How To Write a Cover Letter

What is a cover letter? Obviously, it is a letter. This letter gives your employer a background of its proceeding documents (resumes, bio data, etc) for possible employment. It gives the reader (in this case, the employer) an introduction on what to expect in the proceeding documents.

Since it is an introduction (that’s why it is called a cover letter) of your job application documents, it must be written as professionally as possible. This is because you want to impress your employer from the start so that you will be his choice for the job you seek. The following are points to ponder in writing a professional cover letter.

General Directives:

A cover letter is written in a one whole page. Thus you may want to include important information about yourself. Avoid irrelevant information, for they will fill valuable space (which is intended for the most important ones) in your one-page cover letter. Be general in your cover letter. Reserve the specifics in the resume.

In writing a professional cover letter, it is obvious to write it with correct spelling and grammar. Come to think of this: do you expect a professional to be wrong, especially in the most basic terms? Consider proper spelling of words, word association (like subject-verb agreement), etc. Also please use simple words that can be easily understood. Don’t use highfaluting words that cause “nosebleeds” to readers. Thus using such terms will bring you to nothing.

Unlike resumes, cover letters are written in a first person perspective. Thus the use of the terms “I”, “my”, and the like are to be maximized. A cover letter is a personal introduction about you. Thus you must personalize its form.

Specific Directives:

Generally, a cover letter is composed of three paragraphs. Each paragraph contains specific information about you.

An introduction of the self must be contained in the first paragraph. It tells about you as yourself. It also tells about your desire to work with the company you are applying to and why the company wants your services. It must be short, but not hurried.

The second paragraph includes your professional career history and educational background. It must be included in this paragraph the skill, experiences, educational background, and job history acquired prior to the job you are applying for.

The third and last paragraph must include the opportunities that the company has in having you. You must also include a sentence which expresses an appointment time with the company.

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How to Become a Mystery Shopper

Retail establishments count mystery shopping to visit their locations and give feedback on service, aesthetics and merchandise. A mystery shopper is a spy, in a sense. If you become a mystery shopper, you’ll be given instructions to visit a certain store or restaurant, possibly at a certain time, buy something general or specific, and then that item will be reimbursed plus you’ll be paid for your efforts.

The job of mystery shopping isn’t the shopping – it’s filling out the paperwork after the shopping trip. You must be detailed and exact to help the establishment know what they are doing right and what areas need to be improved.

Becoming a Mystery Shopper

The easiest way to become a mystery shopper is by working with a contact that is already in a mystery shopping position for a company. If none of your friends work as a mystery shoppers, you can get your foot in the door through a variety of online applications.

To become a successful mystery shopper, you must first sign on to a company that provides the service. You can also market your mystery shopping services on a contract basis, but you must have industry resources to find stores in need of your service as well as be able to provide the standard forms and information.

To sign on with a company offering the mystery shopping services, you must first find a legitimate mystery shopping company accepting applications. There are generally more applicants than there are positions in mystery shopping, so you must find a way to stand out in your application. Like any sort of business, once you’ve been assigned a shopping gig or two, you’ll be more desirable if you do a good job.

To find a legitimate company, immediately eliminate any that require you to pay a fee or buy a start-up package. Research companies in the Better Business Bureau and see if any negative feedback pops up online when you search for information NOT from the company website. You can also check to see if prospective companies are members of the Mystery Shopping Providers Association.

Then, when you have a short list of legitimate companies, begin filling out the applications. As many have the same style of questions, save your responses in a word processing application to avoid having to retype each answer multiple times. Use time and care completing the application as it will likely be one among hundreds and you want to stand out in a positive way.

Follow up after applying and call to be sure it was received a few days later if a phone number is available. Once you land a position, do a great job every time and your reputation and future jobs will grow.

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How To Find The Best Place To Get a Job

When it comes to finding a job there are plenty of possibilities in which you can pursue to find the ultimate occupation. Looking for a job can be one of the most stressful times of your life, especially if you have monthly bills to pay for. This can eat up your hard earned savings or potentially take every cent you have. If you don’t have any money saved up it can force you to take out loans and credit cards which will incur interest and other fee’s making you build up unwanted debt.

A simple mistake of loosing your job or quitting before you have found an alternative method of revenue can bring more trouble then its worth. This is why it’s important to use every method available to get you back into work as soon as possible.

