There is a shelter in town that is hiring a secretary/recptionist. The shelter is a women's shelter that I have gone to for a support group, most recently last evening. I really enjoy the people that work there and I feel the need to help women that have been through my situation or something similar. Do you think it would be appropriate to disclose that I have come from a domestic situation similar to what they treat/help at the shelter? Should I disclose that I have went to one of their support groups? I feel like I should explain this to them and that I greatly benefit from the support and that I want to work in a position to return the support to others? Is this corny or hokey? lol
2006-08-11 05:51:38 · 17 answers · asked by Anonymous in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
I understand from personal experience what domestic violence can do. Based upon my own experience, I feel that I can communicate effectively with residents, volunteers, and other employees of Sheltering Wings.
This is what I added to my cover letter.
2006-08-11 06:11:22 · update #1
I think that your explanation here is a great start for your cover letter. You show that you have a good heart and experience. What's wrong with that? I'm not sure what would be corny or hokey about it. Actually more corny and hokey people in the world would probably make for more compassion and decency.
2006-08-11 06:10:37 · answer #1 · answered by Daphne 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No, it not corny at all. You just need to phrase it correctly. You could try saying that you feel that you will be able to communicate effectively with the clients who attend the centre as you are able to empathise with their situation, particularly if they are upset or distressed. If you are a receptionist, you may well be the first person that they encounter at the shelter and you will be doing a wonderful job if you can offer those people a bit of comfort and understanding. Its all about communication. You also need to show that not only will you be able to communicate and empathise with clients, but that you can communicate with other members of staff, social services, etc. I think you should mention that in your application, but remember that you will get the job based on other skills too (typing skills, computer skills, being organised, etc.), so make sure you also focus on those in your application. Good luck!
2006-08-11 13:00:45 · answer #2 · answered by H D 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you should definitely include your positive experience with the organization as part of your motivation to work there. And yes, mention the support group, but don't go into any details.
As for possible 'corny' text, I'd play it safe - as the secretary/ receptionist, you'll be dealing with people all day, but you wont actually be treating anyone.
2006-08-11 13:04:29 · answer #3 · answered by OMG, I ♥ PONIES!!1 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would be more general in mentioning it, maybe something like, " I understand from personal experience what domestic violence can do." Then if you get an interview, you'll have something to expound upon.
You don't want to get too personal right off the bat. You want the cover letter to get you the interview first. Too personal of information may put the reviewer off.
2006-08-11 13:00:29 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
I would not put it in your cover letter I would talk about it in the interview. I might be wrong but they could also see it as you might have too many "personal issues" to be employed there. But at the same time it might be a good thing for you to have gone through that and could understand everyone better. I would leave it out until/if they ask about it in the interview...good luck!
2006-08-11 13:02:29 · answer #5 · answered by Workinmamma 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, you should mention in your cover letter how you have been helped by this organization. With that said, keep it brief and to the point. Use your interview to elaborate on how and why they helped you.
When writing, however, please do not use the words "I have went to one of your support groups..." This is poor English grammar and does not reflect well on a job candidate. It would be better to say, "I have attended one of your support groups...."
I hope this helps. Good luck getting the job!
2006-08-11 13:05:24 · answer #6 · answered by Ifeelyourpain 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think being honest and including this in your cover letter will only work to your advantage! you would be great there simply because you were there. i work as a recruiter and i can tell you for sure that people who actually take the time to write detailed cover letters and include personal information in them besides listing your other character traits works very well! be honest and say how your experience in the past can benefit you as an employee now. good luck!
2006-08-11 12:55:09 · answer #7 · answered by EventNewYork 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Leave it out of your resume.
But definately put it in your cover letter. Mention how you learned so much and now you want to give back to this place. You can say how much of an asset you would be to the organization since you went through what a lot of them went through first hand.
Good luck!
2006-08-11 13:17:45 · answer #8 · answered by Think.for.your.self 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well i dont think that u shud mention this in the cover letter but you cud make mention of it in teh interveiw if they call you for it......cuz they will/might ask you soemthing like "why do u want to work for us? or someting similar and then you cud tell them about that but in as little words as possible as long as it brings the point across.....
2006-08-11 13:00:15 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Always be honest about your reasons as to why you want to work for someone or someplace. If your prospective boss can see and feel the emotion you have about the position you are applying for you are sure to get the job.
2006-08-11 13:12:43 · answer #10 · answered by birddawg 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