At some point in your career you may be asked to work for nothing, nadda, zilch. I have. The ask generally goes something like this:

“We love your work so we’re inviting you to join us on an exciting new project/venture/website/thing — it’s going to be huge! No compensation is involved, but the exposure could be very good.”

Exposure?

Don’t be fooled. The exposure ask isn’t just limited to writers, designers, photographers, or other creative types looking to build a buff portfolio, so beware. I’ve conversed with business analysts, programmers, PR people, childcare minders, decluttering specialists, freelancers, contractors, and self-employed small business people who are constantly asked to toil for zilch in exchange for exposure, fame, and fortune.

Excellent. But how do you eat and pay the bills with exposure? You can’t.

As a fairly creative person (with a somewhat dirty mind) I often dream up ways to earn a living by exposing oneself. Trench coats are cheap, a sexy pair of stilettos is simple to find, and a venue with enough eyeballs (like a sports stadium) could do the trick. Tattooing my book title or blog name across my a$$ could earn me some sweet exposure in the press too — for being a lunatic. I won’t build a respectable customer base with this nonsense though, so I’m taking a pass on promises of exposure. And you should too. Here’s why:

1. Exposure rarely pans out for the peon working for free. Sorry. But I’ve been that peon, and I’ve never landed a respectable gig by giving it up for nothing. The companies requesting your free services aren’t looking to hire you in the future — they’re cheap, and making moolah from your free labor is really good business for them.

2. You’ve set your hourly rate at nothing. It’s impossible to negotiate a fair wage or salary after setting your expectation for compensation at zilch. At best you’ll earn a pittance, and that’s the pits.

3. You can’t quantify exposure. I’m a mathy person and I love to crunch real data. Getting paid in real dollars is real data, and delivering a story to a client is a measurable output in my line of work. But I’ve yet to figure out how to measure fair compensation in exposure. Has the client succeeded in ‘exposure compensation’ if I get a phone call, a blog visitor, or a pat on the back? Or do I get to work free again for more exposure?

4. You can’t cash exposure. At some point you’ll need to pay the bills, feed your kids, and cover the rent. I challenge you to pay the phone bill by promising your creditor a little exposure. ‘Nuff said.

5. Your vanity is being stroked. It feels pretty good when someone with credentials and the appearance of power offers you a potential career-boosting shot, right? Get over yourself. Being invited into a ‘special arrangement’ with a select list of professionals is marketing speak designed to part you from your talent for nothing. If you’re worth being placed on a special list, then you’re worth being paid. Kudos.

6. Consider the company. Whenever a legitimate business asks me for a freebie, I consult this Should I work for free? visual guide by illustrator Jessica Hische. Not only is the gal hilarious, but she’s right on target. Take this gem:

“Just because a business isn’t profitable, that doesn’t make them a non-profit.”

And this one:

“The word ‘start-up’ is used pretty loosely by businesses to get you to charge them less.”

I’m often fed a line about limited budgets from big profitable companies, but I’m rarely asked to work for free by small business people like myself. Fellow freelancers and honest professionals know the score, and we pay each other in cash when the job gets done. You should expect the same.

Maybe work for free

I’m not backtracking here, but I do think there are a few instances when busting your butt for nothing is OK. But there are rules, people.

1. Your family and friends. I’ve got a small family and a few very close friends, so when they ask me for a little lovin’ I’m giving it up freely. But be wary if you’re related to a group of freeloaders constantly looking for time-consuming handouts and pulling emotional strings — you need to pay the bills too.

2. Student Internships. Learning the ropes for little to no pay can give a student a lot of value — especially if the line of work turns out to be a dud. Save yourself from entering (or switching to) a miserable career by doing a very short ‘knowledge collecting’ internship. A week or two should be enough time — anything longer term is unpaid labor and you could be taken advantage of by an employer who should be paying you.

3. Volunteering, Charity. Working without pay for a charity or non-profit can be a rewarding experience when the cause is near to your heart — sometimes. Be smart about it though. Check your country, state, or province’s registered charity listings to confirm whether an organization legitimately needs your help or if you’re being taken for an unpaid ride. Most charities have budgets, you know.

4. A ‘Try Out’ gig. If you want to play ball and you’ve never been on an official team, chances are you’ll need to ‘try out’ with the other no-names to make a pitch. I once got suited up for a ‘try out’ gig when I applied for a student public relations job without a portfolio.

Since I had never written a press release, I needed to prove to my prospective employer that I had the skills to get the job done. So I wrote a series of press releases for free. I had a caveat though — if the boss liked what she saw, then I’d land the student position with fair compensation.

Don’t get taken advantage of when doing a ‘try out’ gig for free. Know what you want (and need) from the freebie gig to make a payment deal. Writing a few free press releases cost me a night’s work, and I landed the job by showing the boss I could deliver the goods. Keeping my free work to a single and small task kept things professional, and I ultimately got paid for my efforts.

5. Your own blog, website, or thing. Giving away the goods via your website, blog, or some other thing is allowed. I do this here on Squawkfox because it’s where I get my jollies and no corporation is making money off my efforts. In fact, your own blog/website/thing could serve as the perfect portfolio showcasing your work/skill/talent and land you paid work. How do you think I landed my book 397 Ways To Save Money? HarperCollins Canada read my blog and offered me the job.

Most days I would rather have cash over cachet, and exposure. How about you?

UPDATE: Kevin Press over at Today’s Economy Blog wrote a response to this post — check out Working for free for a different view.

Question: Under what circumstances would you work for free?

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I’ve never been great with small talk. Discussing the weather or the direction of my day always feels a little forced. But I know my first question to Robert Herjavec, author of Driven: How to Succeed In Business And In Life and co-star of Dragons’ Den and Shark Tank, has to bridge some common ground and get the interview started. Since he’s not wearing a pair of 3-inch funky Fluevogs or a BCBG blazer, I decide to open with cars.

[You people are SHOE CRAZY! After a dozen or so emails about my dang Fluevogs, I decided to photograph my interview outfit to appease the shoe fetishists out there. And I love EVERY single one of you. ]

Herjavec owns a lot of exotic cars: two Lamborghinis, a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, a Rolls Royce Phantom, and a Bentley Continental GTCW — just to name a few. But there’s only one automobile I’m really interested in knowing about since I own one myself.

Kerry: I’ve been reading about all of your cars, and was surprised to find we own a car in common.

Herjavec: A Smart Car?

Kerry: Yes, a blue one. I’m Laughing, and only slightly miffed that he didn’t guess the Rolls Royce Phantom.

