• Always include a cover letter - never submit a resume without a cover letter.
• Limit cover letters to one page - the exception to this is for executive-level and upper-level positions.
• Make it clear in the first sentence why you are writing.
• Give them what they want- speak to the requirements of the job & use keywords from the job posting in your cover letter. Let the employer know how you can contribute to the company.
• Sell yourself- make the reader interested in you. Highlight and draw attention to the points in your resume that uniquely qualify you for the position.
• Be assertive- Establish the path forward for them to pursue you. If you want to arrange an interview, then say so at the end of the letter
• Cover letter and resume formatting should be consistent- use the same paper, font and size.
• Do not overuse the word - vary your sentence structure and use compound sentences.
• Review your work - make sure you go over what you have written. Does it say what you want to? Does it look and sound professional? Proof, proof, proof!

Introduction:
Nowadays, employers use telephone interviews as a way of identifying and recruiting candidates for employment - especially for international jobs. Phone interviews are often used to screen candidates in order to narrow the pool of applicants who will be invited for in-person interviews. While you are actively job searching, it is important to be prepared for a phone interview on short notice. When there is a call from a recruiter you need to clear your head and shift your focus to the interview and career.

Prepare for the Interview:
There are several things you can do to prepare for your interview. You should consider the following points:

• Keep all of your employer research materials within easy reach of the phone.
• Tape your resume to a wall near the phone. It will help a lot during the call and will be a constant reminder for your job search.
• Have a notepad handy to take notes.
• Turn off call waiting on your phone.
• Place a "Do Not Disturb" note on your door.
• Warm up your voice while waiting for the call.
• Have a glass of water handy, so that you will not have a chance to take a break during the call. Be a good listener.
• Avoid interrupting and let the recruiter complete his thought or question before you respond.
• Ask for clarification.
• Use open-ended questions.
• Smile always helps you in every situation. Smiling will project a positive image to the listener and will change the tone of your voice.
• Do know what job you are interviewing for.
• Speak slowly and enunciate clearly.
• Take your time, it is perfectly acceptable to take a moment to collect your thoughts.
• Remember your goal is to set up a face to face interview.
• After you thank the interviewer ask if it would be possible to meet in person.
• Do give accurate and detailed contact information in your cover letter so your interviewers can easily connect with you.
• Household members must understand the importance of phone messages in your job search.
• Use the person's title (Mr. or Ms. and their last name.) Only use a first name if they ask you to.
• When being interviewed by phone, do make sure you are in a place where you can read notes, take notes, and concentrate.
• If you cannot devote enough time to a phone interview, do suggest a specific alternate time to the recruiter.
• Give short answers.
• Do ensure that you can hear and are being clearly heard.
• Do create a strong finish to your phone interview with thoughtful questions.
• Ask about the next step.

Follow-Up Advice:
Instead of passively waiting for a response, actively take steps to increase your chances of securing a job offer. Remind the interviewer who you are - the more times your name is brought up, the better your chances of being offered the position. This is the purpose of a follow-up or thank-you letter - don't underestimate its value. Many job seekers fail to take this opportunity to improve their chances; don't be one of them. Send a thank-you letter the same day, or the next day at the latest - this will keep you in the This job search step reassures the interviewer you are still interested in the position. Job seekers who are persistent get results. Make sure your follow-up letter is sent during the decision-making stage, rather than afterwards. Match the letterhead to that of your resume and cover letter, and use the same paper to make a wonderful professional presentation

• Write To Every Interviewer: Writing individual letters not only demonstrates your manners but emphasizes your recognition of individual opinions.
• Show Your Awareness Of Company Culture: Employers like it when they know that a candidate is knowledgeable about company work ethics and culture.
• Write in a Positive Tone: Don't make the letter ritual or boring. Use language and format that is lively and as professional as possible.

Timing is Everything!

When choosing your strategy for dealing with a request for salary history, give careful consideration to the timing of the request. If the request comes at the beginning of your job search, there is usually less flexibility. For example, some job advertisements note that "only applications including salary history will be considered." Employment applications are even tougher, forcing you to put numbers into a box that measures about an inch wide. However, if you make it to the interview stage before the issue of salary history comes up, you have the benefit of having a one-on-one conversation rather than a one-way dialogue.

• Be honest. Job applicants would be surprised at the information that is verified before you are offered a job. Today, most companies use third party verification companies and an incorrect salary could red-flag your application. This applies to all information on your resume.
• Also, you may want to mention the salary level that you are expecting, but make sure it is negotiable! You don’t want to price yourself out of the job, but if they are not willing to pay your minimum, there is no point in wasting your time. You don’t want to tell them what your minimum requirement is, but you should keep it in mind.
• Employment applications are designed to be less flexible. If it feels as if they're trying to get you to force your employment history and pay into a tight box, it's intentional.
• If you are unsure of exact numbers when filling out an application, let the recruiter know that you've provided approximations and can follow up later with exact numbers. Usually, approximations are fine.
• Shift focus to the salary you're seeking or that the job would command.
• Provide an idea of what you've earned without giving a specific dollar amount. For example, you could say you earned "in the 40s."
• Point out that other benefits (stock options, annual bonuses) boosted your pay package beyond just your base salary. If you adopt this strategy, you may still be asked to provide a number. If so, consider giving a range.
• When divulging your salary history, put it in context.
• Your salary can depend on many factors in addition to skills and experience. Salary can vary according to company size, location, economic conditions, the job market and more.
• In an interview or cover letter, mention special circumstances that make your past salary less relevant to your future salary. These can include a change of location or increased responsibilities.
• If your last job offered perks or special benefits -- like a company car, flex time or inexpensive healthcare -- you may want to mention those too. It'll help the recruiter see the big picture beyond salary.

Do not include this information on your resume. If you are asked to write up a salary history, create a separate document in a letter format. Remember, when creating a salary history, it is important to focus on the future. Tell them what you are expecting.