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12 Tips for Writing a Perfect Cover Letter

By Barbara Adams, CPRW, CEIP, CMRC, CFRW
www.militaryresumewriters.com and www.careerproplus.com

A cover letter is an accompanying document, and introduction to your resume. Whenever you send out a resume, it must come with a superb quality Cover Letter to give your future employer a favorable and lasting impression about you. Read More

Army Secretary, Chief Reaffirm Family Covenant

American Forces Press Service

ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 13, 2009 – The Army’s top military officer and civilian leader underscored the service’s commitment to Army families at last week’s annual meeting and exposition of the Association of the U.S. Army. Read More

VA to Provide Emergency Checks to Students Awaiting Benefits

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2009 – Checks for up to $3,000 soon will be available to students who have applied for Veterans Affairs educational benefits and who have not yet received their government payment. Read More

Veterans show true colors

by Staff Sgt. Patrick Brown
Defense Media Activity - San Antonio

SAN ANTONIO (AFNS), Oct. 11, 2009 – In a jam-packed room, retired Air Force Lt. Col. Dennis Linn stood explaining his artwork to curious viewers, and how his acrylic painting and raised sand/plaster sculpture earned him two gold medals and a spot in the 2009 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival in the San Antonio Municipal Auditorium here Oct. 11. Read More

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TAOnline helpful hint of the month Federal Benefits for Veterans

12 Tips for Writing a Perfect Cover Letter

By Barbara Adams, CPRW, CEIP, CMRC, CFRW
www.militaryresumewriters.com and www.careerproplus.com

A cover letter is an accompanying document, and introduction to your resume. Whenever you send out a resume, it must come with a superb quality Cover Letter to give your future employer a favorable and lasting impression about you. First the reader will see your Cover Letter and that is why you must get the hiring person interested in you from the first lines of your letter. Otherwise, he/she won’t get inspired to read your resume.

Here we list some of the most significant rules that will help you to make an effective Cover Letter.

  1. A cover letter should contain no spelling, punctuation or grammar mistakes.
  2. Address the letter directly to the person who is hiring. Try to avoid sending your cover letter and resume to HR.
  3. State your reason for writing. Be concise.
  4. Advise your potential future employer to read the attached resume.
  5. Remember, that employers seek for someone who will bring new ideas, knowledge, energy and enthusiasm to their company. Show in your cover letter that you are the person.
  6. Find out more about the company and include the basic information about it into your letter. It will demonstrate your interest in the position by showing you have researched the company.
  7. Use industry specific key words and phrases to target your cover letter. If you apply for the position in the advert, include their requirements and type them in BOLD.
  8. Draw the reader’s attention to the most relevant and successful points of your background. Illustrate the facts with examples and results.
  9. Provide any important information that is not reflected in your resume, but is specifically indicated in the advertisement. (e.g. availability date, attached samples of your work)
  10. Thank them for their consideration.
  11. End your cover letter by advising how and when you will follow-up.
  12. Proofread, Proofread, and Proofread again.

As you see, composing eye-catching Cover Letter requires extreme concentration, knowledge of the slightest details and profound experience. Some folks ask of the importance to even include a cover letter. The answer is absolutely.

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Army Secretary, Chief Reaffirm Family Covenant

American Forces Press Service

ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 13, 2009 – The Army’s top military officer and civilian leader underscored the service’s commitment to Army families at last week’s annual meeting and exposition of the Association of the U.S. Army.

Reaffirmation of the Army Family Covenant by Gen. George W. Casey Jr., Army chief of staff, and Army Secretary John M. McHugh shows that families are taking the forefront in the readiness picture, officials said.

At an Oct. 7 forum sponsored by the Institute of Land Warfare during last week’s event, several family advocates outlined how the covenant has affected families and what they can expect in the future.

The Army has doubled its investment in family programs from $750 million to $1.5 billion, said Kathleen Marin, director of installation services for the office of the assistant chief of installation management, who highlighted some programs and initiatives that have evolved since the Army Family Covenant first was signed in 2007. They include:

  • Adding 1,079 readiness support assistant positions;
  • Increasing the number of military family life consultants from 144 to 212;
  • Establishing Army survivor outreach services to improve support for survivors of fallen soldiers;
  • Funding construction of more than 100 child development centers;
  • Gaining support of 39 Fortune 500 companies who have helped to find jobs for more than 41,000 military spouses through the Army Spouse Employment Program;
  • Developing the Warrior Adventure Quest for soldiers to participate in outdoor adventure activities that help them cope with re-integration after the stresses of a combat environment; and
  • Getting 25 states to sign the Interstate Compact on Educational Opportunity for Military Children – a change that affects 71 percent of students of servicemembers.