Question 1: What possessed to you buy a tiny Smart Car?

Herjavec: I love my Smart Car. I love it. I think it’s a beautiful car. I love the design. Mine is a little special, but it’s grey — it’s like this anthracite type of grey. It’s got these rims. It’s one of ten in the world. It’s very, very rare. It’s the rarest car I own.

Kerry: Did you buy it to be frugal, to save on gas?

Herjavec: I bought it to get into parking spots. Laughing. I like the look of it, and it just goes. It’s fun to drive. This is the Lamborghini of the Smart Car.

Question 2: What are your top financial success tips, for regular people?

Herjavec: You’ve got to have a handle on cash flow. How much is coming in, how much is going out. You’ve got to be careful, and figure out if you live in a fixed world or live in a flexible world.

Kerry: What’s a fixed world?

Herjavec: Do you have a job where you make fifty-two thousand dollars a year and no matter what you do you’re going to make fifty-two thousand dollars a year? If that’s the case, then you better get a budget.

Kerry: And a flexible world?

Herjavec: If you have a job where you can make fifty thousand or fifty-two thousand in commission, and you want to blow that other fifty on something — go for it. People aren’t realistic about their situation.

I think the other thing is you’ve got to invest for the long term. You’ve got to put some money away. There are bad days coming and there are good days coming. But you’ve got to be prepared for both.

People get into financial trouble when the unexpected arrives. You lose your job. You think your disability insurance pays 80 percent and lo and behold, they deny your claim. I mean, you need money for the bad times in life. You need money for the good times too.

[Read all his top money advice in: Robert Herjavec: 5 Tips for Financial Success]

Kerry: In Driven you say: ‘Everybody fails. The measure of success is not that you fail, but how you get up after you’ve been knocked down.’

Question 3: How have you failed? And how did you get up afterwards?

Herjavec: When the book first hit the bestseller’s list I Twittered I was so humbled by the fact that even one person bought my book. So a guy Twittered back: ‘I don’t think there’s a humble bone in your body.’ So I Twitter back and said: ‘No, no my friend. I have been knocked down so many times into the dirt, that taste will never leave my mouth. I have failed a million times, and I will fail many more.’ I’ve been lucky that no failure has been fatal in business for me. Some have been close but never fatal, and I’ve been able to ride my winnings.

I always think that the minute you give up on you, it’s the beginning of the end. It all starts with your belief in your ability to get it done, and I think you just can’t give up on that. There are people who right now are hurting, there are people who are in dire straights, you’ve got to realize that there’s a greater purpose. If you’ve got a family and you have no money, you’ve lost your job and you’re on welfare and things are going bad, you have a greater responsibility than yourself in order to move it forward. And you’ve just got to keep going. I know it sounds trite and it’s hard, but it’s the same way that you view failure. You’ve just gotta go.

Kerry: One of my favorite sound bites on Dragons’ Den was when you told a complaining pitcher: ‘That is the biggest load of crap I’ve ever heard. I picked up the phone. I called the receptionist, and I got a meeting.’

Question 4: Why is picking up the phone so hard for some people?

Herjavec: It’s funny. While you were coming, the reason I was on the email is because we have a client of ours who owes us four million dollars — it’s a big bank. And so our CFO is trying to collect that money. And they told him they would pay him last Tuesday, and last Tuesday came around and this isn’t signed. So finally I’m like, just pick up the phone and call them, and he just can’t. He’s got this fear to do that.

It’s rejection. People don’t like conflict. I mean some people do but they are a small percent. Most people will avoid conflict at all costs. Picking up the phone and calling somebody might get you something good, but it might also get you rejection. Somebody might be rude to you, they might yell at you, they might hang up, you might feel like crap afterwards, and I think that’s hard. ‘Cause I think we do everything for fear or for pleasure. And fear by far is a greater motivator. I think we only do 20 percent of stuff in life for pleasure. I think most of the things we do, we do to avoid fear.

Kerry: How do you get over the fear?

Herjavec: One is practice. It’s like that Malcolm Gladwell book [Outliers: The Story of Success] — 10,000 hours makes an expert. You’ve just got to do it. Two is you have to disassociate your ego from the rejection. I know that’s really hard. It happens to me today.

I come out with a book and people Twitter. I love social media, people are so honest. So a hundred people Twitter me how much they love the book. One guy Twitters that the book is a piece of crap and he hates it. Do I read the 99? I read the one and I’m like, why doesn’t he like it? We’re fixated. You have to learn to disassociate that. It’s not you, it’s the function. It’s hard but it can be done.

Kerry: Throughout Driven you mention that the perfect pitch has to be made in 90 seconds or less. People make pitches for everything everyday — asking for a raise, asking for a discount, negotiating a better rate on a mortgage.

Question 5: What can a pitcher do to succeed in so little time?

Herjavec: You don’t have to wear a Tom Ford suit, but you have to dress appropriately for the situation. The way you look needs to enhance what you’re talking about, and not be part of it and not take away from it. When you’re dressed like a clown, unless you’re selling clown makeup, it’s what I’m going to notice. I’m not even listening to you ’cause I’m thinking — you look like a clown!

It’s how you stand. You have to project an aura of humble arrogance. You want someone who’s going to say: ‘Hey, are you good at what you do?’ You want someone to say: ‘Yes’ in such a way that you believe them. But in not such a way where you say: ‘Arrogant jerk.’ So by the time you open your mouth it’s 90 percent done.

[Read all his top money advice in: Robert Herjavec's five tips for making the perfect pitch]

Question 6: Your kids are growing up in a very different environment than you. How do you raise kids to be driven?

Herjavec: It’s so hard. And you’re right, there are probably more driven people who had nothing than there are people who came from means. I just think fundamentally it comes to your environment. It’s not the stuff that you have, it’s the people that you have. I think that the first thing you’ve got to do is you’ve got to give your kids a sense of worth, responsibility, and you’ve got to make sure that there’s consequences. I mean my kids are probably spoiled more than the average, but they are very clear in life that everything has a give and take.

Question 7: Do you feel you need to top or exceed your past success?

Herjavec: Yes. That’s a great question because life is relative. You’ve got to constantly raise the bar. Absolutely, that’s the key. People that are successful that I’ve met, always have the ability [to see] there’s always more. And a lot of people I meet confuse that with, should I always want more money? No, it just means you’ve got to be able to do more. If you did five things, do seven. If I made a million dollars I’d want to make two. If I ran a half marathon, I’d want to run a full one.

