Negotiating your salary is a stage that comes either after a job offer has been extended or after you ask for a raise. Now it’s time to negotiate and you must learn HOW TO NEGOTIATE YOUR SALARY.
 
To begin, confidence is important in negotiations. You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Negotiate from a position of strength.” Strength comes from confidence. Confidence is built when you:  

1. Are prepared (you’ve done your homework),
2. Understand the employers’ decision-making parameters,
3. Have learned how to ask,
4. Have chosen the right timing, and
5. Know what you want out of the negotiation.

 
The most important thing to remember about salary negotiations is that most salaries are negotiable. That doesn’t mean you name a figure and the company either matches it or not. It means you’re ready to listen to what the company has to offer and give it consideration. Just remember to have realistic expectations and realize that you may not get everything you want.
 

The most important thing to remember about salary negotiations is that most salaries are negotiable. That doesn’t mean you name a figure and the company either matches it or not. It means you’re ready to listen to what the company has to offer and give it consideration. Just remember to have realistic expectations and realize that you may not get everything you want.

​Effective salary negotiation doesn’t happen by chance—it’s the result of thoughtful preparation and a clear understanding of both your value and the employer’s perspective. Before discussing numbers, it’s essential to approach the conversation strategically rather than emotionally. Preparation allows you to negotiate from a position of confidence, ensuring that your requests are grounded in facts, market realities, and your unique contributions.

A successful negotiation balances listening and advocacy. While it’s important to communicate your expectations, it’s equally critical to understand how compensation decisions are made and what constraints may exist. Employers consider a wide range of factors when determining salary, and knowing how to navigate those factors strengthens your ability to present a compelling case.

The sections that follow outline five foundational elements that influence negotiation outcomes. Together, they provide a practical framework for researching your market value, understanding employer priorities, communicating your request effectively, choosing the right moment to negotiate, and defining what success looks like for you. Mastering these areas will help you enter salary discussions prepared, professional, and positioned for a productive outcome—regardless of whether you’re negotiating a new offer or requesting a raise.

When you’re buying any major item (house, car, big screen television), it’s important to do your homework and find out the value of the item. It’s also important to do your homework when negotiating a salary or a raise.
 
Research your market value and what you’re worth for your position, level of experience, and industry. In addition to online salary sites, you can get information from your professional or trade association.
 
Research the prospective employer and its salary structure. If possible, talk to current or former employees. Alumni of your college or university who hold similar positions or who are employed by the same company may provide you with useful information. (LinkedIn can be a good source of contacts for this.)
 
One of the easiest ways to find out salary information is online. There are websites that offer solid salary information, including:
 
Bureau of Labor and Statistics (wage data by area and occupation)
http://www.bls.gov/bls/blswage.htm
 
Occupational Outlook Handbook (earnings)
http://www.bls.gov/oco/
 
CareerOneStop Salary and Benefits Information
http://www.careeronestop.org/toolkit/Wages/wages.aspx
 
U.S. Office of Personnel Management Salaries & Wages (federal salary information)
http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/
 
Salary.com (offers free data and personalized salary reports for a fee)
http://salary.com/
 
Payscale.com (requires you to contribute data in order to receive information)
http://www.payscale.com/
 
Glassdoor.com (requires you to contribute data in order to receive information)
http://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/index.htm
 
SalaryExpert.com (neat feature: allows you to search jobs by pay range)
http://www.salaryexpert.com/
 
JobSmart Salary Surveys (site can be hard to navigate, but offers links to industry-specific salary surveys)
http://jobstar.org/tools/salary/index.php
 
Robert Half International Salary Guides (accounting, finance, financial services, technology, legal, creative positions, administrative jobs)
http://www.rhi.com/salaryguides
 
You can also do a Google search for “average salary for (job title).” This can sometimes lead you to more specific salary data for a profession.
 
When using sites like Payscale.com and Salary.com, compare job responsibilities, not job titles. A job title can mean different things at different companies.
 
If you are relocating, part of your research should include cost-of-living adjustments. You can use Forbes' Cost of Living Calculator (https://www.forbes.com/advisor/mortgages/real-estate/cost-of-living-calculator) to assess and compare the cost of living between different US cities,  and determine if you will be able to maintain your current standard of living. Also, click here if you need relocation cover letter exmaples.

It can also help to understand what a prospective employer considers when deciding about a salary. The employer may evaluate:

• the level of the job within the organization
• the scarcity of the skills and experience needed for the job in the job market
• the career progression and experience of the individual selected
• the fair market value of the job you are filling
• the salary range for the job within your organization
• the salary range for the job within your geographic area
• the existing economic conditions within your job market
• the existing economic conditions within your industry
• company-specific factors that might affect the given salary, such as comparative jobs, company culture, pay philosophy, and promotion practices.

When negotiating your pay, don’t name a figure that is absurdly optimistic, and be careful not to risk naming a figure that is lower than what the company is ready to offer. Instead of naming a price, say something like, “Based on my experience and skills, and the demands of the position, I’d expect to earn an appropriate figure".
 
