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The Effects of Working as a Private Investigator on Your Personal Life

If you wish to become a private investigator, it’s important to take into account the effects the job may have on your personal life. In this article I will set out what some of these effects can be.

In many ways, private investigation is not so much an occupation as a way of life. It’s important that you and your loved ones are prepared for this, and can accept that there will be times when your work has to come first.

Stress can be a problem, and many investigators find that working long, irregular hours has a detrimental effect on their social lives and family relationships. Sometimes your life might not seem your own, and there will be times when you are away from loved ones and friends for days, even weeks on end. All but the strongest relationships can crumble under such conditions. Bear this in mind before entering the business!

Stress may also result from the company the investigator keeps. As well as working with honest and law-abiding individuals, they may find themselves in regular contact with rogues and hardened criminals.

And stress can also arise from the fact that this is an endlessly challenging occupation. Every case is different, and much of the time you will have only experience and intuition to guide you. Sometimes, inevitably, you will make mistakes, which may or may not seriously hamper your investigation. At other times the results you come up with may be contrary to what your client wanted or expected. Professional investigators accept this as part of the job, but having to disappoint a client, or even admit to failure, is never easy, especially if you must then present them with your bill.

But there is a plus side as well, in that investigators choose their clients and can even walk away from a case that encroaches too far into their private lives. Police officers have no choice but to deal with whatever comes their way, explaining why many ex-policemen find the investigator business almost cushy by comparison.

Sadly, alcoholism is also rampant among private investigators, often because bars and licensed restaurants are the easiest, least obvious places to work from. Successful investigators choose non-alcoholic refreshments during working hours, arguing that a clear mind is their most important asset. Quick thinking and fast decision-making skills are crucial.

The business can, however, have serious implications for your private life. Social dates in an investigator’s diary are frequently dashed at the expense of an urgent new case or a sudden important development in an old one. It’s important to have understanding friends and relatives who know that your work sometimes has to take priority over personal relationships.

Overall, private investigation is a fascinating and generally well-paid profession, but it is decidedly not a nine-to-five job. If you are thinking of entering this field it is essential that you, and your family and friends, understand this clearly.

To avoid problems, you should also take a professional training course before setting out in this field. This applies even if you have previously worked in a related profession, such as the police or private security industry. A good training course will prepare you for all the many aspects of working as a private investigator, and help to reduce the undoubted stresses felt by newcomers to the profession. Training will also give you the necessary legal background to operate successfully as a PI and avoid inadvertently breaking the law.

Mark Gustaffson is the author of the Professional Private Investigator Course from Maple Academy (UK), a leading correspondence course in this field. For more information, see the Maple Academy website at http://www.mapleacademy.com.

What Are the Key Requirements For Becoming a Private Investigator?

If you aim to succeed as a private investigator, there are certain key requirements you will need to meet. In this article I will aim to set out what these are.

1. A businesslike approach

As a private investigator, you will be a freelance business person like any other. That means you will have to keep financial records, advertise and sell your services, and generally fulfill all the duties and responsibilities of anyone setting out in business on their own. This is so important it is worth repeating: however good you are as an investigator, you must be businesslike in all your dealings to succeed.

2. People skills

In the nature of the work, you will frequently be dealing with clients who are in emotional turmoil. They may be upset at the behavior of a deceiving spouse, or angry at an employee who has betrayed their trust. You will need to deal with them tactfully and sympathetically (while always bearing in mind that there are two sides to every sob story).

Equally, the people you are asked to trace or investigate are unlikely to welcome your involvement. You will need to be the kind of person who can stay cool under pressure, ‘think on your feet’, and to be sensitive to the changing dynamics of a tense situation. You will need to be confident, assertive, and able to communicate well — over the phone, in writing, and in person.

3. Patience and persistence

Contrary to the impression sometimes given by movies and TV shows, the life of a PI is not always exciting and glamorous. The best investigators actually have a calm, patient and methodical approach.

Many real-life investigators spend much of their working life doing surveillance in bars and restaurants or from the back of a car. The rest of their time is spent in the office interviewing clients and writing reports, or simply driving around from one appointment to another. The job can have its exciting moments, certainly, but overall being a PI is not an occupation for adrenalin junkies.

Investigators also need to be persistent. Sometimes an eight-hour overnight surveillance will produce no results. At this point the amateur simply gives up. The professional PI shrugs his shoulders and tries again the following night, or comes up with a different approach. The ability to ‘think outside the box’ can come in very handy here.