I ran a marathon last year, I was thrilled that I ran the marathon. I don’t have the body type, so for me to run a marathon was a huge achievement. I never thought I could do it. I crossed the finish line in a lot of pain. I wake up the next day and what’s the first thing I say: ‘I think I can do it faster.’ I think there are people that are like that, and you’ve got to be relative to that in everything.

I’ve got New York coming up in under a month and I want to do it in under 4 hours, which doesn’t sound that hard but when you think about it that’s 9 minute miles the entire 26 miles. I can’t imagine.

Question 8: Did you ever imagine your life being the way it is now?

Herjavec: No. I always say that if I could have imagined what I know now, I would have been much more successful. I think one of the reasons I’m not more successful is the vision of my dreams wasn’t large enough because I wasn’t fortunate enough to be exposed to what I am now.

As I get older I try to think ten years from now, how will it look? ‘Cause ten years ago I lived in a 4,000 square foot house and had one sports car. Today I have a 50,000 square foot house and a jet and a bunch of other homes and the stuff I have now wasn’t fathomable to me.

I asked that same question to my wife the other day, and I said: ‘What do we have today that you couldn’t imagine ten years ago?’ And she said: ‘A private plane.’ The world that we come from, the thought that somebody would have their own plane.

Question 9: Your image on Dragons’ Den is pretty posh. Are you ever frugal?

Very VERY long pause.

Herjavec: No. I’ve never been like that. And I think I’m not like that because my parents were like that. When we were young we never had any money, everything we bought was to the penny. So if we went on vacation it was always the cheapest place we could find. If we were buying a car, it was the cheapest car we could afford. I think that for me it [frugality] was associated with something negative. But it doesn’t mean I blow money. I also got the association that if you want something you’ve got to work for it. It’s not like I just go out there and just spend. I understand that everything has a cost.

But it’s relative. When I didn’t have very much money, I would blow $50 bucks without thinking about it. When I had a little more money I would blow $1,000 dollars without thinking about it. It’s just that the dollar amount becomes bigger. The first time I bought a Tom Ford suit, I go into a store and I put on a suit, it looks great. I go to the cash register to pay for it — I have no idea what it costs. The lady rings it up, I go to sign — it’s seven and a half thousand dollars. I take it back. It offended my sense of sensibility. Even for me, I was like: ‘Who would pay that kind of money on a suit?’ So I take it back. I try four other suits, and I hate to admit it — nothing fit as well. So then I buy it and I’m sheepishly at the cash register, and say: ‘I’ll buy it.’ But it’s all relative. It still bothers me.

But I can’t stand Starbucks. You know why I can’t stand Starbucks? A coffee is $4 bucks. Tim Horton’s a $1.72 — I get an extra large regular. I can’t do that. I can’t pay that kind of money, ’cause I look at it and I’m thinking — I could go to Tim Horton’s and get a coffee for $1.72.

Question 10: Looking at your life today, what would you say to your younger self?

Herjavec: I would say to myself: ‘Your sense of worth is not the stuff you have, it’s the people you have.’ Because I think for a long time I had to become rich to believe in myself, because it was so hard for me when I came to Canada. For my own well-being I had to become rich. And then you realize, I know it’s a cliché, but you realize if you weren’t happy before you’re not going to be happy with a million dollars or a hundred million or five hundred million. So there’s a big change in me when I realized that the amount of money I had didn’t matter to me as much anymore and I just wanted to do more.

I think when I was a little kid I had a lot of doubt, a lot of fear, and a lot of second guessing. When I was a little kid, you couldn’t pay me enough money to go and talk to a stranger. I couldn’t talk to a girl to get a date — Oh my god I would have died. You know you’re young and you’re wrapped up in so much self doubt that I think I would just say: ‘Life is long, keep going.’

Bonus Question: So you’re on Twitter?

[Follow Robert Herjavec on Twitter: @robertherjavec]

Heck, follow me on Twitter: @squawkfox

Herjavec: I find out news on Twitter now before I do in the media. We had an Earthquake in Toronto this summer. I didn’t go to the newspaper, I went on Twitter. And sure enough right there I see an earthquake. It’s right there, it’s here, it’s now.

I think it’s very scary though because it very hard to control social media. Typically PR or media they have a controlled story and you try to get it out controlled. You have to engage in it. You have to be participatory as opposed to controlling. I’m not on Facebook though.

Kerry: You need to be on Facebook. I’ll be your first friend.

My biggest regret? I wish I had remembered to get a picture with him. But I did get him to sign my copy of ‘Driven.’

Your Two Cents: What would you have asked Robert Herjavec?

Love the blog? Get the book: 397 Ways to Save Money

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• How to make a budget (series with downloads)
• How to write a resume (series with downloads)
• Frugalicious Recipes
• 50 Ways to Save $1,000 a Year
• Credit Card Calculator
• Download your free 92-page eBook: The Insider’s Guide To Frugal Food & Fitness

So when I got the chance to meet the co-star of CBC’s Dragons’ Den and ABC’s Shark Tank — two reality TV shows where cash-strapped entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to deal-seeking venture capitalists — I knew I had to look sharp and be prepared.

Being prepared for a 30 minute interview with a celebrity rich-guy is a bit of a daunting task, but my biggest challenge was deciding what to wear. After spending the last few years living on an organic cattle ranch and blogging from my Ikea sofa, I seriously lacked the business attire and wardrobe choices my former office-working self tended to wear.

Robert Herjavec’s answer to looking sharp is wearing a $7,500 Tom Ford suit. My idea of looking sharp would have to cost a little less.

And so I jumped into my second-hand blue Smart Car, filled the tank with $14 worth of diesel, and drove 7 hours to Vancouver in search of the perfect blazer, a shiny pair of shoes, and the courage to face a Dragon outside of his den. I must admit to being a huge fan of Dragons’ Den — there just is something engaging about watching a bunch of savvy (and not so savvy) entrepreneurs pitch their wares to a panel of mega-millionaires doling out dough. I couldn’t help but wonder if Dragon Herjavec was anything like his persona on the show; sometimes supportive, mostly brutally honest. I also wondered if his eyes were really that striking shade of blue.

In his bestselling new book, Driven: How to Succeed In Business And In Life (also available in Canada) Herjavec shares the story of his humble beginnings and his rise to rich-guy status. Born in Croatia, he and his parents immigrated to Canada in 1970 with just $20 in the family purse. As an ambitious teenager he worked for minimum wage as a waiter and sold designer suits to wealthy businessmen at Harry Rosen. Later he discovered computers, and in a matter of years built up his internet security company, BRAK Systems, and sold it in 2000 to AT&T Canada for $30.2 million (source).

