(DES MOINES, Iowa – January 26, 2005) The fateful final question of all interviewers may carry more weight than you would think. Upon hearing “Now, do you have any questions,” you are given a chance to show quality of your character and interest in company. No matter how well interview went, passively responding to this question with a shake of head and a polite smile will only communicate to employer that you are not interested in inquiring about job, company, and your place within their organization. Your approach to this Question & Answer time will directly impact interviewer’s assessment of you and interview.

When thinking of questions first things that probably come to mind regard your salary, hours, vacation, and benefits. It is not a good idea to ask these types of questions during this time. It would only express to employer that you are more concerned about yourself than learning about company. These kinds of questions are valid only when a job offer has been made.

When preparing for this part of interview develop questions regarding company or organization. This will positively influence your interview by showing that you care more about company and job than just how much they will pay you. Good questions to ask are:

Job-seekers spend so much time and energy on their resumes they've got nothing left to offer their poor, neglected cover letters.

Big, BIG mistake!

It is well-written cover letter not resume that can single-handedly land you more job interviews. The cover letter is your one chance to really "market" yourself to an employer using proven marketing strategies rarely found in typical cover letter.

Conversely, there's only so much you can do with traditional CV or resume. I believe carefully crafted cover letter is more important to your job search success than any other written document, including resume.

As a direct marketing professional for over 20 years, I bring to you my 7 secrets of a highly-effective resume cover letter:

1. ADDRESS your cover letter to a specific person. Do your best to find out "To Whom" you should address your cover letter. "Dear Manager" is lifeless.

2. OPEN with an attention-grabbing first sentence to really grip reader. This will almost guarantee your cover letter and resume get a closer look.

3. REMEMBER less is more. The best cover letters have plenty of white space. Cover letters that are clear, focused, short and sweet land more job interviews period.

4. FOCUS on what you can do for employer. How can you benefit company specifically? Do a little research and relate this simply and clearly in your letter.