The first place you can look for a job is in your local job center, many of the newer job centers have computers with all the available jobs in your area so you log in with your details such as address, age and any other vital information. You then pick a selection of job categories which you are interested in and the computer searches through the database of jobs bringing up any that match your criteria. You can then print them off and contact them directly with your application, you should always apply for as many jobs as possible in order to increase your chances of getting one. It’s always best to apply for many jobs and turn them down, then to apply for one at a time and wait for a response before applying for your next one, this would make the process very time consuming and you could be waiting several months and still no have a job to show for it.

Another method which is becoming more popular in today’s world is finding jobs online, this give you the advantage of being able to search through available jobs in the comfort of your own home at your own leisure. Another benefit of this is that you can upload your CV and information based on your interests and hobbies to certain job sites and employers can search through people that match their criteria. Consider using a CV builder to fine-tune your CV to each job listing. The amount of exposure you get can be immense compared to any other method because there are many existing sites of such sort with new ones being published all the time.

You can search in your local paper and stores to find work as many people advertise just about everywhere if they require more staff. By checking papers everyday might give you another method of receiving a job. By asking around the bars and shops near to you has also gave many people a career, simply print a few copies of your CV off and hand it in to various shops you would be willing to work in.

If you have been trying to find a job and have had no luck then there are still options available for you, there are many agencies in which you can find locally or online in which you give them all your details and they find jobs you may be interested in based on the details they receive. They will take you right up to the interview stage and then it’s up to you to go the rest of the way. These agencies will take the payment from the company you’re working for and then pay you either weekly or monthly after they have deducted a fee.

In the end it’s always best to take advantage of as many different methods as possible, the worst that can happen is that you have to apply for more jobs. Finding a job can be a time consuming job in itself and you have to stick to it and maybe lower your expectations just to find a job which will allow you to have some free cash to play with. On the other hand you may get interviews from a few places, take them and then pick the best job or the one with the most promising prospects in the future. It all depends if you’re looking for a job to help time go by or if you’re looking for a new career.

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How To Prepare For an Interview

You just got out of school and you’re raring to join the work force so you could start earning your keep. Or you must be an old-timer hoping to get a stab at that managerial post that’s been opened in your company. Like most candidates, you would have to go through an interview or even a series of it before the company hands down their choice.

What To Do:
Nothing beats preparing for an interview. Everyone knows that. If not, these candidates learn it the hard way and just shake their heads in disappointment after it’s been done. You don’t have to go through the same and miss that wonderful opportunity of getting hired and forego the feeling of accomplishment that goes with it.

It is imperative that you completely understand your strengths and weaknesses. When you prepare your resume, make sure you can back up the details you put in there when asked for more specifics. Anticipate that questions will most likely be directed towards your skills, work experience, educational background, relevant training, career goals or lack of it. The interviewer might even give you situational questions related to the job you are applying for.

Research and Practice:
It would also boost your opportunities if you researched on the company and the position you are aiming for. The interviewer will most definitely ask you why you feel you are fit for the job. This is where researching would help you because no interviewer would appreciate being asked what the post is all about. I can just imagine the interviewer rolling their eyes at you. The interviewer may not be as expressive but you can go ahead and kiss your chances goodbye. Interviewers will want to hear your qualifications aligned with the requirements for the job. The person who fits the job most will most likely get past the interview and win the job.

Now, you may the best fit for the job but you end up getting tongue tied and failing to express yourself in words because of nervousness. It is expected that a person who goes through an interview gets butterflies in their stomachs. The best way to overcome this feeling is coming in prepared. Practice in front of the mirror so you could see how you project yourself during an interview. Are your hands too distracting when you talk? Do you have that smug expression when talking about your accomplishments? Be sure to project yourself professionally so interviewers will take to you positively during interviews.

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How to Dress for an Interview

Landing an interview is exciting. Unfortunately, the hard work you put into applications and cover letters is now behind you and you must wow your potential boss with your smooth talking and appearance.

Dressing for an interview is just as critical as what you say during the meeting. If you arrive looking sloppy or unprofessional, the interviewer will be getting a clear message that the interview simply doesn’t matter to you. No matter what your personal comfort level with professional attire may be, be sure you know how to dress for an interview.

Professional Dress

Once you’ve landed an interview for a job or career in a professional environment, you must show up looking the part. Even if the office is casual, you are not yet part of the office staff, so you must dress on par with management or even above management.

This means you should be wearing a suit, complete with suitable accessories such as panty hose for ladies or neckties for gentlemen.

Select a suit that is dark, but not necessarily black. If you don’t have a full business suit, it would be an excellent investment for the future. When you are shopping, be sure to buy a coordinated dress shirt, although white or ivory will always do, and a mens ties in a muted color or scheme. Dress shoes and dark socks complete the attire.