4. A willingness to learn the skills required

In many respects, private investigation is not something you can learn from a manual. It is not — I imagine — like learning to be a tax inspector, where everything you do is set down in some big book of procedures. In private investigation every case is different, and you will constantly need to apply your initiative and imagination. That, of course, is what makes this profession so endlessly fascinating and challenging.

Nevertheless, there are — of course — procedures to learn and guidelines to follow. If you hope to become a private investigator, it is therefore important to undertake training to prepare yourself. This applies even if you have previously worked in a related field, e.g. the police or private security industry. A good training course should prepare you for any of the huge range of tasks you may be called upon to perform as a professional private investigator. It will also give you the legal knowledge necessary for anyone working in this field.

Mark Gustaffson is the author of the Professional Private Investigator Course from Maple Academy (UK), a leading correspondence course in this field. For more information, see the Maple Academy website at http://www.mapleacademy.com.

What Are the Skills and Experience Required For Becoming a Private Investigator?

So you want to be a private investigator, but you’re not sure if you have the skills and experience required? Don’t worry! In this article I’ll aim to set out the essential requirements for anyone hoping to work in this field.

Ex-police officers are often particularly attracted to working as private investigators. In general they tend to be people who possess an inquiring mind, an interest in legal matters, and a desire to see justice done. And it is certainly true that skills and experience gained in the police service (not to mention the contacts) can come in very handy for a PI.

Having a police background is by no means essential, however. Anyone, potentially, can become a private investigator. You don’t need any special abilities or qualifications (though in some US states and in certain other countries you will have to apply for a licence). A lack of educational qualifications is no barrier to success, and you certainly don’t have to be male. Many private investigators are women, who tend to predominate in the matrimonial and domestic areas of the business.

Certain personal characteristics are desirable, though most will come with time and experience. Assertiveness and persistence are important, along with good eyesight (aided by glasses or contact lenses if necessary) and observation skills. And, if you’re not the kind of person who relishes sitting in a car all night keeping tabs on a ’suspect’, then you are unlikely to make a good investigator.

This is one of very few opportunities where you don’t have to be young to succeed. In fact, older investigators are often hired in preference to younger, inexperienced, less streetwise individuals. Maturity and common sense are crucial.

Skills — physical and acquired — depend on the kind of work you specialize in. Private eye Irwin Blye has more than thirty years’ experience. In his book ‘Secrets of a Private Eye’ he lists the essential personal characteristics for success as diligence, good observation, being prepared, resourcefulness, creativity, inquisitiveness, patience and neutrality. Fellow author and experienced investigator Edward Smith says the most important traits of all are objectivity, thoroughness, self-reliance and accuracy.

Persistence is a very important attribute. You might spend days tailing a subject, just to find the trail suddenly runs cold. Following this you may go to the public records office to look for written evidence, only to spend several days in a musty vault and find nothing! At this stage a professional investigator takes a deep breath (OK, he might just down a glass of Scotch as well), then decides on his next line of attack. An amateur simply gives up.

Curiosity is another essential attribute without which you’ll get nowhere. It’s a good idea to bear in mind the six prompts used by the investigative journalist: what, why, when, where, how, who. Every answer to every problem can eventually be found using those six words.

Academically, it helps to have a reasonable command of English for producing reports and other written communications.

Some personal characteristics are simply not compatible with this business. For example, prudishness is rarely a good trait for the investigator who may have to observe and photograph people in compromising positions in order to establish infidelity. And being squeamish won’t win you any favors from insurance companies needing you to investigate serious industrial injuries, arson attacks, and people disfigured by road accidents.

One thing you must have is the ability to remain detached. You can’t side with one party to a marital disagreement, for example, if you’re working for the other party.

Finally, it is a fallacy to suppose that you have to be superfit. OK, a reasonable general level of fitness is desirable, but you certainly don’t have to pump iron in the gym every day. Much more important is stamina — the ability to keep going over long periods without flagging. On a surveillance, for example, you may have to remain alert long past normal working hours.

If you have a reasonable mix of these skills and aptitudes, then congratulations — you are potentially well suited to working in this fascinating and challenging occupation.

Mark Gustaffson is the author of the Professional Private Investigator Course from Maple Academy (UK), a leading correspondence course in this field. For more information, see the Maple Academy website at http://www.mapleacademy.com.