You may also ask for additional responsibility — for example, a chance to lead projects or a task force. This gives you the opportunity to position yourself for a raise in the future, as higher-level responsibilities merit higher pay.
 
Prepare Supporting Documentation
When asking for a raise, provide written materials to back up your salary request. This can include salary data from websites, previous performance evaluations, letters of recommendation, and job postings for similar positions. If you haven’t been keeping a “brag file,” now is the time to start. Keep a journal of your work accomplishments, letters of commendation from your boss, testimonial letters from customers, and awards. Identify what makes you different (and/or “irreplaceable”) from other candidates or employees.
 
When asking for a raise, prepare a 1- to 5-page document outlining what you’ve accomplished (including testimonials, either from other employees or excerpted from performance reports or project status updates) and your salary research.
 
Make a list of your work achievements and quantify the value to the company (in terms of numbers, percentages, and dollar figures). This provides concrete data for why you’re valuable to the company. Be prepared (with examples) of projects you’ve completed that generated revenue, or saved the company money, or solved a specific problem. Focus on what you’ve done to create positive changes in the company, manage unruly employees or customers, build relationships (internally and externally), and avert disaster. You need to justify your raise.
 
Also, highlight what you’re working on right now (especially the impact these efforts will have on the company in the near future). Outline your goals for the next year — what are your priorities and what will they contribute to the company?
 
When you negotiate with a busy person, make it easy for them. If you come in with a fully fleshed-out document supporting your raise, you make it easy for them to say yes. Approach your preparation with this thought in mind: If I were receiving this information, what would make me want to say yes to the request?
 
Consider using a free service like Get Raised (http://www.getraised.com) to help you develop your case for your raise. It will help you articulate your value to the company and creates a letter that you can submit as a raise request.
 
And be sure to “dress for success” in your request-for-a-raise meeting.

Find out how raises are typically handled in your company. Are they given out at a specific time each year? Are they merit- or performance-based, or fixed cost-of-living raises?
 
A good time to approach your boss for a raise is when you’ve had a major accomplishment (such as bringing in new business or finishing a key project), when you’ve taken on significant additional responsibilities, or when you’ve earned recognition for your work.

Here are some things to think about:

• How much do you need to make? How much do you want to make? What is the lowest salary you’d be willing to accept? What is your salary goal?
• Besides money, does this job fulfill any of your other needs, such as schedule flexibility, the opportunity to learn new skills, or the chance to do interesting work?
• What kind of opportunities does the position offer for training, further education, and/or professional advancement?
• Do you have other job prospects lined up? How do they compare to this position?
• What makes you worth a higher salary? How do you compare to the other job candidates? Do you have special skills that are hard to come by?

Salary negotiation is not about demanding more; it’s about clearly communicating your value and understanding how that value aligns with an employer’s needs and constraints. When you approach negotiations prepared, informed, and confident, you shift the conversation from emotion to strategy. Doing your homework, choosing the right timing, and supporting your request with measurable achievements allows decision-makers to see your request as reasonable and justified rather than risky.

It’s equally important to remember that compensation goes beyond base pay. Flexibility, growth opportunities, responsibilities, and long-term career trajectory all play a role in overall job satisfaction. Even when negotiations don’t result in everything you hoped for, the process itself builds confidence and positions you more strongly for future discussions.

​Ultimately, successful salary negotiation is a skill that improves with practice, and mastering it can have a lasting impact on your earning potential and career growth.

 Sending a resume that gives a clear outline of your competencies, is not cluttered, is aesthetically pleasing, and easy to speedread, and will impress any potential employer. The same is true of a well-written and interesting cover letter. Go over this checklist before sending your resume and cover letter: 

• ​Examine your part. The most effective thing you can do is to acknowledge what you’re contributing to the situation. You can control your own feelings and responses even if you have little influence over your coworker’s actions.

1. Develop compassion. If your coworker’s habits are troubling for you, imagine what they’re doing to them. You may find it easier to accept their flaws when you remember how you struggle with your own.
   
   
2. Think positive. There’s more to your colleagues than the quirks that bother you. Focus on their strong points and what they contribute in the workplace. You’ll appreciate them more.
   
   
3. Listen closely. Letting your coworkers know that you care can prevent misunderstandings. Ask them to discuss your differences and work on solutions together. Pay attention to what they say instead of making assumptions about their intentions.
   
   
4. Reach out. You may be tempted to send an email rather than speak face-to-face with someone who annoys you. However, this may be a case where more contact will help you find common ground.
   
   
5. Set boundaries. On the other hand, if your efforts to make peace keep stalling, you may need to agree to disagree. Limit your interactions to business essentials.
   
   
6. Ask for help. If you’re unable to resolve the conflict and get along with your coworker on your own, consider bringing in a third-party. Tell your boss or your PR Representative about your concerns. They may want to intervene or recruit an outside mediator.
   