Also, a new program called Comprehensive Soldier Fitness has begun with basic training recruits. Modeled after Army physical training, it is a psychological fitness initiative that will leave soldiers with mental strength and resilience through physical challenges.

"It's not a cure-all, but it helps prevent negative outcomes," said Army Brig. Gen. Rhonda Cornum, the program's director. It's slated to start in the active Army in November, and it will be available to family members in January.

Army Col. David C. Moran from the office of the chief of chaplains told attendees how a 10-year-old program called Strong Bonds has benefited from funding by being placed under the Army Family Covenant. Similar to unit stand-downs, it's a retreat-based program in which family members get away from work and home to build stronger relationships.

The number of participants has doubled every year, and in 2010, it's projected to have 4,000 events totaling more than 365,000 participants.

Army Brig. Gen. Richard W. Thomas, office of the surgeon general, said that while the Army Family Covenant has affected health care programs and initiatives, it's up to leadership and family advocates to keep soldiers and families informed on how to access health services. Over the past 20 years, the number of Army hospitals has shrunk as the growth of Tricare military health plan networks has replaced much of what those facilities had provided.

To get the word out on the Army Family Covenant, the Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation Command has instituted an aggressive marketing campaign that "will highlight the strength of the American soldier and his or her family," James Abney, a command official. At the forefront is the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, with in-store messaging, food court tray liners and 100 fleet trucks carrying the family covenant message.

U.S. Army Accessions Command officials said they will get the message out to recruiting stations to ensure potential recruits know the importance of family members in the Army.

(From an Association of the U.S. Army news release.)

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VA to Provide Emergency Checks to Students Awaiting Benefits

American Forces Press Service

WASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2009 – Checks for up to $3,000 soon will be available to students who have applied for Veterans Affairs educational benefits and who have not yet received their government payment.

The checks will be distributed to eligible students at VA regional benefits offices across the country starting Oct. 2, VA Secretary Eric K. Shinseki announced Sept. 25.

“Students should be focusing on their studies, not worrying about financial difficulties,” Shinseki said. “Education creates life-expanding opportunities for our veterans.”

Starting Oct. 2, students can go to one of VA’s 57 regional benefit offices with photo identification, a course schedule and an eligibility certificate to request advance payment of their housing and book allowance. Because some students don’t live near one of those offices, officials said, VA expects to send representatives to schools with large veteran-student bodies to work with veteran service groups in helping students with transportation needs.

A list of VA regional offices is available at http://www.vba.va.gov/VBA/benefits/offices.asp.

“I’m asking our people to get out their road maps and determine how we can reach the largest number of college students who can’t reach us,” said Patrick Dunne, VA’s undersecretary for benefits. “Not everyone has a car. Not everyone can walk to a VA benefits office.”

Although VA officials said they don’t know how many students will request emergency funds, about 25,000 claims are pending that may result in payments to students.

The funds VA will give to students now are advance payments of the earned benefits for housing and books, and will be deducted from future education payments. VA officials said students should know that after this special payment, they can expect to receive education payments on the normal schedule: the beginning of the month following the period for which they are reimbursed.

“This is an extraordinary action we’re taking,” Shinseki said. “But it’s necessary, because we recognize the hardships some of our veterans face.”

More than 27,500 students already have received benefits for housing or books under the new Post-9/11 GI Bill, or their schools have received their tuition payments, officials said.

(From a Department of Veterans Affairs news release.)

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Veterans show true colors

by Staff Sgt. Patrick Brown
Defense Media Activity - San Antonio

SAN ANTONIO (AFNS), Oct. 11, 2009 – In a jam-packed room, retired Air Force Lt. Col. Dennis Linn stood explaining his artwork to curious viewers, and how his acrylic painting and raised sand/plaster sculpture earned him two gold medals and a spot in the 2009 National Veterans Creative Arts Festival in the San Antonio Municipal Auditorium here Oct. 11.

