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Bleeding Red · 07-12-2018, 09:37 AM

I've adjusted my cover letter a few times over the last couple of years. The hook has to be in the first paragraph - 4-5 sentences. I have a separate short intro for email applications - blurb, LinkedIn link, and include an attached cover letter. Never know when a junior staffer will print out the CV and cover letter to pass on up the ladder.

I have had many phone interviews and I think that I got to that point through a good cover letter. A few became in person interviews.

I recently asked an HR professional about long gaps in work history and seemingly declining job titles. I was told that so long as I could explain the gaps in some way, it would not be a deterrent (thoughts?). And that the titles were meaningless (thoughts?).

My other concern is about references. I'm afraid that my references are from too long ago or not giving a decent report (as when we discussed). I've only made it to the reference stage twice in the past year.

Once over the "resume pile", I found that the biggest sticking point preventing moving to the next step is the dreaded "what's your salary range?" question. I have tried to avoid it buy saying that I am not chasing the money, etc., but can rarely get away without giving a number that I am never sure is too high or too low.

Good luck to all the searchers out there!

07-12-2018, 09:37 AM	#17
Bleeding Red Powerplay Quarterback Join Date: Oct 2001 Exp:	I've adjusted my cover letter a few times over the last couple of years. The hook has to be in the first paragraph - 4-5 sentences. I have a separate short intro for email applications - blurb, LinkedIn link, and include an attached cover letter. Never know when a junior staffer will print out the CV and cover letter to pass on up the ladder. I have had many phone interviews and I think that I got to that point through a good cover letter. A few became in person interviews. I recently asked an HR professional about long gaps in work history and seemingly declining job titles. I was told that so long as I could explain the gaps in some way, it would not be a deterrent (thoughts?). And that the titles were meaningless (thoughts?). My other concern is about references. I'm afraid that my references are from too long ago or not giving a decent report (as when we discussed). I've only made it to the reference stage twice in the past year. Once over the "resume pile", I found that the biggest sticking point preventing moving to the next step is the dreaded "what's your salary range?" question. I have tried to avoid it buy saying that I am not chasing the money, etc., but can rarely get away without giving a number that I am never sure is too high or too low. Good luck to all the searchers out there!