You Fell Off The Balance Beam - Now What? Hint: (Continue Networking)

You just found out that you didn’t get the job.

You interviewed very well and were selected to move on to the final stage of interviews.

After the interview, you prepared a strong Post Interview letter where you provided clear solutions to stated challenges.

Then you got the news. They went with the other candidate.

Is it over?

Not yet. This is the time to dust off your post interview-networking letter. The post interview-networking letter closes the loop on the entire interview process. In this letter, the candidate acknowledges that they were not chosen and focuses on the future. The tactic is to elicit other ideas, contacts, or leads that can provide the next step in the job search process.

Is This Worth Pursuing?

Most people will not extend the job search process this far because they are uncomfortable with taking an aggressive stance. But, the worst thing that can happen is your email is ignored and sent to trash. You may get a response. Its just one more email.

The Job Search Cycle

At a high level, your job search will include 5 stages:

Stage 1 - Networking / networking letter

Networking is the art of converting strangers into friends and advocates

Stage 2 - Submission of Resume or cover letter for a position

Stage 3 - The job Interview

Stage 4 - The post interview letter and follow-up

Stage 5 - The post interview-networking letter

This letter is a hybrid — a combination of Stage 1 and Stage 5.

Let’s assume that you get over your fear of rejection and decide to send

the interviewer a follow up networking letter.

What should you say?

The Contents of the Post Interview Networking Letter

The letter should include the following items:

- Acknowledge the fact that you did not get the job

- Re-emphasize that you like the company and really wanted to work there

- Ask the interviewer where you fell short

- Ask for their expertise with your job search - i.e., “if you were me, what would you do next?”

- Ask for other contacts they can refer you to.

- Ask the interviewer to give you his/her opinion of which competitors / other companies you should research

All of these questions are designed to pick the interviewers brain.

You are acknowledging that it is time to move on and you simply want some help and expert advice.

I have written a post interview-networking letter that you can use as a guide. Please review and decide what you would like to include (what you feel comfortable with), in your own letter.

Example

Dear Mr. Jones:

I was disappointed to find out that you extended the job offer for technical writer to another candidate. Your company is one of the market leaders and would have been a great place for me to continue my career.

I think the candidate who got the offer should be thrilled and excited.

At this point, I am ready to move on with my job search and was wondering if you would provide me with some expert advice. I am committed to this industry and would like to know which companies you would pursue if you were in my shoes.

I would also appreciate any general advice you could give me about the quality of my interview and where I could improve. This would be valuable information.

Finally, if its not too much trouble, could you provide any networking leads within the industry that I could contact? I could contact them without using your name as a referral, if that would make you more comfortable.

I appreciate any help and advice you can provide and please keep me in mind if a new position evolves or a current position opens up.

Thank you again for the opportunity to interview with your company.

Sincerely,

Perry Maisin

Comments

I’m sure many of you are thinking that this letter is way out of line.

After all, the interviewer does not owe you anything and some people will never respond to a follow up networking letter. But, most employers have never received this letter and many would applaud your persistence. Even if you receive a response with one tip, or contact, your letter was a success because you kept the conversation going.

Closing the Loop

The post interview-networking letter closes the loop on the job search cycle. The most effective job search maintains a networking perspective throughout the process and doesn’t waste an opportunity. To be successful, you must take every opportunity to sell yourself to perspective employer or contact. At the same time, you MUST Pay It Forward to establish trust and credibility with the strangers you want to cultivate into friends and advocates. A key ingredient of your networking strategy must be to provide others with free knowledge and advice. It will come back to you and you will receive spontaneous, seemingly random leads that bring you closer to your goal.

Perry Maisin is a business communicator with 25 years of experience in resume writing, business process documentation, and technical staffing. Read informative articles on career testing, interviewing, and job tactics and strategy at Get Professional Advice Now!

Interviewing Skills For Private Investigators

Interviewing occupies a large part of the typical private investigator’s day, and is one of their most important tasks. Good interviewing generates the greatest amount of information in the least possible time, causes nobody any aggravation, and helps wind up a case quickly and efficiently. Here are a few hints and tips for any new or aspiring private investigator to help improve their interviewing skills…

* Prepare for interviews ahead of time. Don’t expect someone to change their plans to suit yours simply because you failed to plan properly. Of course, there will be times when urgent meetings are needed, in which case say so, and arrange a time to suit the interviewee.