Remove your jacket while driving keep it from getting wrinkled, and be sure your tie is tied correctly and hanging at the right length. It should touch the top of your belt buckle. Tying ties and having it lie correctly can be irksome, so practice a few times before the day of or get help from a friend or family member. Before entering the interview, pull your jacket back on and button the top button. The bottom button should not be fastened.

Ladies have a few additional options for basic attire. They may wear a pants suit or a traditional skirted suit. A classic dress may be acceptable as well, but be careful not to be too casual or even too formal. Jewelry should be kept small and classic and any makeup should be carefully applied and tastefully limited as to not distract from the interview itself.

Ladies should wear professional shoes, meaning no sandals or even open toed shoes. Pumps or classic flats are acceptable, as are boots with a pants suit. Even if you despise them, pantyhose should be worn with dresses or skirts as they are professional and bare legs are not.

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How To Beat Competition In An Interview

Graduating from school is quite an accomplishment but and unprepared graduate can soon find themselves facing tough competition when trying to get a new job. If you want to get ahead of you competition, you must learn the tips and tricks on how to win that interview and squash competition more effectively.

Set Yourself Apart From Everyone Else:
If all determining factors for potential candidates are the same, the hiring manager will almost always choose an applicant that stands out from his/her competition. The first thing that you can do to stand out for an interview is arrive early. It’s a simple basic rule but one that often people take for granted Arriving early can also place you in the “lime light” and you may even get the chance to speak to the hiring manager in a casual environment prior to your interview meeting.

You want to make sure that you also research your possible employer. The majority of your competition concentrates on becoming familiar with the factitious contents of their own curriculum vitae or resume. They may know it like the back of their hands but not a lot will go the extra mile to make it consistent or in line with the company’s goals and missions. You of course, will not know the company’s goals and mission unless you do your research first. Doing your homework can impress the interviewer with your initiative, knowledge and abilities/skills that the company could directly relate to their goals.

Prepare for the Unexpected:
It wouldn’t hurt to ask around and read on publications that can help you prepare for some interview questions they might throw at you. Although most applicants are prepared to talk about their strengths, it would be good to know how to respond impressively if the interviewer starts asking you about what your weaknesses are. You don’t want to project yourself as a poor candidate but you have to do positive scripting so that your weakness might turn out to be more of an advantage to you and the company than the other way around.

Interviews will also touch on some of your problem solving skills. It’s not a simple math of two plus two equals four. They want to see and hear how confident you are when faced with problem scenarios that might come with the job you are aiming for. They would want to see someone who knows how to find a good work around when faced with a problematic situation instead of someone who guesses or pulls answers out of their hats randomly.

Above all in your interview, be sure to answer truthfully and with integrity. Honesty can go a long way with a hiring manager and will help you take the extra step to set yourself apart from your competitors.

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How to Replace a Window Screen

A torn window screen is a simple fix provided you have the right tools. When you’re ready to replace a window screen, a quick trip to the local hardware store and a free hour will be it takes to get the job done right.

Head to the Hardware Store

Get the dimensions of your torn window screen and then head to the hardware store. You’ll need a roll of netting, the rubber casing to hold the netting in place, a roller to work the rubber casing and a utility knife to make the cuts. A Craft Lite Cutter or similar product can handle a window screen and be an excellent investment for other household chores as well.

Remove the Old Screen

Take the screen off of the window and lay it flat in the grass. Find a corner of the rubber casing inside the edges of the screen and gently pull it out. As you pull off the old casing, the torn screen will loosen and you can remove it. You should be left with a window screen frame.

Install the New Screen

Unroll your new netting and use your knife to cut a section of screen slightly longer and wider than your window frame. Measure out a new section of tubing and cut this as well. Place the netting over the screen and hold the end of the rubber tubing. Very carefully push the tubing into the recessed area of the screen being sure you are securing the netting in place at the same time. Getting one corner started is the trickest part of replacing a window screen, so don’t be surprised if it takes a few attempts or an extra set of hands.

Once you have the corner installed correctly, use the special roller to gently roll the rest of the rubber tubing into place. As you roll, be sure you’re pulling the screen taut without stretching it or causing the window screen to bow. Again, it may take a few attempts. Finally, when all the tubing is in place, trim away the excess screen and tubing. Your window screen is ready to be put back in place.

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How to Clean Algae from a Birdbath

Birdbaths can be a beautiful addition to your backyard. They may be primarily decorative, or they can be functional little spa resorts for your feathered friends. However, bath time can be cut short for your backyard birds if their bathtub is filled with algae. An otherwise lovely garden ornament can become a nuisance when this problem persists. Don’t despair! It is possible to be rid of this pesky growth and return your birdbath to its pristine freshwater condition.