   
7. Recognize other issues. Be prepared to take a different approach if your conflict is caused by something other than personality traits. For example, there may be contradictory business goals that would create friction between employees in certain positions.

 
Specific Examples: 

1. Be humble. How do you deal with a coworker who thinks they know it all? Keep in mind that they may be trying to compensate for their own insecurity. Avoid being drawn into an argument and be firm if you want to discourage unsolicited input.
   
   
2. Stay on schedule. A colleague who misses deadlines and arrives late can hold up the whole team. Let them know how their actions affect others and set interim deadlines to help keep projects on track.
   
   
3. Avoid griping. What happens when a little venting turns into chronic complaining? You may be able to help a coworker who tends to see themselves as a victim. Try to validate their feelings while encouraging them to take responsibility for their actions and focus on solutions.
   
   
4. Reduce the drama. Maybe you find mood swings and intense emotional displays a bit unsettling. If your office is starting to feel like an opera company, take a deep breath and maintain a calm demeanor.
   
   
5. Lighten up. It’s natural to feel undermined when you’re being micromanaged, but it usually says more about your supervisor than it does about you. You might be able to head off the situation by giving them detailed updates to ease their concerns.

 
Conflicts are natural when you’re spending 40 hours a week with someone you might not choose for a friend. Knowing how to get along with your coworkers  will help you to increase cooperation and reduce misunderstandings.

"Do you have any questions for me?" is the ONE question every candidate should be prepared to answer in an interview. 

Job interviews aren’t meant to be an interrogation. They are supposed to be a dialogue. An interview is as much about making sure the company is a fit for you as it is about making sure you are a fit for the company.​

Before the interview, at a minimum, you should research the company and the interviewer(s).
 
At a minimum, conduct a Google search. Take a look at the company’s website. Look for the interviewer’s LinkedIn profile. While you’re on LinkedIn, see if the company has a profile on the site. Also, check out the LinkedIn profiles of other key employees of the company. How long have they been in their current jobs? How long have they been with the company? What was their background before they joined the company? (Did they come from competitors, or other industries?)
 
Your research will not only help you understand the company better, but it will also help you ask more informed questions in the interview.
 
And that’s the subject of this report. If you haven’t asked questions as the interview progresses, there will likely come a time in the interview when the person conducting the interview says to you, “So, do you have any questions for me?”
 
That’s where your research comes into play. Surely, as you were learning more about the job and the company, you were curious about a thing or two. Even if you weren’t, it makes a huge (negative) impression on interviewers when you don’t ask any questions. That can either signal that you’re not interested enough in the job to muster up any questions, or that you didn’t know anything about the company coming into the interview, and you weren’t paying attention enough to latch onto any information shared in the interview. These scenarios don’t bode well for your employment prospects.
 
With that in mind, here are more than 70 questions you can ask in a job interview. Choose 4 or 5 of them (at a minimum) and write them down on an index card or sheet of paper you can reference at the appropriate time during the job interview. 

(Often for high-level assignments)

1. What are you hoping to accomplish, and what will be my role in those plans?
2. What initial projects would I be tackling?

 (Designed to protect the employee)

• ​Are there formal metrics in place for performance evaluations?
• If I were a spectacular success in this position after six months, what would I have accomplished?
• How long has this position existed in the organization?
• Are my tasks limited to my job description?

Source: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/do-you-have-any-questions

You already know first impressions last... If you want to make a lasting impression, you must relate to what your audience is looking for. So, first, put yourself in the shoes of hiring managers. ​

Write a resume that gets read and gets you hired. Fortunately, there are easy ways to edit your resume and help you get noriced in a pool of job seekers. You will find below a few tried and true suggestions. In today’s fast-paced hiring environment, where applicant tracking systems (ATS), digital portfolios, and online applications dominate, every detail matters. Enhancing your resume with strategic keywords, strong formatting, and relevant metrics can instantly increase your visibility and improve your chances to  get more interview invitations. Small improvements, especially those aligned with search-optimized and employer-driven best practices, can elevate your resume from overlooked to competitive.

​Fortunately, there are easy ways of tweaking your content to help you make your resume stand out from the crowd. You will find below a few tried and true suggestions:

Nearly all employers today use applicant tracking systems to filter resumes before a human ever sees them. Using clear section titles, job-specific keywords, and standard formatting increases your chance of passing the first screening and landing an interview.

In today's world, resumes extend beyond the page. Consider linking to a polished LinkedIn profile, portfolio site, or professional project gallery. These assets help employers validate your experience instantly and make you more memorable.

​Modern workplaces require adaptability. Even if the job is on-site, employers value candidates who can communicate virtually, manage collaboration tools, and work independently. Showcasing remote-ready competencies demonstrates resilience and modern professionalism.

A potential employer may not have the time to read the resumes carefully that he receives. The first feature of a career resume that stands out is the bullet points. This allows the employer to quickly analyze your resume to make sure you have the qualifications you need and meet the minimum requirements for a job. If you make scanning your resume too difficult, you risk an employer who does not even bother to read the message.

