jobs/positions/show/60

SOPHOMORE FELLOWSHIP OPPORTUNITY

Morgan Stanley Institutional Equity Women’s FellowshipDEADLINE: 4/19Sophomores interested in finance are invited to apply for this fellowship, which provides a $25,000 scholarship and paid summer internship the summer after your junior year. For more information, attend the on-campus info session.INFORMATION SESSION: 4/12 at 6 PM, North Tower-Sulzberger HallRSVP for Information Session: eRecruiting

April 1, 2010

Barnard Career DevelopmentElliott Hall, 2nd Floorwww.barnard.edu/cd

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RACHEL’S CORNERGET THE SALARY YOU DESERVE

We are all aware of the current recession and its impact on graduating seniors--but let us not forget, many of you will still be getting jobs! An important part of the hiring process is salary negotiation, and it’s vital that students understand how to get what they deserve. Yahoo HotJobs recently released an article that outlines some key tips:

1. Know Your Worth Conduct salary research on your position, industry and region. Additionally, reach out to personal contacts and mentors that are working in similar fields and inquire about fair salaries.

2. Navigate the "Pre-Negotiate" Many employers are beginning to ask about salary requirements in the first interview. It would be best to have the hiring manager give you a number first, but if he/she does not, provide a salary range and not a specific number.

3. Get on a Review Fast Track If the hiring manager has a set figure that you do not feel comfortable with, consider asking for a six-month salary review that will be based in certain measureable levels of performance. This gives you the opportunity to prove your worth and leaves the door open for a salary increase.

4. Negotiate Non-Monetary Benefits Perhaps money is non-negotiable. Consider additional perks that may be important to you such as days off, flexible time, or ability to work from home.

5. Just Ask Especially in the current economic climate, hiring managers can begin the negotiation with a low figure. Remember that in many cases, they are willing to go higher. If you don’t feel comfortable with the first offer, simply inquire if there is room to go up. You will never know if you don’t ask.

Resource: http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-negotiating_pay_in_a_recovering_economy-1169

BARNARD COLLEGE CAREER FAIR

BARNARD COLLEGE CAREER FAIR

Yes we can-yes we did! Thank you for attending Barnard College’s first ever career fair on March 26, 2010. Career Development was proud to bring to campus 45 companies representing diverse industries, offering both full time employment and internship positions.

This is only the beginning. Stay tuned. Next academic year, you will have increased recruiting opportunities to secure your ideal job or internship via career fairs and on campus recruiting activities.

April 1, 2010

Barnard Career DevelopmentElliott Hall, 2nd Floorwww.barnard.edu/cd

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GET VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES IN YOUR EMAIL!

Make sure to indicate “community service” or “volunteer” as a preference in your eRecruiting profile to receive our community service listserv. You’ll get biweekly announcements of newly posted volunteer opportunities for Barnard students.

CAREER DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS

Take advantage of the opportunity to build your career development skills. Attend one or all of the workshops. For more information login to eRecruiting.

SUMMER 2010 FUNDING OPPORTUNITIESAlumnae & Donor Sponsored Internship Grant ProgramDeadline: 4/7/10Many internships that offer great hands-on experience and a chance to gain in-depth knowledge of a field may provide no monetary compensation. For first-year, sophomore, and junior students considering such unpaid internships in the summer of 2010, Barnard College offers funding through alumnae and donor-sponsored grants. Internship grants are available during each semester and the summer, and are awarded on a competitive basis. Grant applications are available on the Career Development website (www.barnard.edu/cd) starting March 15, 2010. Download the form, fill it out, and apply online on eRecruiting. NO late or incomplete applications will be accepted.

Information: www.barnard.edu/cd/students-aluminternship.htm

April 1, 2010

Barnard Career DevelopmentElliott Hall, 2nd Floorwww.barnard.edu/cd

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Resume/Cover Letter WorkshopsThursday, 4/1, 4-5 PMFriday, 4/9, 10:30-11:30 AMMonday, 4/12, 11:30-12:30 PMTuesday, 4/20, 3-4 PMWednesday, 4/28, 12:30-1:30 PM

Job/Internship SearchThursday, 4/1, 10-11 AMMonday, 4/5, 4-5 PMTuesday, 4/13, 10:30-11:30 AMWednesday, 4/21, 3-4 PMMonday, 4/26, 12-1 PM

Interview Workshops Friday, 4/16, 4-5 PMMonday, 4/26, 3:30-4:30 PM

Professional Networking OnlineTuesday, 4/6, 11 AM-12 PMWednesday, 4/21, 12:30-1:30 PM

APRIL CALENDARJob & Internship Search WorkshopThursday, 4/1 at 10 AMMonday, 4/5 at 4 PMTuesday, 4/13 at 10:30 AMWednesday, 4/21 at 3 PMMonday, 4/26 at 12 PMCareer Development Seminar RoomRSVP: eRecruitingLearn to maximize your job and internship search using Career Development resources, networking, and more.