His very inspiring ‘rags to riches’ story is told in this YouTube video, Dragons’ Den Road to Riches: Robert Herjavec.

Today Herjavec lives in a 50,000 square foot home located in Ontario, and winters in his Miami residence south of the border. His massive Mississauga estate occupies some serious space along the ritzy Bridal Path, where he has played host to Rolling Stones front man Mick Jagger and Canadian crooner Michael Bublé. If only the walls could talk.

Herjavec’s homes may be impressive, but so are his vehicles. He flies in a private jet and drives around town in his luxury car collection — two Lamborghinis, a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, a Rolls Royce Phantom (previously owned by rapper 50 Cent), a Bentley Continental GTC, and a limited edition Smart Car ForTwo — just to name a few. Having a Smart Car in common with the Dragon raised my spirits — I take a regular ribbing from friends and family over the strangeness of my ‘flea-sized’ auto. Go ahead and see a YouTube video of Robert Herjavec’s exotic car collection in action.

With my own (not limited edition) Smart Car parked safely in Vancouver and his Driven book chapters ‘Look Good,’ ‘Embrace Chaos,’ ‘Seize Opportunity,’ and ‘Believe in Yourself’ fresh in my mind, I figured that shopping on hectic Robson Street for something decent to wear would be the most fitting path to first-impression nirvana. I like nirvana, I just hate shopping.

To be honest, I’ve never been great at making a good first impression. I tend to be a little awkward at first glance, never know where to rest my eyes, and tend to say ‘Umm’ a little too much. I also excel at the fine art of fidgeting. Since he sold his company for millions and has reality TV experience to boot, I knew that Herjavec was going to be a smooth operator and a superior salesman. He was going to pitch his book and weave a good tale with ease and expertise. I just needed a decent blazer to wear.

And so there I was, standing on Robson street, desperately feeling the vibe of a chaotic street and needing to seize the opportunity to look good, when it happened. A familiar looking guy bounded past with a boyish charm and quick confidence. He was wearing baggy faded blue jeans, running shoes with floppy laces, and a light-blue untucked T-shirt. He was Dragon Robert Herjavec. And he was just a normal guy.

A few hours after spying my next day’s big interview, I managed to chill the frack out by finding a simple black BCBG blazer on sale. Since my first impression of Herjavec was just a happy dude in jeans, I felt totally OK with facing my Dragon in a $50 top and a dressy pair of dark denims. I decided to ‘look sharp’ in my used John Fluevog boots (found for a steal on eBay). I doubt Herjavec would know about Fluevogs, but I had test-driven these funky heels a week before while on a panel at a local blogging conference where they had caused a stir. The conference people were so busy looking at my feet that my fidgets went unnoticed. Perfect.

With my first-impression Dragon clothing decided on, I read over my interview questions. Unlike my clothing choices, my queries were ready a week in advance — because I am a nerd. I am calm. I will rock this interview like Mick Jagger in a 50,000 square foot Herjavec home.

24 hours later:

I am a mess. I can’t find a pair of scissors to remove the ON SALE price tag from my bargain BCBG blazer. I am starting to really hate black blazers, eBay Fluevog boots, and my digital voice recorder gadget. On my way to Vancouver’s Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel — the meeting place for our interview — I drop my recorder-thingy gadget and fear the dang thing is now damaged goods. Herjavec would never be so clumsy. Frack, he’ll probably be wearing a Tom Ford suit.

I have somehow arrived at the Fairmont Giovane Café without my jacket price tag, wearing freshly-shined Fluevog boots, and with my questions in hand. Damnit, I will make a good first impression as outlined in Driven, even if it kills me. Besides, I think the voice recorder gadget thingy is still working. I walk in and look for a Dragon dude wearing blue jeans and hocking a pile of bestselling books. What I see is a finely dressed Robert Herjavec (with blazing blue eyes) rise up from his chair to shake my hand. He is wearing a blue tie that complements his powerful peepers. I have no clue if his suit is a Tom Ford, but I’ll try my best not to throw up on it.

I smile. I look for a place to sit. Maybe this is one of those new-fangled standing meetings I keep hearing about. But it’s not. Mr. Dragon is dancing around from table to table trying to find me a chair to fidget on. Weaving through tables, his experience as a waiter is evident. He finds me a chair and offers me a seat. I like him. He is totally casual despite wearing makeup from his morning television appearance.

I just need to sit down, start my hopefully-not-damaged recorder, and get going. No one can save me. I look around the cafe hoping to spy Mick Jagger in the audience. I could use a little infusion of (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction a cappella style to jolt me into action. I look across the table and all I see are these brilliant blue Dragon eyes staring back at me. I am facing the Dragon.

Herjavec smiles in a media-friendly sort of way. Does he know I’m a blogger? A frugalist? Someone who lives in a way completely opposite to his flashy, expensive lifestyle? More importantly, does he like my funky Fluevogs and new tag-free BCBG blazer? I swallow an ‘Umm’ and start my recorder.

“Hi, I’m Kerry. It’s nice to meet you.”

Stay tuned for the next (and final) installment of my date with a Dragon — Dragons’ Den: 10 Money Questions for Robert Herjavec.

Love the blog? Get the book: 397 Ways to Save Money

Top Squawks

• How to make a budget (series with downloads)
• How to write a resume (series with downloads)
• Frugalicious Recipes
• 50 Ways to Save $1,000 a Year
• Credit Card Calculator
• Download your free 92-page eBook: The Insider’s Guide To Frugal Food & Fitness

We’ve made it to the final article in the How to Write a Cover Letter series. Yay! And just like in the How to Write a Resume series, I’m ending with a bang by giving you a few free cover letter templates for your downloading pleasure. Writing a cover letter is pleasurable, right? Think positive people!

Anyfreetemplate, landing that job interview with the right (write?) cover letter is a heck of a lot easier when you’ve got a few cover letter examples and free cover letter templates to play with.

I’ve put the cover letter templates in Microsoft Word format (just like the free resume templates), to simplify life for everyone. Now, a few words of caution — I’ve never been a fan of generic cover letter templates since they lack honesty, so please try to customize these templates to bring an authentic voice to your application. Now let’s get downloading! Wheee!

Cover Letter Template: Classic

Choose the Classic cover letter format if you’re applying to a traditional organization, require a business letter format, and you can be brief in a single page.

Free Download: Classic Cover Letter Template
(Microsoft Word Format)

Here’s the same Classic cover letter template, but this one contains example content.