The Summary is: A brief introduction of the resume content. It is an “Introductory” paragraph to introduce the content of your resume briefly, at first. Take a look at a few examples of  professional summary on a resume.

The Summary is not: A brief introduction of you or your character. It is not an “Introductory” paragraph to introduce you personally.  If this is done right, you can draw your audience to read the rest of your resume. Moreover, by clearly making this distinction, you can demonstrate your writing skills.

A generic resume receives a generic response, if any. Customize your resume to capture your audience. Emphasize your qualifications for that specific job, based on the job description’s keywords. If you are applying for a Marketing Executive position, make sure your resume does not scream Finance. Customize your resume to focus on the employers’ needs; add jobs you may have removed that relate more to what you are applying for.

Your accomplishments speak louder than your skills. Other resumes may reflect the same skills, but your accomplishments are unique to you. Put them in value. Did you save the company $10,000 by auditing an account or a P&L? What did you do that was above and beyond your job description? Also, learn how to quantify results on your resume when your job isn't big on numbers. You must show that you have done what they are looking for. That is very important if you want to stand out from the crowd.

Padding your resume with unnecessary information or simply too many embellishing words will not help your quest for that ideal position. Make sure your details are about the job requirements. Adding personal information is only valuable if it relates to the job, the industry, or the company, be it through volunteer jobs or a trade association you belong to. These informational “fillers” belong to junior resumes​, not senior executive resumes.  Of course, if you are a Taekwondo champion, you can and should find a place for it on your resume. It says a lot about you, but also this example is not only rare but justifies being mentioned.

A great resume, on paper, visual, digital, and online, remains the number one step to presenting yourself, no matter what your career level is. Employers expect candidates to demonstrate adaptability, digital fluency, and the ability to communicate across multiple platforms. By keeping your materials current, strategically optimized, and aligned with today’s hiring trends, you ensure your resume continues to stand out in a competitive job market.

​Please contact Mandy Fard at Market-Connections, if you need help with resume writing, interview coaching, or LinkedIn profile optimization.

Source: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/how-to-make-your-resume-stand-out

• ​Resume Red Flags
• Should You Use ChatGPT to Write Your Resume
• ​Resume Checklist
• Crafting an Impressive Resue Without Exaggeration
• Should You Put a Picture on Your Resume
• Executive Resumes

​When you see a survey that says 55 percent of hiring managers don’t pay attention to cover letters, it may be tempting to think that you don’t need one. But consider that means that 4 out of 10 hiring managers do want to read one — and you don’t know whether the hiring manager for this job is one of the 55 percent, or one of the 45 percent. Unless you are sure otherwise, it’s better safe than sorry.
 
Even hiring managers and recruiters who say they never read cover letters may find themselves drawn in by a particularly compelling cover letter. When they say they don’t want a cover letter, it’s because they don’t want to read a boring, basic cover letter. Like a résumé, the cover letter will only get a glance at first. But if you can tell a story with your cover letter, you may interest them in reading it, either instead of or in addition to your résumé.
 
So, how do you know when you need a cover letter or not? The general guideline is that anytime you can’t hand your résumé directly to the hiring manager, you need a cover letter. It serves as a letter of introduction, allows you to share information that wouldn’t otherwise be on a résumé (for example, the reason why you made a job change in the past, or why you’re seeking one now), and communicates your qualifications and interest in this specific job.
 
An effective cover letter can make a match between what you have to offer and what the hiring company needs, even spelling out the specific ways you can meet the position’s requirements in written form. The cover letter is also an opportunity to let your personality shine through. You can set yourself apart from other candidates — and maybe even shore up some weaknesses that might otherwise keep you from getting an interview — with a targeted, well-written cover letter.
 
The cover letter can also impact the ability of your résumé to be found if you’re applying to a company through applicant tracking system software. Many online applications offer the candidate the opportunity to upload a cover letter, and this becomes part of the candidate’s full profile in the ATS database. A strong cover letter can enhance your ATS profile, making it more likely that your résumé will make it out of the database and get read by a hiring manager.

You can have a “template” cover letter, but it’s important to take the time to customize the cover letter before sending it off. The first thing you should do is research the company. Take a look at their website and LinkedIn company page. Google them. Look at research websites like Glassdoor and Vault. Get to know their needs and the specific role the position you’re applying for plays in the greater scheme of things. This will help you ensure that your cover letter is attention-getting and relevant to the reader. (This research will also help you prepare for the job interview, which, of course, is the purpose of the résumé and cover letter.)

​When you’re formatting a traditional cover letter, make sure you’re matching the style and format of your résumé. Use the same fonts and layout, for example. Beyond the “look” of the document, there are several different ways you can structure the cover letter.
 
The first is a traditional “business letter” format, using paragraphs. This is the most common style; however, you want to make sure you keep the paragraphs short (no more than two or three sentences for each paragraph), because hiring managers will only give your cover letter a few seconds of attention during the initial screening process. (Although it will likely be read fully later if you are one of the few candidates selected for an interview.)
 
