When applying to a job today one of the scariest procedures is the background check or the check for security clearance. You and I know that you are innocent of anything and you are definitely not a criminal. But in todays market employers want to be sure that they are not only hiring the best candidate for the job, they are hiring someone who has a clean slate and are heaven bound. Employers are also beginning to search for you via Google.com searches, Facebook.com and linkedin.com . But have you ever wanted to get an anonymous tip on how the company of your dreams really is from the inside.

What is it really like to work there? How do they treat their employee’s? What is the compensation package like? Is all their propaganda real…can you really move up there?

Well now you can really find out…go check out ratemyemployer.ca and you can get the scoop on the companies… ha ha the applicants strike back!

Take a look at the site,  you can even vote on the entries that people posted. You can vote whether an entry was of benefit or not.

Even I created an entry for the company I work for. I kept it honest, real and positive.

Check out ratemyemployer.ca … hmm …. apply or not to apply that is the question?!

In this article we will only go over the task list for finding a job.

• perform an honest self assessment so you are clear

• write a list of contacts you have that you could possibly network with to find a job

• write a list of the type of job you are looking for

• write a list of the companies you would love to look for

• create customized resumes for the different job types

• create customized cover letters for the different job types

• search for a job on the internet, government job bank and employment centers in your area

In the coming series of articles we will be going in depth on each of the above points.

Our hope is that you will share and use this site as your source for career searching and advice.

Stay tuned for more articles to help you reach your desired goal of finding a great job. It’s your fate!

A cover letter can say a lot about a person that a traditional resume cannot. A person’s professionalism, tone, and people skills are just a few examples of characteristics that resumes have a hard time conveying. This doesn’t mean that any old cover letter will do. The following tips will help insure that your cover letter will make your resume stand-out in the eyes of your future employer!

1. Take it Seriously.

Everyone knows how important a first impression is. Even then, many people put all their time in perfecting their resume and throw together anything for the cover letter. This practice might mean that their cover letter might not ever even be read. Take it seriously and make sure that you come out being as professional as your resume.

2. Keep it Short

The shorter the better. No more than one page. Since you want to be as brief as possible, make sure you put your best foot forward and emphasize points that are not made in your resume.

3. Get Personal

This might sound like a contradiction but your cover letter should be both personal and professional. Your tone should be friendly throughout. A little-bit of humor is good. You should make the reader want to meet you. However, don’t take it too far by speaking about personal matters that have no relation or impact on the position you’re seeking. This balance is the key.

4. Name the Reader

If you know the name of the person who will be interviewing you, address them directly in your letter. This can break the ice and show that you know how to communicate with people. And remember, you’re addressing Mr Smith, not John.

5. Focus on the Employer

Don’t ask what the company can do for you in your cover letter, there will be other times for that. Instead, do some research and tell the reader how you can help their business grow!

6. Proofread

Many people overlook the importance of this step. Make sure you don’t have any grammatical or spelling mistakes in your cover letter or resume before you submit them. Have someone else proofread them if you have to.

There you have it. Follow these tips and you should be on your way to a new, better career.