Free Download: Classic Cover Letter Example
(Microsoft Word Format)

Cover Letter Template: Contemporary

Choose the Contemporary cover letter format if you’ve got stellar skills to highlight in bullet points and you’re applying to a less traditional field.

Free Download: Contemporary Cover Letter Template
(Microsoft Word Format)

Here’s the same Contemporary cover letter template, but this one contains example content.

Free Download: Contemporary Cover Letter Example
(Microsoft Word Format)

Cover Letter Conclusions

Phew! I am so beyond thrilled to have finished the How to Write a Cover Letter series for you. If you’ve been following this blog for a while, then you know how much effort and time I put into these posts, and I sincerely hope they find you well and help you even a little bit. I know it’s not easy to put yourself out there when looking for work, but highlighting your best skills in a killer cover letter is a sure-fire way to get closer to landing that job interview.

Love the blog? Get the book: 397 Ways to Save Money

Top Squawks

• How to make a budget (series with downloads)
• How to write a resume (series with downloads)
• Frugalicious Recipes
• 50 Ways to Save $1,000 a Year
• Credit Card Calculator
• Download your free 92-page eBook: The Insider’s Guide To Frugal Food & Fitness

It’s always a little bit easier to polish up a resume or write a cover letter when you’ve got a few resume cover letter samples to mull over. Since I’ve spent eons mulling over and contemplating job applications, I’ll spare you some grief and just give you some sample cover letters for free.

Both of these cover letter examples are based on the Classic and Contemporary Cover Letter Formats, so if you’ve read through this series then you’ll know what I’m squawking about. If you’re looking at your computer screen with a blank stare, don’t fret. This blog is a fret-free zone. Got it? Good!

Each sample cover letter includes a little bio of the example job seeker to give you an idea if a particular cover letter format is a fit for you. So be sure to grab your target job, match your skills to the employer’s requirements, and get downloading these free cover letter samples. Ohh, and there are a few free resume examples available for download too. Aren’t I a super nice gal? Um, don’t answer that.

Classic Cover Letter Examples

The Classic cover letter format is the traditional method of formatting a cover letter since the content resembles a business letter.

Job Seeker Bio: Cindy Smyth, Administrative Assistant

In this sample cover letter, job seeker Cindy Smyth is applying for a job as an administrative assistant in the financial industry. She has opted to use the Classic cover letter format since her application is brief and the company she is applying to is fairly traditional.

Free Download: Classic Cover Letter Example
(Administrative Assistant Example)

Cover Letter Tips

• Compare Cindy’s sample cover letter with her sample resume and the target job. See how they match?
• Be sure to keep your Classic cover letter brief and stick to one page.
• Highlight your strengths and match your skills to employer requirements.

Contemporary Cover Letter Examples

The Contemporary cover letter format starts as a regular business letter, but instead of selling your skills in paragraphs, just list your stuff in a few bullet points. It’s easiest to write a Contemporary cover letter by copying the strongest points from your resume.

Job Seeker Bio: Jane Smith, Software Developer

In this sample cover letter, job seeker Jane Smith is the perfect candidate for the Contemporary cover letter format.

She has skills that are easily highlighted in bulleted points and her industry is not traditional. Due to the number of applicants in the technical field, I bet her hiring manager would appreciate a scannable cover letter.

Free Download: Contemporary Cover Letter Example
(Software Developer Example)

Cover Letter Tips

• Compare Jane’s sample cover letter with her sample resume and the target job. See how they match?
• It’s easiest to write a Contemporary cover letter after the resume, since the best points are pulled from the latter.
• Don’t be lazy and just list points. Be sure to write a solid introduction and finish with a flourish.

I keep getting emails about my resume advice and I love your feedback. Thank you! Please let me know if these sample cover letters are helpful. Now stay tuned for the next (and last) installment of the How to Write a Cover Letter series since I may include a free cover letter template (or two).

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I’ve been dreading the continuation of the How to Write a Cover Letter series. It’s not because I’m lazy. But getting my motor revved and my writing in gear to explain resume cover letter formats is a bit of a drag.

Since you’re reading this you’re probably spinning your wheels too. Yep, getting ready to write a cover letter can make anyone feel a little deflated — I don’t care how good your engine.

But no fear. I’ll speed ahead and make this bloggy post short and simple. Because when it comes to winning the cover letter race, the shortest and simplest formats reach the checkered flag first. Swoosh!

There are two cover letter formats I’d like you to take for a drive. I’ll get super creative and call them the Classic and the Contemporary formats. Snort. So get your seat belt fastened and let’s get this over with fast.

The Classic Cover Letter Format

The Classic cover letter is the most common format, and it’s the type most prospective employers expect to see. The Classic is the traditional method of formatting a cover letter where the content resembles a simple business letter. Here’s how to know if this format is for you:

Use the Classic cover letter format when:

• You’re applying to traditional organizations.
• You can stick to a single page.
• You can keep it brief.

A Classic cover letter works well for traditional jobs where sticking to conservative business practices lands you the job interview. I’ve also used the Classic format when applying to an internal position since the hiring manager preferred classic letters and was aware of my skills. Indeed, it helps to know what the hiring manager prefers.

The biggest problem with this cover letter format is the length — many job seekers go overboard and write a multiple page essay boasting their stuff. This is a “fail” since a long meandering mess buries your skills, fast. Most hiring managers spend seconds reading a resume and barely scan cover letters. If you can’t grab their attention at first glance, all your cover letter writing skills are a waste.

The best approach with the Classic cover letter format is to write brief paragraphs filled with relevant job experience, applicable skills, and outstanding accomplishments. Here is the basic Classic cover letter format:

Classic Cover Letter Format Example

Your Contact Information

• Name, Address, Phone Number, Email

Employer’s Contact Information

• Name and Title of hiring manager
• Organization Name and Address

First Paragraph

• Identify the position
• State why you’re right for the job

Second Paragraph

• State why you want to work for the company
• Show how you’re a good fit
• Use examples that highlight your experience

Final Paragraph

• Request an interview
• Thank the hiring manager

Closing

• Sincerely,
• Your name

I’ve covered the structure of the Classic cover letter in detail in Anatomy of a Killer Cover Letter. Check it out for some additional goodness.

The Contemporary Cover Letter Format

The Contemporary cover letter format is a little bit different — it tends to get noticed. And getting noticed amongst a bunch of applicants is how you land a job interview. This format starts with the basics, but instead of singing your praises in paragraphs you just list your skills using simple bullets.