The second is what is commonly called the “T-Style” cover letter. This cover letter uses a two-column format to match up the job requirements with the candidate’s qualifications. It’s the fastest way to showcase how you’re a great fit for the position, and it works best when you meet the position requirements almost exactly. The left-hand column can be titled “Job Requirements” or “Your Needs” (this information is pulled from the job posting), and the right-hand column is titled “My Qualifications” and demonstrates your fit for each item in the left-hand column with your skills, education, and experience.
 
The third format is an e-note — it’s known as the “modern cover letter.” The traditional three-to-five-paragraph, maximum one-page cover letter has been replaced in some cases with a shorter document. This format — often referred to as an e-note — is a cover letter that accompanies a résumé sent via email. 

When sending a résumé as an attachment, you should also write a message in the email accompanying the file. Hiring managers report receiving hundreds or thousands of email messages with “Résumé” as the subject line, with no message in the email body and a file attachment. This is an easy way to have your message deleted, as hiring managers are wary of opening documents that are disguised as résumés but may be infected with malware or viruses.
 
The e-note is the email message, not an attachment. It gives the email recipient the information they need to decide if they should read your résumé. Because e-notes are usually 1-2 paragraphs (or between 90-120 words), you won’t provide the depth of detail in an e-note that you would in a traditional cover letter. However, you should still spell out up to three relevant qualifications or top accomplishments. Don’t copy-and-paste them directly from your résumé — instead, rewrite them so you’re sharing the same information differently.
 
Another advantage of an e-note is the opportunity to provide live links to your social media profiles. The most common way to do this is in the signature block of your email — after your name, include your contact information (phone number, email), and then a link to your LinkedIn account, blog, or online portfolio, Twitter profile, etc.
 
When you’re sending an unsolicited email or LinkedIn message (that is, not replying to an email from a hiring manager or recruiter), you want your email to be opened. In the subject line, include the title of the position you’re seeking (re: Project Manager) or the name of the person who referred you (Tom Smith suggested I contact you) to increase the chances of your email being opened.
 
When you’re applying through an applicant tracking system software online, you’ll likely be able to include (or attach) a traditional cover letter. However, if this isn’t an option, many systems include an “Additional Information” section, which could be used to include an e-note.

​Regardless of the format, the first thing in your cover letter should be an attention-getting opening paragraph. There are a couple of ways to get the reader’s attention.
 
Let the reader know how you found out about the job opening. (Were you referred by a current employee? Are you a customer, and saw it while shopping on the company website?) Include the reason why you’re interested in the position.
 
The second “must-have” in your cover letter is accomplishments. (Opening a cover letter with your accomplishments is also very attention-getting, so you may consider starting your cover letter with a strong accomplishment.) The reader wants to know: What have you done? How can you help me? Your previous achievements provide proof that you can do what you say you can.
 
Don’t simply restate accomplishments from the résumé, however. Tell the story behind the numbers. Make sure that the accomplishments you’re showcasing align with the requirements of the position you’re pursuing. For example, if you’re applying for a sales position, provide accomplishment data that shows how you’ve grown sales revenue or expanded the customer base. However, if the sales role doesn’t include any supervisory responsibilities, don’t talk about how you’ve trained and supervised two customer service associates.
 
Next, the cover letter must include anything specifically requested in the job posting — for example, salary history or salary desired (although you may want to consider how you answer this question, you should address it in the cover letter). However, do not include salary information unless you are specifically asked for it. Sometimes the hiring manager will also ask for specific information to be included, for example, schedule availability. Make sure you include this in your cover letter, or your application will likely be discarded. (The ability to follow directions is easy to discern by asking the candidate to include specific information in the cover letter.)
 
Finally, end with a strong closing statement. The best closing statement is a call to action — either inviting the prospective employer to contact you, or, even better, Letting him or her know that you will be contacting them to follow up. Include your preferred contact method (the easier it is for the hiring manager to reach you, the easier it will be to schedule your interview) and your availability.
 
You may also want to address why you’re looking for a new position, but keep it professional. Over-sharing personal details of your life isn’t the way to progress to a face-to-face interview. But many hiring managers do wonder — if you’re so good at your job, why are you leaving it? Make sure you are framing the reason positively, however. Don’t badmouth your current employer or co-workers. If you state your reason is to “pursue new opportunities,” everyone can read between the lines. Instead, focus on how the new job can take advantage of your skills, education, and experience — or don’t address this issue at all in the cover letter.
 
You can also include your willingness to travel or relocate, if desired by the company. 

Beyond the obvious — including the hiring manager’s contact information — you also want to make sure that you tailor the content of the cover letter specifically for the company being targeted. Hiring managers can tell when you’ve taken the time to research the company. Include details that demonstrate that you’ve done your homework. If you’re a customer of the company, mention that. If you know they’re expanding (and thus will be hiring for new positions), reference the article you read about it. Read the company’s website — and, if they’re a public company, the most recent annual report. Be familiar with what the company does. Make it apparent in the cover letter that you’re interested in working for them and the role that you can play in helping them.