* Make a list of questions you will ask before the interview starts. Try to stick to this, but be aware that unexpected questions may arise during the interview. Have your questions printed out in a list, with plenty of space between each item for notes. If an unexpected question arises a different colored pen can be used to record the new question and your interviewee’s answer.

* Arrange interviews early in the day if possible, when interviewees are fresh and not yet in a routine which they might find hard to break later.

Arrive early. Never keep your interviewee waiting. Nothing annoys people more than being taken for granted. It also creates a bad first impression, which can make your subject withhold information or be less forthcoming than he otherwise might.

* Dress as if the interview mattered. As it does — something that isn’t always obvious if you turn up with dirty jeans and a tatty tee shirt carrying stains from a recent hurried meal.

* Introduce yourself as soon as you arrive and when you meet your interviewee. A friendly hello and a handshake go a long way towards creating credibility and reducing the awkwardness of ‘official’ interviews.

Look your subject in the eye, and try not to look shifty or attempt to gather background information while the other person is talking. Give him your full attention, always.

* Explain the reason for the interview. Don’t keep your interviewee in the dark. He will want to know why you are asking him questions, why you need the information, and how you intend to use it.

* Create rapport as soon as you can — no matter whom you are talking to or what position they hold. ‘Holier than thou’ is not a good attitude to have if you want people to open and warm towards you. Be friendly but not over-friendly. Be professional.

* Allow the other person time to answer your questions, and try not to do much talking yourself. Ask ‘open’ questions which give the subject a chance to expand, rather than closed questions, which can simply be answered ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Allow him to finish before asking another question. Don’t interrupt or cut him short.

* Avoid distractions. Not everyone likes recording equipment or obvious note-taking. Ask before doing either. Many people will refuse to be recorded, but most expect you to take notes. Make notes as brief as possible, and try not to spend too long looking away from the other person.

* Don’t try to impress or intimidate your subject. This will simply create an ‘us and them’ situation which will make your interviewee feel threatened or undermined. Either way, you are less likely to get the information you require. The best approach is natural and straightforward.

If you run out of time, suggest a follow-up interview, but remember you are encroaching on someone else’s time. Arrange a follow-up that suits the other person best, not you.

* Leave cordially. Shake hands and thank your interviewee for his time and effort. If necessary, say you will get back to him. Give him your card, and suggest he contacts you if you can be of any assistance to him in the future.

* When the interview ends, write up your notes as soon as possible. It’s amazing how quickly rough notes get lost, or you simply forget what you meant. If the matter ends up in court, such a lack of professionalism can be embarrassing and costly.

Mark Gustaffson is the author of the Professional Private Investigator Course from Maple Academy (UK), a leading correspondence course in this field. For more information, see the Maple Academy website at http://www.mapleacademy.com.

Surveillance Skills For Private Investigators

Surveillance occupies a large part of the typical private investigator’s day, and is one of their most important tasks. Here are a few hints and tips for any new or aspiring private investigator to help improve their surveillance skills…

* It’s not exactly thrilling sitting all night in your car checking on someone who says his recent accident means he is house-bound, while the insurance company suspects the claimant is still running a night-time taxi business from home. A colleague who specializes in this type of investigation says that, instead of sitting up all night waiting to see if the person is working nights on the taxis, he places a small coin on the top of the rear tyre of the car, then goes home to bed. If the coin is still there in the morning, the car hasn’t been moved all night. If it is not, it could have been blown off or knocked out of place, or the car might have been out picking up passengers. Either way, the investigator does a thorough surveillance job the night after any such movement occurs.

* Another investigator says watching for bedroom lights to go on and off in cases of suspected infidelity is the most boring part of his job. But he’s found an easy solution to the problem. He sets his video camera to film for a couple of hours while he sleeps. An alarm clock alerts him when the video cassette needs changing. This he does, then promptly goes back to sleep!

* Stationary surveillance — Sometimes an investigator needs to have constant access to his subject, perhaps watching that person or item over several months. This obviously increases the risk of being spotted. To avoid this, you may need to use rented rooms, rooftop vantage points, and other places that allow you to see but not be seen. Where you are working at some distance from your subject, binoculars, cameras and high-tech listening devices are essential. Where suitable vantage points are unavailable, as with most short-term surveillance, you might use sunglasses or a newspaper, or some other means of making yourself less obvious. A colleague says his best disguise is sunglasses with mirrors on the side, meaning he can still watch his subject while facing the opposite way.