Sure, using the right keywords, action words, and avoiding these cover letter pitfalls helps too. Here’s how to know if this format is for you:

Use the Contemporary cover letter format when:

• You’ve got stellar skills to highlight.
• Your skills match employer requirements.
• You want your cover letter to get noticed.

Since hiring managers scan piles of cover letters trying to find the right fit, it’s important to highlight your stuff fast — and the Contemporary method gets your message across at lightning speed. Here is the basic Contemporary cover letter format:

Contemporary Cover Letter Format Example

Your Contact Information

• Name, Address, Phone Number, Email

Employer’s Contact Information

• Name and Title of hiring manager
• Organization Name and Address

First Paragraph

• Identify the position
• State why you’re right for the job

Second Paragraph
Use THREE bullet points to highlight:

1. Quantifiable skills that match employer requirements
2. Your experience
3. Your accomplishments

Final Paragraph

• Request an interview
• Thank the hiring manager

Closing

• Sincerely,
• Your name

There you have it! Two cover letter formats to help you write a winning job application, get noticed, and land a job interview. Next I’ll share some sample cover letters and perhaps a cover letter template (or two).

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Have you noticed that most rock bands have some kind of “rock on” anthem or power ballad? Now, I’m not squawking about the wannabe tunes voiced by those boy bands and pop princesses. No, no, no, I’m rocking on about the timeless ballads from the real rockin’ bands, you know — The Rolling Stones, Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, AC/DC, and Led Zeppelin. These guys are memorable. They hook you into buying their album. They make you want more. Besides, they all have really great hair.

So where am I going with these hair bands and power ballads? I’m getting hair, err, there. The point is, you want to rock your cover letter to hook the reader into hearing your tune. Since your cover letter is your first introduction to a prospective employer, it’s got to be voiced to perfection, demonstrate how well you write, and give some insight into your personality. You’ve got to entice the employer to play your song by showing them you can carry a tune.

If your pitch sounds more like background elevator music, chances are you won’t get any radio play and will have to face the music. So here’s how to skip being a broken record by turning your cover letter into music for the hiring manager’s ears.

1. Be Brief

The best rock songs are what, 3-ish minutes long? If you want to write a hit then you’ve got to have a hook and keep it short. Rambling on for more than a page is not how you go about writing a classic cover letter that gets you the job interview.

Besides, your cover letter must sell you in seconds and show how you contribute to the position at a glance. To help you keep it brief, focus on using quantitative facts and figures to show your stuff and learn to love white space. These Resume Do’s show you how to do it. Good grief, please be brief.

2. Get Customized

Song writers get into big trouble if they “sample” another artist’s tune. In today’s world of copyright infringement, bands must write original works to get a true chart topper. And so should you. Hiring managers are truly tired of hearing the same old song. So stop being lazy and use your creative thinking to write a custom cover letter. It’s not hard to create a new cover for each job application you send out. Promise.

After a few tries you’ll see that cover letter anatomy is similar across the board, but by taking the time to tailor your letter to a specific job you will increase your chances of being called for an interview.

Search the company’s website, read its promotional materials, or just talk to people who work there to get a sense of what skills the organization looks for in employees. Tailor your cover letter around what you find. Mentioning specific details about the company or position shows you’ve done your research and that you care enough about the job to go the extra mile.

So don’t just download a bunch of cover letter samples and then send them off — customize them with your unique skills and voice!

3. Be Persuasive

Rock star power ballads are not meek little wall flowers looking to hide in the shadows. No. Rock anthems are strong and triumphant tunes with the single goal of persuading you to do something — like getting laid. It’s true. Most are about some guy trying to get some girl to sleep with him. But I digress. The truth of the matter is power ballads are persuasive, and they work.

You may not want your cover to get you laid, but you do want it to land you the job interview. So find your 6 action words and learn to use your 8 custom keywords to knock the pants off your hiring manager and persuade them to call you.

4. Write in the First Person

Don’t be afraid to write your cover letter in the first person and drop a few “I’s” into the mix. Your cover letter is a type of introduction, so go ahead and introduce yourself by telling the hiring manager why you’re right for the job.

Writing sentences like, “I welcome the opportunity to meet with you for an interview” and “I am very interested in Initech Corporation’s Technical Writer position and believe my skills and experience are an excellent fit for the job” may just be the type of rockin’ introduction you need to land the interview.

Besides, rock stars refer to themselves in the first person in songs all the time. It’s how they get noticed and land the chicks. Rock on!

5. Tell Why You Want This Job

Forget about your last employer and don’t explain why you are leaving your present job. Instead, detail why you want this job. Do you like the company, the projects, or the type of work? Are you interested in being creative, mathematical, or learning the law? If there’s something special about the job that interests you then please, tell the reader why you’re applying. Getting specific and spilling a secret desire is what rock stars do. So be a star and tell the hiring team why you’re the right rocker for the role.

Final Rockin’ Things

Who doesn’t love a classic rock star. They all sing powerful songs, have a unique voice, and coif really great hair. So it makes sense to me to borrow from the chart toppers and write a cover letter that really rocks the socks off any prospective employer. Yes, I really wrote, “rock the socks off”.

Anynuttyblogger, hopefully you’ve got it covered by including most, if not all, of these “five rockin’ things” in your cover letter. If you’re looking to become an all star resume writer though, check out these other rock star ways to help you land that job interview!

• 6 Action Words That Make Your Resume Rock
• 8 Keywords That Set Your Resume On Fire
• 10 Ways to Build a Resume Like a Professional Resume Writer: The Do

Your Turn: Share your rockin’ cover letter advice. Have you written a cover letter that rocked the socks off some unsuspecting hiring manager?

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Does your cover letter suck? Chances are if you’re applying to lots of jobs without a single call, then your cover letter is probably a stinker and most likely sucks.

I make no apologies for saying it like it is and dropping the “suck”-bomb. ‘Cause seriously, when you need a job and want an interview — and you’re no where close to an offer — it’s not like you say, “Ahhh shucks. That’s too bad. Now let’s go eat ice cream and play with kittens.” NO! You probably feel like s$it, wonder how you’re going to pay the rent, and cry, “Oh crap this sucks!”

So yeah, I hear you. Landing a job interview isn’t easy, and it doesn’t take much for an otherwise solid set of skills to be tossed aside due to a few common mistakes. So here are 6 simple ways to convert your cover letter from suck to super.

1. To Whom It May Concern

Please, tell me to whom it may concern. I may not get very concerned if I’m not the right “to whom.”