One important tip: If you’re customizing a cover letter template that includes the company name in the body of the cover letter, make sure you’re including the right company. Many hiring managers will immediately discard a cover letter that mentions the wrong company name.

Don’t just repeat information from your résumé in your cover letter; give the reader a reason to read the cover letter. Focus on the reasons why you’re a fit for this specific position.
 
Address the cover letter to a specific person, not “To Whom It May Concern.” Ten or 15 years ago, it was very difficult to find a hiring manager’s name. Today, with Google, LinkedIn, and company websites, you should be able to secure the specific individual’s name and job title with a quick search (and maybe one follow-up phone call).
 
Make sure the cover letter is “employer-focused,” not “you-focused.” It’s not about what you want — it’s about how you can add value to the prospective employer.
 
Show, don’t tell! Just like on the résumé, don’t use clichés to describe yourself and your work — let your accomplishments do the talking. Instead of saying “results-oriented,” showcase the results you’ve achieved. Use specific dollar amounts, percentages, and other numbers to quantify your accomplishments.
 
The cover letter is an opportunity to bring attention to older experience on your résumé that is relevant for the job you’re seeking, but that may not be easily found.
 
You can also use the cover letter to highlight work experience that would substitute for education requested in a job posting, or highlight training and classes that have prepared you for the work being done.
 
Don’t include your photo on your cover letter. It doesn’t belong on your résumé either. But you need a great photo on your LinkedIn profile.
 
Stand out! Don’t just apply online for a position. Your cover letter and résumé may never make it out of the ATS software. If you apply online, follow up with a hard copy of the résumé and cover letter — either mailed or dropped off to the company — or email an e-note and résumé to the hiring manager.

Before you send your cover letter, take a moment to review both the content and the presentation with a critical eye. A strong cover letter isn’t just about persuasive writing; it’s also about precision, professionalism, and attention to detail. The following checklist will help you ensure your document is polished, targeted, and ready to make a strong first impression.

• Make sure the cover letter uses the same style/font/format as the résumé. The résumé and cover letter should “match” each other. And the content should complement each other, but not be an exact duplicate.​
• Address the hiring manager by name specifically, not just “To Whom It May Concern.”
• The first paragraph needs to be attention-getting. If it’s not, rewrite it.
• Focus on what sets you apart from other candidates. Make the case for yourself in your cover letter — many hiring managers read the cover letter first before deciding whether or not to look at the résumé. This is especially true for e-notes.
• Use pronouns. Unlike the résumé, you can include pronouns in your cover letter — “I, me, my” — however, remember that you want to focus on what the employer is looking for, not what you want.
• Include a “call to action” in the closing paragraph — what is the next step? Will you follow up with the hiring manager or recruiter, or do you invite them to call you? How should they contact you? (For example, direct them to your cell phone number, if that’s how you want to be reached.)
  

• Double-check that you’ve spelled the contact person’s name and the company name correctly.​
• Have someone else proofread the cover letter to make sure there are no typos and no mistakes. Watch especially for words that spellcheck won’t catch. (For example: the wrong word spelled correctly — like “pubic relations” instead of “public relations.”)
• If using the cover letter and résumé to apply online, make sure you’ve stripped out any formatting that may get lost in the ATS software or that may corrupt the content of the document as it’s being uploaded into the ATS database. (You can always follow up on the online application by sending a copy of the résumé and cover letter — with formatting — via email to the hiring manager directly, or by snail mail.)

A cover letter is more than a formality; it’s your opportunity to position yourself strategically and differentiate yourself in a competitive job market. When written thoughtfully and tailored to the role, it can be the factor that moves your application from “qualified” to “interviewed.”

If you want your cover letter to truly reflect your value and open doors, consider working with an expert. At Market-Connections Professional Resume Writing Services, Mandy Fard helps professionals craft persuasive, customized cover letters that align with hiring managers’ expectations. Reach out today to ensure your first impression is a strong one.

Source: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/how-to-write-a-cover-letter

​This is actually a fairly common question — but there’s no simple answer. As with many job search-related issues, the answer is: it depends.
 
The first thing to consider when deciding whether or not to include a short-term position on your résumé is whether it was planned as a short-term position, or if it simply ended up that way.
 
If the job was a contract (or a contract-to-hire role that didn’t get picked up), the usual answer is: Yes, include the job on your résumé. Make sure to describe it as such: “Hired for temporary, three-month role during maternity leave of key staffer” or “Contract-to-hire position ended prematurely due to termination of company relationship with client.”
 
Hiring managers are often sympathetic to short-term engagements when the circumstances are explained.
 
If the position wasn’t meant to be short-term, it may be wise to find a way to make it seem like it wasn’t as short. You could include it on the résumé but list your experience by year, instead of month/year to month/year.
 
For example, list the experience as Bumblebee Incorporated (2019) vs. Bumblebee Incorporated (March 2019 – August 2019).
 