* Surveillance on foot — Long periods of tailing a subject don’t work as well as in the movies, especially in open areas such as quiet streets and parks. It’s easier in busy towns and cities, but here you risk losing your subject in the crowd. Get too close and you’ll be spotted; walk too far behind and you’ll lose them. Working as a team is a good idea for important jobs where the expense can be justified. Even in quiet places, three or four investigators can take turns to tail a subject, making discovery much less likely.

* Surveillance in vehicles — Again, one car following another too closely gets noticed; but if you stay too far behind you’ll lose the vehicle you are tailing. If you are tailing a walking subject, one person following by car is unlikely to produce results. Three investigators in separate cars, each taking over where one leaves off, can work wonders. For night-time work it is a good idea if possible to attach some form of reflective device to the back of the subject’s vehicle: perhaps a strip or tiny sticker, which the subject is unlikely to spot. This will make the vehicle easier to recognize in the dark. Be careful when doing this, however, or you could damage the subject’s vehicle and end up in court on a charge of wilful damage.

* Learn what you can from television and film detectives. These shows are carefully researched, often aided by expert consultants. Some useful tips can be gained this way.

* Double-check your photographic and recording equipment before starting a long surveillance task.

* Don’t drink on the job. Excess alcohol lowers the concentration, distorts perceptions, makes you look foolish, reduces your credibility, and means frequent trips to the toilet!

* Don’t assume all surveillance is undercover. Some investigators actually want the subject to see them, as sometimes happens in supermarkets where the store detective’s obvious presence is to deter crime, not (primarily) to detect it. ‘Prevention is better than cure’ is the relevant maxim. A colleague who works in this field says he often makes his presence known in the hope of confusing the subject, perhaps causing that person to act in a rash way and make mistakes.

* A single car can be made to look very different by using the headlights for a period, then changing to fog lights, and alternating at regular intervals. But don’t do this too regularly, in case the technique actually draws the attention you seek to avoid.

* Investigators in quiet areas like villages and parks will find a dog a useful ally. After all, a man out walking his dog can retrace his route, walk off the beaten track, and stop and stand still for a couple of minutes, without making anyone curious.

* The successful investigator never looks his subject in the eye; not for long periods, that is. Sunglasses — even if they are a bit of a clich

Making a Hobby a Career

A hobby is an activity that we do because we truly enjoy it. It can be anything at all from acting to painting and even teaching. For most people a hobby is simply a relaxing way to pass spare time by doing something enjoyable. However, for many a hobby may double as a job or additional line of income. It can be difficult to know when to turn a hobby into a profession. For some it may be quite the risk to give up a regular day job in order to pursue hobby interests as a career. Make no mistake, there is plenty of reward associated with risk when it’s well thought out and developed.

Start out small. If you are still in the beginning stages of deciding to turn your hobby choice into a career, tread slowly. For example, if you are a musician perhaps you will begin by teaching lessons to students part time in order to see if you receive enough demand for full time opportunities. Most people do not start out in their hobbies with the intent to make money but if the opportunity presents itself, it may be worth looking into further. Even the artist who enjoys doodling or playing with computer graphics has many ways that they could offer services to others.

If you find that you spend more time in thought regarding your hobby ventures then perhaps you should consider turning it into your main source of income. Art, writing and decoration are hobby interests that many people also make a fine living at. Consider the ways your hobby skills could benefit others. It’s just a matter of making yourself known to those who may be interested in what you can do for them. Most hobbies are based on creative interests. Since we all differ in our creative skills, chances are good that someone will be pleased to discover what you can do.

It can be difficult making the transition from a daily job where you answer to someone else to working for yourself. Start off with part time in order to develop a clientele while maintaining a steady income elsewhere. Build a promotional website and advertise it to those who will have the most use for your service. Chances are high of finding many options online for marketing your hobby talents and even landing a job performing just that. Search job listings too for there are many freelance opportunities available for those who wish to work with their hobby.

Marketing is essential for drawing in those who seek what you can do. By making yourself known and available you stand a better chance of turning your hobby into full time success. Run a website, print up newsletters and use hobby related groups and sites as a basis for networking. Often the best way to secure a job is through word of mouth or others that you share the hobby with. Making contacts with other hobby enthusiasts is absolutely necessary for furthering your career goals. Making a hobby into a career is a challenge but it is often more than worth the risk.

