Join the conversation about my Opportunity Knocks columns: “Top Resume and Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid”

My latest column for OpportuityKnocks is entitled, “10 MORE Top Resume and Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid.” It comes on the heels of an earlier column, “Top 10 Resume and Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid.“

People from across the country are engaging in lively Question and Answer discussion about it! Here are a few sample questions they are asking:

Dear Dalya,

I’m a fan of your work and interested in any advice you may have for a young communications professional with an entrepreneurial spirit and a BA…

My greatest worry is that my enthusiasm for taking on new learning experiences and challenges could be perceived as a lack of focus. But since I’ve been successful in the roles I’ve undertaken, shouldn’t adaptability and the ability to excel at many things be considered an asset? And at what point does practical experience grant the same level of access as an advanced degree?

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I just read your top 10 about cover letters and it is timely as I am about to send a few out. Your number one is no name and I agree with this looking terrible. I am wondering, however, in the case of position at foundation where the search is outsourced do I address the trustees in the salutation or the search firm appointee?

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How do you recommend explaining a large gap in my resume – approximately 4 years while I was self-employed as a private tutor? I’m now back in the full-time job market.

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Speaking of gaps…I’ve been home with my 2 kids for a year (after relocating from another state). Now it’s time to get back into the job market, but am wondering if the fact that my last job ended in April ‘07 is preventing me from getting interviews (ie do folks think I’ve been looking for a job this whole time?). Do I address this briefly and positively in a cover letter, or wait until I’m asked in an interview what I’ve been doing since then? Is this “extended maternity leave” worrisome to potential employers? Thanks.

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You can see all of the questions and answers for each article right here:

“Top 10…“ and “10 MORE Top” (scroll to the bottom of each page to see the comments)

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See my presentation from the Nonprofit Congress 2008 in Washington, D.C.

I just returned from the Nonprofit Congress 2008 in Washington, D.C., where I presented my workshop entitled: “”How to Turn Your Strategic Plan into Marketing Materials That Get Results.” Participants from all across the country worked with me to implement important writing and marketing techniques.

Even if you weren’t there you can still benefit from my presentation! The Nonprofit Congress website is hosting my PowerPoint for all to see. I encourage you to do the exercises in your own organization. You can download it right HERE.

Happy Writing!

Dalya Massachi