Resume & Cover Letter WorkshopThursday, 4/1 at 4 PMFriday, 4/9 at 10:30 AMMonday, 4/12 at 11:30 AMTuesday, 4/20 at 3 PMWednesday 4/28 at 12:30 PMCareer Development Seminar RoomRSVP: eRecruitingLearn to compose a superior resume and cover letter.

85 Broads @ CU Leadership Week Keynote Speaker: Cindy CornellThursday, 4/1 at 6:30 PMOval Room, The Diana Center85 Broads member Cindy Cornell, a professional and personal life coach/consultant, will give a lecture on enhancing one’s leadership and networking skills. Afterwards, practice those skills one-on-one during an informal social networking session. Free refreshments provided.

Financial Fluency WorkshopsMondays 4/5-4/26 at 6:30 PMRSVP: financialfluency@barnard.eduLearn the basics of money management in this five- workshop series. Instructor Andrea Davila '04 will introduce the tools and good habits needed to make educated and responsible financial decisions during college and beyond.

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Networking WorkshopTuesday, 4/6 at 11 AMWednesday, 4/21 at 12:30 PMCareer Development Seminar RoomRSVP: eRecruitingLearn to network with professional contacts you already have, and those you have yet to meet.

Finding an Apartment in NYCThursday, 4/8 at 4 PMRSVP: eRecruiting Career Development LibraryThis workshop will provide tips for finding safe and secure housing as well as navigating housing legal issues in the toughest housing market in the country - NYC!

Retail Math ClassSaturday, 4/10 at 12 PMSaturday, 4/17 at 12 PMCareer DevelopmentRSVP: eRecruitingThis two-day retail math class is designed for anyone interested in becoming a buyer, planner, merchandiser, or product developer in the fashion industry. The class will focus on basic to advanced retail math formulas, and the context in which they are used. Come learn with Morgan Seidler ’03, who is now the Director of two divisions, menswear and womenswear, and a large team at Phillips-Van Heusen.

ARAC Tutor MeetingMonday, 4/12 at 1 PMTuesday, 4/13 at 4 PMWednesday, 4/14 at 4 PMFriday, 4/16 at 11 AMCareer Development Seminar RoomDuring the meeting tutors will give updates regarding their site placements, and end of the year wrap-up procedures together with other housekeeping items will be discussed.

Morgan Stanley Institutional Equity Women’s FellowshipInformation SessionMonday, 4/12 at 6 PMNorth Tower, Sulzberger HallRSVP: eRecruitingFor details see p. 5

Senior Initiative Closing ReceptionTuesday, 4/13 at 6 PMJames Room Barnard HallRSVP: eRecruiting

85 Broads @ CU presents: Alexa von Tobel, CEO/Founder of LearnVestWednesday, 4/14 at 7 PMLewis Parlor, Brooks HallLearn the basics of managing personal finances from 85 Broads member Alexa von Tobel, who left Harvard Business School to start LearnVest, a website designed to help any woman savvy enough to use the internet master her personal finances. Refreshments provided.

Women For Hire4/15, 10 AM - 2 PM Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers, 811 7th Ave. @ 53rd St.Women For Hire career expos are high-caliber recruiting events that enable talented women in all fields to meet directly with recruiters and hiring managers from top employers.INFORMATION: www.womenforhire.com

Interview SkillsFriday, 4/16 at 4 PMMonday, 4/26 at 3:30 PMCareer Development Seminar Room RSVP: eRecruitingLearn how to prepare for an interview, ask the right questions of your interviewer, and what to do afterward.

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DROP-IN HOURS

Career CounselorsMonday - Friday12 PM - 2 PM

Peer Career AdvisorsMonday - Friday10 AM - 4 PM