Also consider whether you can “group” the role with other positions. For example, if you had several short-term roles — even if they were not technically temporary jobs — think about whether you can combine them into a single description.
 
For example, if you had a sales role with company ABC for eight months but left for a better opportunity with company XYZ — but only worked there for a year — consider listing the positions jointly as “Sales Representative, ABC/XYZ” with the inclusive dates. This only works, however, if the titles and work responsibilities are very similar.
 
If the job wasn’t intended to be short-term — but ended up that way because you were fired, or you quit because you didn’t like the job/company/people, consider leaving it off. But even in this situation, there are exceptions.
 
For example, did you learn any new skills in this role, or use any skills that aren’t described elsewhere on your résumé? If so, you may want to include the position so that you have the opportunity to showcase those skills.
 
Did you work for a name-brand company (for example, a well-known startup or Fortune 500 company) or did you work with a name-brand client in the scope of your work in that role? You may want to include the position on the résumé to increase the search engine optimization (SEO) of the résumé for applicant tracking systems — or simply to impress a Hiring Manager.
 
Will having this position on your résumé help position you for a career change? Even if your time in the position wasn’t long, if having that experience on there it helps you bridge the transition from one career to the next, consider including it.
 
Finally, is this role your only work experience relevant to your job target? For example, if you are a recent graduate but were “first in and first out” at your first job, consider including it if you were on the job more than 90 days. (Often the most recent person hired is the first person let go, and most hiring managers recognize this.) Having some experience — even short-term experience — is better than having no experience.
 
And remember, if you were laid off because of the economy, loss of a key company customer, or another reason unrelated to your performance, be sure to communicate that information in your Cover Letter.
 
If, on the other hand, the role doesn’t fit in the narrative of where you’ve been in your career — and, more importantly, where you’re going — consider omitting it. Sometimes you take a job because you think it will open doors or lead you to a new path, and it doesn’t end up that way. If including the job on the résumé will raise more questions than it will answer, consider not mentioning it on the résumé. Especially if omitting it wouldn’t cause a significant time gap on the résumé.
 
For example, Ted left the military after a career in naval intelligence and took a job at a startup software company, working in their Security Department. After being on the job for a few weeks, he decided that the laid-back company culture wasn’t suited to his personality and he left the role. Instead, he went to work for a defense contractor, and has been there for two years and has now decided to look for a new job. Ted may choose to omit the position at the startup from his résumé.
 
Remember, your résumé is not "just a report" that lists every job you’ve ever held. Instead, it’s a "compelling marketing document" whose content should support the job target you’re seeking.
 
Consequently, you may choose to only include the most recent (up to about 15 years on average, and no more than about 20 years in exceptional cases) work experience on your resume. Not only can this help reduce the likelihood of age discrimination, but in a world where things change at a rapid pace, your older experience may no longer be relevant. You likely have newer skills, experience, and projects that better reflect where you are going, not where you have been.
 
However, you should not leave a job off your résumé that you held for any significant length of time (say, more than six months) just because you were fired (even for performance) because you don’t want to talk about it. Instead, be prepared to address the reason for your departure (including taking responsibility for shortcomings in your performance) and being able to describe how you took corrective action to ensure the situation doesn’t happen again.
 
For example, if you are sales professional who was let go because you missed two consecutive quarters of sales quotas, you might include the role on your résumé (especially if you were selling a desirable product or working with high-profile clients) but be ready to explain that you didn’t have the depth of product knowledge that you should have had in order to be successful in that position. This is a particularly effective strategy to explain why you left your last job, if you have been successful in previous sales roles, but just not in this one.
 
One important thing to note: If you are asked to complete a job application that requires you to list all positions you’ve held (read the application directions carefully!), you should include each and every role — no matter how short — particularly if you’re required to sign the application (and, therefore, attest to the truthfulness of the information included).
 
But on the résumé, you can decide which positions to include and exclude, and even how they are arranged.
 
Determining what to include — and what to exclude — on your résumé to maximize your chances of getting an interview is one of the important functions a professional résumé writer can assist you with. Having the guidance and experience of a professional to help you navigate your job search can save you time and money, landing you that dream job faster, and potentially even at a higher salary than you were expecting.

[Updated February 2026 to include the latest California privacy laws and Google "Results About You" tools.]

In today’s digital-first job market, your online profile is often your first interview. Employers don't just search for you to find "red flags"; they look for a professional presence that confirms your "know, like, and trust" factor. A strong digital footprint reassures recruiters of your qualifications and cultural fit before you even hop on a Discovery Call.

However, negative or outdated information remains a significant barrier. Recent data suggests that over 75% of employers research candidates online, and a significant portion have disqualified applicants based on social media content. Whether you are actively job searching or climbing the corporate ladder, being the author of your own digital narrative is no longer optional; it’s a career necessity.

If you aren't actively defining your personal brand online, the internet is doing it for you. Your identity is a mosaic of what you post and what others (friends, former colleagues, or data brokers) publish about you. By taking a strategic, proactive approach, you can ensure that when a recruiter Googles your name, they see a curated professional image rather than a random collection of data points.