Consider the Wildlife

Before you take a chance harming the wildlife in your backyard by pouring a slug of bleach directly into your birdbath, think again! Never use algae-reducing chemicals in your birdbath since this can harm the animals that come in contact with it. While you are cleaning your birdbath, take precautions to protect the animals as well as yourself.

Gather Your Materials

To clean your birdbath, you will need a garden hose attached to a water source, scrub brushes, bleach, latex gloves, and a bucket. Be sure to gather your materials before you begin so you can work more efficiently and quickly return your birdbath to working order.

Light Cleaning

Start by emptying the dirty water from your birdbath. You can do this by simply tipping your birdbath slightly until the dirty water drains over the side. Next, you’ll want to rinse any loose debris from the bowl of your birdbath by spraying it with your hose. Put a little more effort into your duty by going after that algae with the scrub brush.

Bring Out the Big Guns

Now that the easy algae is gone and the really determined stuff is still hanging on, it’s time to get tough. Make a bleach solution in your bucket by mixing three-fourths a cup of liquid bleach with a gallon of water. Again, be sure you are doing this somewhere where animals will not come in contact with the bleach. Also, protect yourself by wearing gloves, old clothes, and working in a well-ventilated area. Pour a little of the bleach solution into the birdbath and go after the remaining algae. When the water is soiled, repeat until you are satisfied with the state of your birdbath.

Out of Order

Now that the job seems like it is done, don’t endanger the birds by immediately putting the birdbath back into service. After you take the birdbath out of the yard, fill the birdbath with another round of bleach solution and cover it with wood or plastic. Allow the solution to work its magic for about fifteen minutes. Rinse thoroughly until no trace of bleach remains, then fill with fresh water and put your birdbath back to work.

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How To Clean a Mattress

Let’s be honest. Most people are never going to see your mattress much less a stain that is on your mattress. But, as they say "cleanliness is next to godliness" and it’s been proven by scientists most illnesses start in your bedding.

The purpose of this article is to help you clean your mattress using either commercial products or things you probably have in your kitchen. We will teach you the ins and outs of cleaning stains from urine to mold, smoke odors to kool-aid!

There are a few solutions out there that can be of assistance, and a variety of products that can be used as mattress cleaners that will do the trick. Some highly recommended products include Natures Miracle, Bane-Clene which is great for allergies, and a well recommended mattress cleaner used by the hotel industry called ProKlean, which seems to work very well. If you do not have any of these, we will show you how to use around the house items that will help clean as well.

A good quality upholstery shampoo usually does the job, and you can get them just about anywhere. REMEMBER, the quicker you treat the affected surface, the easier it will be to remove the odor and stain. So, if you happen to have upholstery shampoo in your home, try that first.

I can’t think of anything worse than buying a new pillow top mattress, and then finding out that your dog has just urinated on it! You always have the option to call a professional mattress cleaner, but sometimes the situation can be a little embarrassing, not to mention fairly costly. It’s always better just to do our own dirty work when we can.  The best way to clean your mattress is to keep it clean> by using a mattress protector. A mattress protector is waterproof, dust mite proof and allergen proof and will provide you a healthy, clean sleeping environment. There are varieties of mattress covers that add softness or are waterproof to protect a mattress, but a full mattress cover is waterproof, is free or allergens and protects against dust mites. The mattress cover provides a clean, sleeping environment. A Mattress Firm Sleep Expert can show you the line of mattress protectors that are carried by the store.

How to clean a mattress:

For stains of an unknown nature:

1. Spray a citrus based cleaning product on the soiled area.
2. Let it stand for approximately five minutes to penetrate the stain.
3. Always use an absorbent cloth to blot the stained area.
4. Press down firmly without rubbing for 30 seconds.
5. Repeat this blotting process until the area is dry and odor free.

*As an alternative, you can use a mild dish detergent for spot cleaning. Blot the stain with the detergent and wipe it clean with a damp sponge.

How to clean urine stains and odors

Accidents happen and are sometimes really embarrassing. Urine can saturate absorbent materials such as mattresses well beyond the surface area. If the urine has been deeply absorbed by the mattress, it may take a little more time to clean than usual. Remember, if you do not act quickly, the urine can create ideal conditions for bacteria and mold growth and the related unpleasant odors.

