Monday Mission April 9, 2012

We still need to review cover letters and make sure we have a good, final version. But I would like to ask you to start working on a letter of reference.  Writing a letter of reference for yourself is a:

Good way to prepare for interviewing

Way to prepare your references when you use them

Guide for your references to follow in preparing a letter of reference for you

Follow the same general format as the cover letter guide provided a couple of weeks ago.

The first paragraph should introduce the letter writer – think of your top reference and write this with him or her in mind.  For example:  I am a general manager for a chain of food stores and have known Mr. Smith for 15 years.  In fact, I offered him his first job and was disappointed when he had to leave the position to relocate.

The second paragraph should indicate some of the knowledge, skills, or abilities that you possess as well as any achievements or qualities.  For example:  When working as a cashier, Ms. Baker exhibited excellent customer service as well attention to detail.  She was promoted to supervisor very quickly as she was one few employees whose drawer was never short.

In the third paragraph a strong recommendation should be made.  Be as specific as possible.  For example:  I would strongly recommend Susan for any position that requires interaction with customers, accounting, organization, or attention to detail.  The Customer Service Supervisor position she is seeking sounds like a perfect match for her!

Finally, the fourth paragraph can re-state, in a briefer version any of the above that you want to emphasize as well as a willingness to be contacted for more information (if appropriate).  For example:  Again, I am happy to recommend George for the Manager position with your company.  His supervision skills will be an asset to you, I am sure.  Please let me know if I can provide any additional information regarding his skills and abilities.

Close the letter similar to that in the cover letter guide provided (sincerely, regards, etc.)


For a guide, worksheet and other resources, click on Members Only register for free! 

A list of job fairs from Maryland Job Service:  http://www.dllr.state.md.us/employment/jobfairs.shtml

Next Baltimore Job Fair is:   

April 16, 2012 (Mon) 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

CONGRESSMAN ELIJAH CUMMINGS' 2012 ANNUAL JOB FAIR Fifth Regiment Armory 29 Division Street Baltimore, MD Open

The next one I can attend (and would expect all Greater Baltimore and Anne Arundel clients to attend) is:

Thursday, April 26, 2012 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM View Other Baltimore Dates

This job fair will be held at: Four Points by Sheraton BWI Airport 7032 Elm Road Baltimore, MD 21240 Get Directions

Anne Arundel County job seekers:  Your Job Service is very active and offers many free workshops and training opportunities in addition to job search assistance and job leads:  http://aawdc.org/html/workshops_01.html

The next DC fair: 

May 7, 2012 (Mon) TBD

THE WASHINGTON POST MEGA CAREER FAIR Dulles Expo & Convention Center 4320 Chantilly Shopping Center Chantilly, VA Call Brad McCoy at             877-842-3976       ext. 13 Open