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Perfecting your Cover Letter

Greer Campbell • June 13, 2022

You’ve identified your perfect career opportunity, perfected your resume, and are ready to be considered, but now they’re asking for a cover letter. As you sit and stare at your qualifications, thinking of what to say to grab attention, you draw a blank. Why are these important, you might be wondering? Is it necessary?


Simple answer? Yes.


A cover letter is an explanatory document meant to introduce your application materials and advocate for your qualifications to the open position in question. Many organizations rely heavily on a cover letter to prepare questions and key points to look for when reviewing your application.


What to Include in Your Cover Letter

Contrary to popular belief, you should personalize your cover letter to each specific position you apply for. If you want hiring managers to recognize your interest in the position and their company, the following information should be included in the letter:

·     Personal and contact information

- Full name

- Pronouns

- Location

- Date

·     You should address the letter to the hiring manager if applicable, or the company name (Dear Diverse Talent,)

·     The first few sentences should grab the reader's attention. Included should be:

- Highlight your excitement to apply for the role

- Highlight where you saw the opening

- Highlight why you are applying for the role – tying in your personal and professional connection to the position and the              company

·     The next section should provide the reader with specific examples that make you a good fit for the position, including:

- Years of experience in the position or related position

- Years of experience working in the industry of the position

- Specific responsibilities you have or have had that will translate to the position

- Why you’re looking to transition for your current situation

·     When wrapping up the letter, summarize the above points into one sentence, highlighting why you would be a good fit for the                  position.

- Leave the reader with an actionable item so they will be more likely to want to learn more (I look forward to discussing my        achievements and successes in the role, and how they will benefit your company)


Most importantly, ensure your cover letter is truly authentic to your professional and personal mission. Be sure the reader can get a feel for your personality, work style, commitment, and drive for the work.


Need additional direction? Contact us at DT@diverse-talent.com to discuss our coaching opportunities.

Making Change: Black History Month 2025

By Greer Campbell • February 12, 2025
While we are only 2 months into 2025, it may feel we’ve lived many lifetimes already. February is Black History Month, and this year it is essential to celebrate and support leaders and people of influence more than ever. As media coverage and information continue to grow at the tip of our fingers, it’s easy to feel that being just one person, you can’t make a huge difference for huge causes, but that is not the case. As professionals, every year we meet with our team, with our supervisors, and focus on goal setting. One major suggestion when entering this planning stage, has always been to set achievable goals. Don’t create chaos in your mind trying to achieve an unachievable goal, our supervisors tell us. The same goes for support change and community. You don’t have to be a major donor to a cause, or a legislator, decision-maker to be the change you want to see. Black history month is and always has been essential to education and honoring stories and perspectives of those that paved the way for communities of the present and future. Below, we’ve outlined ways to be an ally and support Black History Month this month, and every month after. Shop Local, Black Owned Businesses Small businesses thrive off community support. Individual care and attention go into each service and product a local business produces. So, next time you need a coffee on the go, a brunch spot to meet your friends, a new work outfit, or a concert for your next weekend outing, do a google search of black owned businesses around you, try it out, and refer your friends. Educate Yourself Did you know it was a black woman, Marie Van Brittan Brown, that invented the first home security system, which included a camera, peepholes, and a two-way communication system? Or a black man, Garrett Morgan, who invented the 3-light traffic light? Many life changing and saving innovations are credited to people of color, specifically African American people. Doing research and educating yourself on black leaders and people of influence can continue the knowledge and support of the black community, and further the narrative that teams and ideas flourish under diverse perspectives. Volunteer Act, to make change. Research organizations and causes that support racial justice, social equality, and community development. Join groups that work together to support community and engage your skill sets to work together and make a change. Ask the Questions, Use Your Voice See something, say something. If you see a coworker experiencing discrimination, call it out. If your organization is not operating inclusively, set a meeting with your manager to start the conversation. For more information on causes to support, where to start, and how to make change, contact Diverse Talent.

Goal-Setting for Leaders: Embracing 2025 with Purpose

By Greer Campbell • January 8, 2025
As the New Year kicks off, leaders are invited to take time to redefine aspirations for personal and professional growth. Goal setting as a leader helps to push forth an environment of accountability and ambition within teams. By embracing SMART goals ( S pecific M easurable A chievable R elevant T ime-bound) leaders provide strategy and achievable goals that resonate with evolving demands of 2025. If you are finding yourself drawing a blank in beginning the stages of goal setting for 2025, see below for a guide and items to consider adding to your spread: Begin by reflecting on the past year. What went well? What challenges arose? What needs to be discontinued? Identifying achievements and problem areas from the previous year can help in defining where to focus in the new year. This reflective process lays the groundwork for future successes. Connect with different teams and lead discussions to gain all perspectives of previous work, with a clear understanding of past performance and data. Engage your Team. When charting the course for the company’s future, engaging the team in thoughtful dialogue to gather invaluable feedback about ongoing projects and programs helps leaders understand not only what has fueled the organization’s successes, but also what challenges remain. True growth stems not only from pursuing high targets, but also from embracing diverse perspectives and insights from your team. Set Accountability Measures. Once your goals are set, it’s imperative to continue check ins and maintain accountability throughout the year. Scheduling 360 reviews with your teams s not just a procedural obligation, but an essential practice to ensure everyone feels encouraged to receive and give feedback and gain valuable insights that can shape the professional development of the team. Moreover, continuing the refinement of established goals is vital for maintaining focus and direction. As your team engages in regular discussions about their objectives, it facilitates a dynamic process of assessment and adjustment. This ongoing refinement not only ensures that everyone remains aligned with the overall vision but also fosters individual accountability, making each team member a crucial part of the larger mission. Continue your Leadership Education and Professional Development. Continued education is at the forefront for continued success of your individual position and company. Sharpen your leadership skills and ensure you’re up to date on how to effectively lead your team with online or in person programs. Diverse Talent’s DT University is a virtual, 6-session course focused on refining leadership qualities and skills. Meet with a mentor each week and learn through facilitated conversations and workshops to enhance your leadership abilities. For more information, contact us at DT@diverse-talent.com , or visit our website at www.diverse-talent.com .
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