There are as many hobbies as there are people who enjoy them. Learn more about the popular hobby of building and collecting dollhouses and miniatures. Visit our large selection of charming doll house kits today at http://www.TheMagicalDollhouse.com.

Tips For Building a Resumé That Stands Out

Resumés can be likened to any product or service as you are essentially marketing your ‘brand’ to an employer and your resumé is the most effective marketing tool to accomplish this. No matter what the prevailing job market may be, job seekers should always regard it as a tight labor market and plan accordingly to give themselves every opportunity to land an interview. The passport to that interview is an innovative, compelling cover letter, but once an HR director’s interest is piqued, that interest must be rewarded with a resumé that is not only unique and tailored for that particular position, but also noteworthy and remarkable. Here are some tips for building a resumé that stands out.

- Know your audience—Always compose your resumé with your target audience in mind. If you’re applying for a position with an investment banking firm, make sure to note financial responsibilities and innovative investment products you’ve created or overseen. For a graphic design position with an advertising agency, craft an ad using colors and different fonts to get attention. Knowing your audience and crafting your resumé to appeal to their sensibilities are fine ways to stand out from your competition for the job.

- Be innovative—This can be risky, but it will surely get you noticed, and it might give you an edge in your job search. Innovative resumé ideas include writing your resumé on a basketball to apply for a sports-related position, incorporating pictures and calligraphy in your resumé for a job as a book illustrator, or structuring your resumé like a financial prospectus for fund manager position. Don’t be afraid to take a risk in order to stand out just remember your audience and make it appropriate for the position.

- Conduct research—Spend some time researching the company that you’re interested in working for and structure your resumé accordingly. They’ll be impressed that you’ve done your homework and it will be a strong indicator of your interest.

- Incorporate industry-specific ‘power words’—Know the appropriate terminology of the industry and incorporate these terms in the text, but be mindful of overdoing it. Describe professional accomplishments using words that create vivid images which help you stand out.

- Tweak and polish—Resumés should be treated like the first draft of a novel. All the salient points are there, they just need to be refined. Tweak and polish your resumé, and have a friend or trusted colleague look it over as well to make recommendations. Be prepared to revise it a few times and definitely customize it for each position that interests you.

Always remember that the first person that looks at your resumé probably reviews several hundred each month and anything that helps you stand out will surely be a benefit if you’ve done your homework and put some effort into it. While reading these resumé building tips, you’ve likely thought of several more that are at least as practical, useful, and relevant. Incorporate these tips and your own ideas, and you will be well on your way to a new job with plenty of opportunities for professional growth!

Jeff Tomlin has been an expert in producing resumes and resume cover letters that actually work for many years. Jeff Tomlin and his website have personally helped over 285,000 job seekers. Jeff has completed a library of resume template and sample cover letters to help those looking to make a career switch. To find out how Jeff can help you please visit http://www.landjob.com and find out today.

A Quick Guide to Cover Letters That Work

The importance of your cover letter in the hunt for employment cannot be stressed enough. The quality and composition of your cover letter will be the key factor on whether an HR director chooses to view your resumé or disregard it so you’ll want to spend some time preparing and polishing it to take full advantage of your brief window of opportunity. To that end, here is a quick guide to help your cover letters stand out and be noticed. You only have one opportunity to make a long last impression when the hiring manager or a decision maker looks at a resume or cover letter so it is important to have a wow factor so that your resume does not end up in the trash.

- Complement your resumé, don’t duplicate it—First impressions are crucially important so always bear in mind that your cover letter will be your first contact with your potential employer. Convey information that complements your resumé and add personal touches that pique their interest.

- Customize for each position—Generic cover letters imply a low level of interest in the position and will be dismissed straightaway. A little extra effort on customization will make a big impact on whether your resumé is reviewed or not.

- Strike a balance between brevity and pertinent information—Concision is important. Never use two words where one will suffice.

- Highlight key strengths—Present your key strengths as they apply to that particular position. Give the reader several reasons to continue reading your cover letter and your resumé.

- Don’t be afraid to use bullet points—HR directors initially scan cover letters rather than read them word for word. Using bullet points to convey pertinent information makes it far easier for them than reading dense blocks of text.