Here are the steps to clean urine and odor from your mattress:

1. First! Blot up as much of the urine as possible with an absorbent cloth.
2. Then spray a product like PAWS – Pet Accident Washup Solution or Bio-OX Citrus Concentrate or any other brand that mentions urine odor removal on its label on the soiled area.
3. Follow up with the blotting and drying techniques indicated above.

Another great stain remover is vinegar.

1. Saturate the stain with vinegar and blot until no more of the urine can be removed.
2. Cover the area with baking soda to neutralize the odor, leaving it on overnight.
3. In the morning, vacuum the powder off.

How to remove Cigarette odor

While smoking in bed is a high risk for starting a fire, many people still like to light one up while getting ready to hit the sack.  Smoke has a great way of working in the fibers and cloth of the mattress, and they can create an unpleasant odor if not treated correctly.

1. Working in sections, use the citrus cleaner technique specified above.
2. Repeat the cleaning and blotting process in each section of the mattress until the whole thing is dry and odor free.

Another great option is Baking Soda!

1. Sprinkle the whole top of the mattress with baking soda.
2. Leave it there overnight to absorb and neutralize the odors.
3. In the morning, vacuum the powder off.

How to remove mold and mildew stains and odors

Mold and mildew can be a difficult stain to clean, especially if they have penetrated deep inside the mattress< .

1. Use the same citrus cleaner techniques indicated above.
2. Since mold and mildew are caused by moisture, it might be beneficial to run a dehumidifier, heater or air conditioner in the room periodically to take the dampness out of the air.

One more way to clean mold and mildew

1. Take the mattress outside on a sunny day.
2. Sweep off all visible mold and mildew.
3. Vacuum the mattress with a heavy duty vacuum cleaner.
4. Allow the sun to shine on the mattress for several hours. This will dry and freshen it.

How to remove Kool-Aid stains from mattresses

We don’t know of a kid that doesn’t love Kool-aid!  To answer all of your inquiries about how to clean Kool-aid, here it is.

1. First off, we need to realize that kook-aid is a liquid, and a mattress will soak up any type of liquids. It is good to note that it is impossible to remove the entire liquid spill from inside the mattress.
2. The dyes in Kool-Aid generally leave a permanent stain, but you can try to remove the surface stain.
3. You must blot up as much of the liquid as possible with an absorbent white cloth. Use the citrus cleaner techniques shown above.

One more method:

1. To remove as much liquid from the mattress as possible, cover it with a thick cloth and weigh the cloth down with a heavy book or brick.
2. After the hour is up, spray the stain with vinegar again and blot it with a clean cloth to lift the color.
3. Repeat the process until the stain is completely removed or no further reductions of stain color occur.

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How to Choose a Doormat

A doormat has a very ignoble but important job. You may not pay it much attention, but doormats are stepped on by everyone who enters your house, and it is usually the first and last thing they see as they come and go. Choose a doormat that will make a good lasting impression, but one that will do its job well and will hold up for a long time.

Make a Plan

While hopefully you don’t lose sleep over this decision, keep a few considerations in mind when choosing what doormat to purchase. Before you shop, determine the purpose of your doormat. Is this a primarily functional doormat, intended to remove dirt and debris from feet and shoes before these filthy intruders find their way onto your floor? Or is it purely decorative, bringing color to a room or hiding an unsightly stain on the carpet underneath? Will it be indoors or outdoors? Once you have answered these important questions, you will have a better idea of what doormat you desire.

Choose a Style

After answering the questions previously mentioned, you will be on your way to determining the style of your doormat. An outdoor doormat needs to be particularly durable, built to withstand the elements. Since these doormats are usually more functional decorative, choose one with a thick rubber bottom to resist moving around in the wind and foot traffic. They should also have an abrasive surface with some kind of “scraper” top to remove mud, dirt, or sand from soles of shoes. Thankfully you don’t have to abandon all style. There are plenty of functional doormats that don’t sacrifice fashion.

An indoor mat can also be functional, but usually steps up in style, as well. Coordinate the color of your mat with the colors of your home. Whether your rug is braided, woven, fringed, or frayed, choose a rug that reflects your personal taste. Don’t forget, however, that form follows function, and this is something that will be stepped on innumerable times. Inevitably, it will get filthy and require cleaning. Don’t choose a rug that will not withstand a tough cleaning regularly.

Purchase a Doormat

Now that you have a plan and style in mind, go find the doormat that best suits you. The store you go to will be influenced by the type of rug you want. Hardware or garden stores will have a better selection of outdoor doormats, while a linens store may provide a wider range of indoor or decorative rugs. Find one that fits your needs and fits your budget, then take it home and throw it on the floor and step on it! Enjoy!

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