Mainebiz Special Editions

W O R K F O R M E / S P R I N G 2 0 2 1 18 A cover letter sounds so 1990s, but it is still essential to personalizing your resume for a job search. Follow these tips and you'll propel your resume to the top of your next employer's pile of top candidates. With a great interview and a hand-written thank you note after the interview, you will surely seal the deal. Start with a header that includes the date and your contact information, including street address, phone number and email. Address the email to the hiring manager or human resources manager, but use "Dear [first name here]," when possible. On that note, go the extra mile to find the name of the person you're addressing. That should be part of your background research. A person's own name is the sweet- est sound in the world so you want to use it if you can find out what it is. It's OK to use their first name. You may have been taught that you need to address them as Mr. or Mrs., but you are proposing working in an organization where you would be a professional peer so in my opinion using their first name is best. Sample opening paragraph This is where you show that you have thor- oughly researched the company or orga- nization and you can show that you would be a good fit for their culture. You want to show how your education and previous experience makes you ideally suited for the position. Don't be afraid to show your personality. If you are a go-getter, then say so. If you are an intellectual, then tell them that. Something like this: In my research about your company, I learned that I would be a perfect fit because I would complement the skills of your current employee team. Since I worked as the program director at a summer camp and I hold a degree in psychology, my experiences would round out your already amazing team of health care and fitness professionals. If it's a creative company, show your cre- ativity. Make sure you use language that conveys your unique personality and skill set. Write a cover letter that gets attention B Y N A N C Y M A R S H A L L H o w t o sbsavings.bank/work (207) 284-4591 Equal Opportunity Employer Join the team that makes a dierence in the communities we serve everyday. Learn more and apply today at: Member FDIC C M Y CM MY CY CMY K ai161676436123_SBSI-Mainebiz-WorkForME.pdf 2 3/26/2021 9:12:42 AM Nancy Marshall, owner of Marshall Communications, can be reached at nmarshall@marshallpr.com

• Cover