- Grammar and spelling—Check, double-check, and then check your cover letter again for errors of any kind that may undermine your credibility. You may also want to have a trusted friend or colleague review it as well because a fresh set of eyes will find grammar and punctuation errors that you may have overlooked.

- Remember the goal—Always remember that the purpose of your cover letter is to pique their interest, create a connection, and encourage the reader to review your resumé. Write specifically for this target audience and your chances of making that connection will be enhanced significantly.

There are lots of cover letter templates on the Internet which can be used to help you get started, but use them for inspiration rather than following them to the last detail. Remember that HR directors look at hundreds of cover letters each month, and if they have any reason to believe that you’re going through the motions rather than making the extra effort to craft your own unique cover letter, your resumé will seldom get noticed. Use these cover letter ideas and incorporate some of your own to increase your chances of getting noticed and landing an interview!

Jeff Tomlin has been an expert in producing resumes and resume cover letters that actually work for many years. Jeff Tomlin and his website have personally helped over 285,000 job seekers. Jeff has completed a library of resume template and sample cover letters to help those looking to make a career switch. To find out how Jeff can help you please visit http://www.landjob.com and find out today.

Distribute Your Resume Effectively

When you’re job hunting, success has everything to do with numbers. The more potential employers have your resume in their hands, the greater the number of interviews you’ll be contacted about. And the greater the number of interviews you ace, the likelier you are to not only land a job, but also land one that you’ll love.

So how do you flood the market with your resume? Well, you could spend hours sifting through the classifieds and searching the Internet for possibilities. Or you could save yourself a lot of time and trouble and simply contact a resume distribution service. More and more today, recruiters and employment agencies are turning to resume distribution services to find suitable candidates for jobs in hundreds of industries. It’s easier, cheaper, and less time-consuming for recruiters to contact a distribution service, versus trying to hunt down potential employees on their own. And an audience with a large number of recruiters is exactly what you need to nail down a new job quickly.

How it works

If you’ve never used a resume distribution service before, it can seem daunting. But it’s really as easy as posting your resume once to those huge job boards—and far more effective. First, you create a profile and submit your resume online. Once you’ve confirmed that everything is correct and have paid your fee, your resume will be forwarded to recruiters who can help you find a job in your chosen area. You’re typically contacted directly by recruiters or companies to further discuss a job opening. If you haven’t gotten much response from your resume within a certain amount of time, some distribution services will even help you review and improve your resume.

Why use a resume distribution service instead of going it alone? Here are some benefits to consider:

1. You can pick your plan. Most resume distribution services have several tiers of benefits. For a set price, your resume will be given a certain amount of exposure. You can pick a package that fits your needs and budget. Some even provide resume targeting for military resumes or those searching for executive positions.

2. Location, location, location isn’t a problem. If you’re open to moving for your career, you obviously stand a better chance of landing your dream job. But if you live in Chicago, will you know if a perfect position opens up in Denver? With a resume distribution service, your resume can be sent all over the country, putting you in front of people who can consider you for hundreds—or even thousands—of great jobs. Likewise, if you want to stay in your current city or state, you can narrow your targets to only recruiters in your region.

3. Discover a variety of possibilities. You know what industry you’re interested in, right? For example, doesn’t it make sense to put your resume in front of marketing or advertising companies if you’re in marketing? Not necessarily. If you’re looking in the newspaper under “marketing,” you may miss a great opportunity with an arts studio or a medical practice in need of a marketing specialist because you’re not looking in the right place. But a distribution service is the convergence point for a broad array of industries looking for someone with your skills and talents.

4. You get a direct pipeline. If you post your resume on a job board, it’s floating out there waiting to be “clicked” by an employer. But a distribution service sends your resume directly to the inboxes of recruiters who want to see it. That direct pipeline considerably ups your odds of being contacted about a position that’s right for you.

Additional tips

* It’s important to choose your resume distribution service wisely. To ensure that your resume is received by people who are really interested in it, verify that your distribution service sends your resume only to recruiters who’ve signed up with their site. After all, if it’s simply being mass-emailed to recruiters who will delete your resume as “spam,” you’re not getting any value for your money.

* Your resume itself is the final variable in this job-hunting puzzle. Remember to pay attention to the quality of the resume you send to a distribution service. They may send it to hundreds of recruiters, but if it’s a lousy resume, you won’t get the response you’re hoping for.

Jason Kay recommends you read reviews of resume distribution services at JobGoRound.com.

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