I often wonder what job seekers are thinking when they address their cover letter “To Whom It May Concern.” Don’t you know? Have you no clue who to target with your job application? You’d better. In today’s crappy economy you’ve got to get your salutation right and make sure your application lands on the right person’s desk. Ohh, and copping out with a generic “Dear Sir/Madam” doesn’t cut it either. People generally like to be addressed as themselves, so if you want the job then get specific with your salutation.

BAD

• To Whom It May Concern,

GOOD

• Dear Ms. Taylor,

BAD

• Dear Sir/Madam,

GOOD

• Dear Human Resources Manager,

If you don’t know who to address your cover letter to then take a gander at the job listing. Chances are the right contact person is listed right there in the job description. If you’re still clueless then research the employer to get the details or address your application to a job title.

The cover letter that best addresses and engages the reader gets the job interview.

2. Desperation

Being desperate doesn’t work in dating. Desperation doesn’t work in cover letters either. Don’t be that guy (or gal) who begs for an interview and tries to bargain for the job. You may desperately need the job, but the more desperate you sound the more likely you’ll turn off the person you’re supposed to impress. Icky.

BAD

• Please give me a call ANYTIME for an interview. I promise to be the best employee you have ever hired. I desperately want this job.

GOOD

• I am very interested in Company ABC’s Software Developer position and believe my programming skills in C++ are an excellent fit for the job. Company ABC has an excellent reputation and I welcome the opportunity to meet with you for an interview.

When asking for an interview be sure to sell your skills and cite your qualifications. Check your desperate emotional desires at the door. Nobody wants to date desperate. Nobody wants to hire desperate either.

3. False Qualifications

Career cheaters and cover letter liars get caught eventually, so don’t do it. We all want to be viewed in the best possible light, but falsifying your job application to get ahead is a sure-fire way to get fired.

BAD

• Saved the company from filing bankruptcy by making several million dollar sales to Bill Gates and Warren Buffet.

GOOD

• Increased sales of user software by 32% in 6 months.

The best way to sell your skills and qualify your qualifications is to share numerical facts with employers. Write percentages, dollar amounts, and numbers to best explain your accomplishments and you won’t feel the need to falsify your cover letter.

4. Too Personal

Do you offer personal photo links or websites on your cover letter? Don’t. No hiring manager wants to accidentally stumble upon pictures of your Brazilian wax on Facebook. Hiring managers want to get to know you on a professional basis. They don’t want to know all about your personal hair removal remedies even if they are applicable to the job.

BAD

• I have 3 years of experience with self waxing and would be an excellent addition to your Spa team. I don’t have professional training but if you want photos, check out my Facebook page to really get a good look.

GOOD

• I am submitting my resume for consideration towards the Esthetician position at Relax Body Spa. My four years of cosmetology experience make me an ideal candidate for this position. My professional portfolio is available via www.example.com

Keep your cover letter professional and your personal life private by offering information that showcases your abilities without revealing too much. If you’ve got an online portfolio, be sure to remove all private content before submitting it on your application. The job seeker who can navigate the fine line between personal and private in today’s internet age gets the job interview.

5. Ego Centric

Is your cover letter all about you, yourself, and more you? Well, you’re sucking big time with this fatal ego centric error. News flash: Your cover letter isn’t about you. It’s about how you fit the employer’s job requirements. What can you do for the employer? What does an employer gain from hiring you? If you’ve got the goods then tone them down by letting your accomplishments boast for you.

BAD

• I was undeniably the best accountant in my graduating class.

GOOD

• In my graduating year of college I received the Gold Medal for Accounting Excellence. This scholastic achievement meets your New Graduate academic requirements.

Share your accomplishments, skills, and qualifications in a way that showcases you as the perfect fit for the job, not as an ego-centric buffoon.

6. Missing Resume

It really sucks when you put a lot of work into your cover letter but forget to submit your resume. Snicker. I understand the excitement of pulling the trigger and sending your application to a prospecitve employer — but forgetting to send your resume is sloppy. Just.Don’t.Do.It. Most employers won’t give you the time of day if you can’t even submit your resume right. Sorry.

Final Things

There you have it. Six of the suckiest things commonly found on cover letters today. These six just tip the list though, so check out these other resume writing deadly don’ts to help you get onto the hiring manager’s interview list!

• 6 Words That Make Your Resume Suck
• 10 Deadly Sins of Resume Writing

Got a personal favorite you’d like to add to this cover letter hit list?

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Your cover letter tells a story. It’s got a beginning, a middle, and an ending. If you tell your story right then you’ll get your resume read. If your story is a stinker, a fairy tale, a romance novel, or shrouded in mystery then you’ll likely land in the reject pile with the other sad, sordid endings.

If you’d prefer a happy ending by landing a job interview, then it pays to become a skilled writer and learn to construct your cover letter right! Write? To do this, it’s best to have a job description ready so you can match your skills to employer requirements. It’s also a good idea to attack your cover letter after writing your resume since the major cover points can be excerpted easily. Going over the Anatomy of a Killer Resume is a great way to get going if you’ve got resume writer’s block. Promise.

So let’s lose the drama, learn some anatomy, and get the facts right by authoring a cover letter that exceeds any editor’s great expectations. Here’s the general Anatomy of a Killer Cover Letter:

1. Your Contact Information

Like the beginning of your resume, your cover letter must state your contact information, including: name, full address, phone number, and email address. If you miss this mark or mistype your digits you won’t hear a peep from the people with the position. Get these details right and you’re off to a great start. Makes sense, yes?

BAD Contact Information

Mr. Smith
Canada
1.800.dog.chow
pervy@P0rnilicious.com

GOOD Contact Information

John Smith
175 Springfield Road, Vancouver BC, V1B 3Y7
613.555.5555
john_smith@example.com

2. Employer’s Contact Information

Always, always, always get your salutation right and address your cover letter to the RIGHT person. Addressing your application to the WRONG person could send your paperwork astray placing you far from the hiring manager’s desk and near the paper shredder.

Also, do yourself a solid by making the salutation specific and not just To Whom It May Concern, Dear Sir/Madam, or To: Hiring Manager. Going beyond the general position title and getting the name specific personalizes your application and can send you to the top of the pile. It may take a little legwork to find the hiring manager’s name, but by perusing the job description or by researching the company’s website you might just find the salutation you’re looking for.

Lastly, please don’t leave form letter space holders like, [Enter Company Name Here] in the cover letter contact area – or any area for that matter. I’ve seen this happen. Don’t let it happen to you.

