posted
I currently have a great job- but it is only part-time. As of the first of next year there will be two full-time positions coming avaliable. I have been waiting for this for almost 4 years!
The notice went up today so I want to get the letter in ASAP. It says "Resume or letter of interest." since they already have my resume from 3 years ago, I want to write a letter of interest. Unfortunately, beyond what I have been doing, and what I have learned in the past 3 1/2 years, I am not sure what to write.
Does anyone have any suggestions or tips?
Some good vibes would be great too as I would be making a LOT more money, have great insurance, and all holidays off. The retirement will also be helpful.
Thanks in advance!
-------------------- "My Very Educated Mother Just Said Uh-oh! No...Pluto..."~ Steven Colbert Posts: 3256 | From: Somewhere in Ohio | Registered: Apr 2004
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posted
I would first go to HR or whomever is responsible for doing the hiring, and give them an "in-person statement of interest." And then ask which hoops you need to jump through to get it.
If that is possible, that is.
If not, just introduce yourself to the stranger who will be reading your letter. Tell them about your superior performance with the company as a part-time employee, and your desire to put that hard-earned knowledge to work by becoming a full-time member of their team.
Relate how the work you are currently doing makes you the only logical choice for this newly-opening position, and that they would be supreme idiots for not hiring you full-time, since you have already been orientated ["orientated" is a horrible word, but I wanted to throw it in because I know it is used all of the time], and they won't have to show you where the bathrooms are or where the extra office supplies are kept.
-------------------- "When a stupid man is doing something he is ashamed of, he always declares that it is his duty."--George Bernard Shaw Posts: 19266 | From: Nashville, TN | Registered: Jun 2002
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posted
Bach_girl, I did a quick search for 'letters of interest.' A majority of the time, the letter references a resume being enclosed or attached. I suggest you send the letter and attach your resume, updated with your current status there. Here's a sample letter of interest from about.com:
quote:Originally posted by Menolly: Bach_girl, I did a quick search for 'letters of interest.' A majority of the time, the letter references a resume being enclosed or attached. I suggest you send the letter and attach your resume, updated with your current status there. Here's a sample letter of interest from about.com:
Good luck, this sounds like an excellent opportunity for you!
That's what I was finding online- most of them referenced a resume. Unfortunately, I don't have a copy of mine. I suppose I could write another one. This is wrecking my nerves.
Would it sound stupid to mention that I have strong ties to the community? I have lived here my whole life, the kids go to school here, etc. It is a small town and it is a job for the court. I am trying to think of things that will make my application stand out...maybe.
-------------------- "My Very Educated Mother Just Said Uh-oh! No...Pluto..."~ Steven Colbert Posts: 3256 | From: Somewhere in Ohio | Registered: Apr 2004
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posted
Bach Girl, You mentioned that you gave them your resume three years ago. Perhaps your supervisor or HR has it in your employee file. I know mine was kept for the entire term of my employment with the company I previously worked for.
-------------------- ... and now back to your regularly scheduled lurking.
I have 15 points and owe 1 keyboard! Posts: 394 | From: Seattle, WA | Registered: Dec 2005
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posted
You should include an updated resume. Put your current job at the top, emphasizing the parts of you current job that will be assets in the job you are applying for.
The letter of interest should highlight the parts of your resume that are most relevant, or that are your best points. I would say that ties to the community are worth mentioning. Also, emphasizing that you enjoy working for your current employer, and would like to continue working with them is good. It implies that you might move on if they don't make a move to keep you, but shows them that you'd like to stay.
If you have a good relationship with your supervisor, I'd also suggest asking them to put in a good word for you.
Finally, if it seems appropriate, ask to have a brief meeting or phone call with the person who would be your new supervisor before you turn in your letter of interest. You can say that you would like more information about the position before you apply. It really helps if they have a good vibe about you before they even get the letter and resume. Be ready to ask questions, and talk about relevant experiences, but casually rather than in a formal interview atmosphere.
These suggestions are how I got my latest job, with the same employer I had a limited duration job with before.
posted
Erwins, that's a perfect suggestion, a casual meeting with the supervisor-to-be. Bach_girl, this may be your way to stand out, a couple of casual questions. Then you can word your resume around the answers, emphasizing how your job experience makes you perfect for this specific position where you already work, etc.
If this company is large enough, even tho you have been there for years, your supervisor-to-be may not have a clue who you are. Chances are good that even if they know who you are, what your job entails is not 100% known either.
An updated resume can include any awards, attagirls, or special recognition that may not be in your file--I'd still put a resume with your letter.
-------------------- Let's just pretend we're normal for a minute ~ New favorite T-shirt quote Posts: 1193 | From: Ohio | Registered: Apr 2004
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posted
Thanks for the advise- I sent it out in the mail yesterday. I work for the city now, a small city as a deputy clerk for the court. The job would be the same and I would have the same supervisor, it's just full-time. I have been part-time here for 4 years. There are actually 2 people retiring so there will be 2 positions opening. Around here someone has to retire or you might as well forget about full-time, because the people that are here stay here, knowing it is a damn good job with damn good benefits and pay.
Thanks for the well wishes and advise.
-------------------- "My Very Educated Mother Just Said Uh-oh! No...Pluto..."~ Steven Colbert Posts: 3256 | From: Somewhere in Ohio | Registered: Apr 2004
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