You do. If you want the job, that is.

The thank you letter is a critical element of the interviewing process. In a way, it’s analogous to the defense attorney making his closing summation at trial. The evidence has been presented; now he’s wrapping the whole thing up with a bow, recapping what’s been said, and trying to convince the jury why they should decide in his client’s favor.

It’s not uncommon for the case to be won or lost on the basis of the summation.

If you’re the person on trial, you probably don’t want your attorney to phone this in. Or to decide it isn’t worth doing at all – why not skip it and roll the dice? Let’s just send them in to deliberations and let the chips fall where they may. After all, this is just a formality, right? Read the full story

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Marketing shouldn’t be limited to advertising companies. Finding a job or enhancing your current position requires good self-marketing skills.

What is self-marketing? Basically, it is communicating your benefits to potential or current employers. Think of yourself as a “product” and explain to employers what differentiates you from other “products.”

Why is self-marketing important? Landing a job or improving your current position requires effectively selling your skills, abilities, and knowledge to employers. How do you market yourself? Self-marketing can be accomplished through networking, resumes, interviews, and salary negotiation.

Reports estimate that as many as 85% of jobs aren’t advertised. Networking is one way to get at the “hidden job market” – those unadvertised jobs. Tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job. They just may know of someone who is hiring.

Develop a contact list including: family, friends, friends of friends, acquaintances, co-workers, former co-workers, neighbours, doctors, dentists, and lawyers. Remember, more contacts equals more job opportunities. Read the full story

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