The first step is a "digital audit." To see what an employer sees, you must bypass your own search history.
​

• Use Incognito Mode: Open a private/incognito window in your browser.
• Log Out: Ensure you are logged out of your Google/Gmail account.
• Search Variations: Search for your full name, your name + your city (e.g., "John Doe Los Angeles"), and your name + your industry.

For residents of California, there is now a powerful tool to combat "digital dirt" at the source. Under the California Delete Act, you can now use the Delete Request and Opt-out Platform (DROP).

Accessible at privacy.ca.gov/drop, this state-run portal allows Californians to submit a single, verified request to delete their personal information from over 500+ registered data brokers simultaneously. This is the most effective way to reduce the amount of personal data (like your home address or phone number) circulating on "people search" sites that often clutter search results.

Google has replaced older dashboard features with the "Results About You" tool. You can now request the removal of search results that contain your personal contact information (home address, phone number, or email) directly through the Google app or your Google Account dashboard.

"Digital dirt" refers to any online information that could negatively impact your reputation. While you can't always delete everything, you can "bury" it by flooding the first two pages of search results with positive, high-quality content.

• Social Media Authority: LinkedIn, X (Twitter), and Facebook carry high "domain authority" and usually rank on page one. Ensure these profiles are professional and public.
• The "Grandmother Rule": Never post anything you wouldn't want a family member, or a future CEO, to see.
• The "Peek-Over-The-Shoulder" Test: Some employers may ask you to show your social media during an interview. While privacy laws vary, the safest bet is to delete controversial content rather than just hiding it.

Google rarely removes content simply because it is unflattering. They generally only intervene if the content involves:
​

• Highly sensitive ID numbers (SSN).
• Bank account or credit card details.
• Non-consensual explicit imagery.
• Unauthorized "doxing" (contact info posted with malicious intent).

To remove a negative blog post or article, you must contact the website owner (the "webmaster") directly. Once they remove the content, you can use Google's Search Console Refresh Tool to request that the outdated snippet be cleared from search results immediately.

The best defense is a good offense. You can command the narrative by creating content that showcases your expertise:

• LinkedIn Activity: Regularly share industry news and write thoughtful comments on leaders' posts.
• Blogging/Portfolio: If you are in a creative or technical field, a personal website or a blog on your niche (like "Job Search Ideas") establishes you as a topical authority.
• Video Content: Short, professional videos on YouTube or LinkedIn can humanize your resume and demonstrate communication skills.

Online reputation management isn't a "one-and-done" task. As platforms evolve, such as the rise of Instagram and TikTok in professional networking, your strategy must adapt. Recruiters are increasingly looking for "cultural fit" through these more casual platforms, making it vital to keep even your "private" accounts clean.

The internet has a long memory. It takes time for new, positive content to outrank old, stagnant data. Consistency is key. Even when you aren't looking for a job, you should monitor your presence at least once a quarter.​

Your online presence is a living extension of your professional brand. When your digital footprint aligns with the expertise shown on your resume, it becomes a powerful asset. By utilizing tools like the California DROP platform and maintaining a proactive content strategy, you ensure that your "online story" leads to job offers rather than rejections.

Need a professional audit? Contact Mandy Fard at Market-Connections Professional Resume Writing Services for expert assistance with resume writing, professional LinkedIn profile writing, and career coaching to ensure your brand is job-search ready.

​Navigating the complexities of digital privacy and search engine policies can be challenging, especially when your professional reputation is on the line. To help you better understand your rights and the tools available to you, we have compiled answers to the most common questions regarding online data removal and employer screenings.

​As of 2026, the most efficient method for Californians is the Delete Request and Opt-out Platform (DROP). By visiting privacy.ca.gov/drop, residents can submit a single request that legally compels over 500 registered data brokers to delete their personal information, significantly cleaning up their "people search" digital footprint.

​Generally, no. Google’s policy is to remain a neutral index. They will only remove results that contain highly sensitive personal information (like your Social Security number or bank details) or non-consensual explicit content. For most "digital dirt," you must contact the website owner directly or "bury" the result with new, positive content.

​This is a built-in feature in the Google app and your Google Account dashboard. It allows you to monitor and request the removal of search results that display your personal contact information, such as your home address, personal phone number, or email address, to protect your privacy and safety.

​While many states have passed laws prohibiting employers from demanding social media passwords, the practice of "shoulder-surfing", where a candidate is asked to log in and scroll while an interviewer watches, is a gray area. It is always safer to assume your "private" posts could be seen and to audit your accounts before an interview.

​Even after content is removed from a source website, it may stay in Google’s index for weeks. You can speed up this process by using the Google Search Console "Refresh Outdated Content" tool. However, if you are trying to "bury" a result with new content, it typically takes 3 to 6 months of consistent posting to move negative results off the first page.

Source: https://www.market-connections.net/blog/online-reputation-management