BAD Employer’s Contact

To Whom It May Concern, or Hiring Manager
[Enter Company Name Here]
The Brown Office Building

GOOD Employer’s Contact

Jane Davy, Documentation Manager
Initech Corporation
34 Hamilton Street, Vancouver BC, V1B 3H7

3. Your First Paragraph

The first paragraph in your cover letter is important. Your leading words serve as your pitch for the position, so you’ve got to grab the hiring manager’s attention to get them interested. Start the first paragraph by identifying the position you’re applying for and then explain how you found the job. Be sure to mention a referral or friendly mutual contact if it’s relevant to the company, department, or position. Lastly, briefly explain why you’re the right candidate for the position. And please, don’t ever use emoticons (smilies) in your cover letter.

BAD First Paragraph

Please hire me for that job at your company. I’ve been watching the want ads closely for months and this job seems to pay the best. I have a few friends who already work for you, so ask them about my skills. I scored some decent grades at college and I’ve worked two years already.

GOOD First Paragraph

I am submitting my resume for consideration towards the Technical Writer position advertised in The Daily on September 17, 2009. My four years of documentation experience combined with a Bachelor of Computer Science degree make me an ideal candidate for this position.

4. Your Second Paragraph (the third is optional)

Now that you’ve grabbed the reader’s attention, it’s time to demonstrate why you’re a good fit for the company. Be sure to list one or two of your relevant skills or qualifications and show examples that highlight your experience. It’s not a bad idea to mention why you want to work for the company and show that you’ve spent some time researching the organization.

BAD Second & Third Paragraph

I’d like to land a job where I can be an editor and not always write online help documentation. I’ve written help manuals for a number of years now and I’d like a change.

I can document a lot of different things, but I’d prefer to create training videos and it seems like Initech Corporation is a good company who likes to keep employees happy because you’ve been named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers.

Sure, this may seem a far-fetched example – but I’ve seen MANY cover letters where the applicant complains about their current work rather than pitching their skills for the position. It’s amusing for the hiring manager, but it gets the applicant nowhere.

GOOD Second & Third Paragraph

For the last two years, I have held a technical writing position where my software development skills and training manuals have helped teach accountants to use complex inventory control software. As my resume reflects, I am a strong and flexible writer with experience documenting online help systems, end user manuals, how-to guides, installation manuals, and instructional videos.

I am very interested in working with Initech Corporation due to your selection as one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers.

5. Final Paragraph

The last paragraph is where you seal the deal and ask for the interview. Don’t be shy about it. Restate your desire to work for the company.

BAD Final Paragraph

I probably have what it takes to do a decent job at your company. If you’d like to discuss my skills further, I can be reached on Mondays and Wednesdays but only after 5PM.

GOOD Final Paragraph

I am very interested in Initech Corporation’s Technical Writer position and believe my skills and experience are an excellent fit for the job. Initech has an excellent reputation and I welcome the opportunity to meet with you for an interview.

6. Closing

Keep your closing simple. There’s no need to get weepy, lovey-dovey, or desperate. Always keep your final words professional and to the point.

BAD Closing

Love and kisses,
Miss. Krissy Snow
(smooch)

GOOD Closing

Sincerely,
Your signature (if sending a hardcopy)
Your name

Hopefully this article has demystified the mystery behind the anatomy of a killer cover letter. Once the components are broken down it’s easier to see how it’s possible to tell your story in just a few paragraphs and land that job interview in under a page. Now go get it covered!

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Do you have it covered? When you hand over your radical resume to a prospective employer do you really have it covered with the best possible cover letter?

If you’re not sure or just plain baffled when it comes to writing a convincing cover letter then this series is for you! I’ve waited a while to follow-up the insanely popular series How to Write a Resume with some stuff on cover letters. But after your numerous kind emails and endless searches for “cover letters” on this blog, I’ve finally succumbed to your cover letter queries and questions. I sincerely believe that this series will give you the answers to help you get covered.

About the Cover Letter Writing Series

Landing a job interview is tough. I’ve been there and I know you’ve been there too. There’s nothing more frustrating then sending your resume and cover letter to dozens of employers only to hear zero to no responses in return [enter sounds of crickets chirping here].

But there are some easy ways to get past the sounds of radio silence and get some interest from prospective employers. In this series I’m going to show you how to do it. I’ll also deal with these common cover letter writing issues:

• How to organize your cover letter.
• Stuff you must include.
• Things to avoid.
• How many pages? What format?
• And much more!

Since I’m a generous (and somewhat insane) blogger, I may just include a few free cover letter examples, free cover letter templates, and some sample cover letters to help you along the way.

So now what?

This blog has a lot of resume writing, career searching, and job hunting posts to getcha going while you’re waiting for more on cover letters. Within these posts you’ll find lots of free downloads, resume examples, job hunting tips, and career path guides all wrapped up in a fun style for those a little stressed with the job search.

If you’re looking to set your resume on fire (in a good way), check out this insanly popular series on resume writing:

Series | How to Write a Resume:

1. 10 Things that Define a Killer Resume
2. 10 Ways to Build a Resume Like a Professional Resume Writer: The Do’s
3. 10 Deadly Sins of Resume Writing
4. Anatomy of a Killer Resume
5. 6 Words That Make Your Resume Suck
6. 6 Action Words That Make Your Resume Rock
7. 8 Keywords That Set Your Resume On Fire
8. 3 Resume Formats: Chronological, Functional, or Screw Both?
9. Free Resume Examples with Resume Tips
10. Get Your Resume Template! (three for free)

If you’re looking for work and have worn shoes from pounding the pavement, then put your feet up (take a breather) and get familar with this job hunting series:

Series | Four Ways to Kick Start Your Job Hunt:

1. How to Choose a New Career
2. How to Find a Job
3. How to Research a Prospective Employer
4. How to Match Your Skills to Employer Requirements (free printable worksheet)

If you’re at a crossroads with where to start (or where to go next) in your career, then get back to the basics and find out what really makes you tick with this career series:

Series | Five Paths to Choosing Your Perfect Career:

1. Five Ways To Find Your Passion (free printable worksheet)
2. How To Find Your Strengths (free printable worksheet)
3. How to Set Your Goals (free printable worksheet)
4. 10 Tips to Nurture Your Network
5. 10 Ways to Enhance Your Education

Now sit back and get ready to write a cover letter that sells your skills, shows your strengths, and gets you that job interview!

Love the blog? Get the book: 397 Ways to Save Money

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• How to make a budget (series with downloads)
• How to write a resume (series with downloads)
• Frugalicious Recipes
• 50 Ways to Save $1,000 a Year
• Credit Card Calculator
• Download your free 92-page eBook: The Insider’s Guide To Frugal Food & Fitness