More than 3,000 veterans from 123 Veterans Administration facilities across the country entered various categories in the following divisions of art, creative writing, dance, drama and music during the local-level competition phase this past winter. Colonel Linn was one of 120 winners who attended the week-long festival, which concluded with a visual art exhibit and a variety stage show.

Before the conclusion the festival, the artists attended workshops exploring a variety of artistic venues and toured local art museums.

The festival was a venue for artists from around the country to share artistic techniques as well as swap war stories.

"This is a great way to meet other creative vets. Talk with them and make new friends and learn new techniques," Colonel Linn said.

Colonel Linn has loved art since his youth. He taught art at the U.S. Air Force Academy early in his career and says he was able to use it throughout his career as a protocol and public affairs officer. Now that Colonel Linn has developed cardiac disease, he says art has become a sort of therapy for him.

"It takes your mind off the fact you have a problem," said Colonel Linn. "It helps me and the other veterans who have some disabilities. It's therapy -- creative arts therapy. You live longer when you're not stressed out."

However, Navy veteran Robert Elling has disabilities that are a little more obvious than Colonel Linn's. A Vietnam veteran, Mr. Elling lost a knee as a result of an aircraft landing accident after a patrol mission. The missing knee isn't what made his intricately stained wooden portrait so interesting, it's his ability to manage his disability.

"I get the shakes real bad," said Mr. Elling. "When that brush gets down to the wood, the shakes just stop."

Besides the shakes, Mr. Elling still deals with pain from the missing knee and says staining his pieces is as good as any pain medication.

"It takes my mind off the aches and pains," he said. "I have phantom pain and real pain -- It just removes pain because you're concentrating so much on something else."

Mr. Elling says when he does think of his missing knee, he thinks of the coming reunion.

"Twelve inches of me have already made it up to heaven," he said. "When I get up there, I'm going to collect all my pieces and be whole again," he laughed.

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Job Fairs

Click here for a complete listing of Military Job Fairs

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Hot jobs

Check Out Our Spotlighted Employers!

Northrop Grumman

 

What does it mean to work at Northrop Grumman? It means becoming an important part of an extraordinary company. Northrop Grumman is the world's largest shipbuilder, a leading systems integrator, a pioneer in space systems, and the U.S. government's largest provider of information technology. We are a company committed to the highest standards of business conduct and technical excellence in each of our distinct segments of business. These segments of business are also known as operating sectors: electronic systems, information technology, integrated systems, mission systems, Newport News, ship systems and space technology. Please click here. U.S. Citizenship is required for most positions. EOE M/F/D/V,

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EG&G Technical Services, Inc.

Do the Best Work of Your Life! URS is the top Engineering and one of the top Defense firms in the United States!

EG&G Technical Services, Inc. and Lear Siegler Services, Inc.(both divisions of URS) consolidated to become one of the nation's leading U.S. federal government contractors providing operations and maintenance, systems engineering and technical assistance, and program management, primarily to the Departments of Defense and Homeland Security.

We are currently looking for Engineers, Logistics Analyst, Technicians, Aircraft Mechanics, Program Managers, Acquisition Analyst and more! We have opportunities in the US as well as overseas!

If you want to join a team of dedicated professionals who are among the best in their field, in a diverse work environment that fosters integrity and trust, then take some time to explore URS Corporation career possibilities. To learn more about URS Corporation, please visit our Web site at www.urscorp.com

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FirstEnergy

Serve your community as a FirstEnergy employee the same way you served your country. FirstEnergy, a diversified energy company, has opportunities within our Energy Delivery, Fossil and Nuclear Power Generation, and Corporate Services organizations that are ideal for many levels of skill and expertise acquired during military service. These include all engineering disciplines, Navy Nuclear, Naval Electricians and Machinists Mates, Logistics, Technicians, and many other enlisted experiences. For example, Navy Nuclear or Naval Electricians Mates offer great transferable skills for electric distribution dispatchers, fossil and nuclear generating plant operators. Please visit our website www.firstenergycorp.com for a list of opportunities in areas such as Plant, Substation, overhead/underground line and more. FirstEnergy provides competitive pay plus incentive compensation; a Company-sponsored pension plan; 401k savings plan with company match and performance bonuses; a choice of medical, prescription, dental, vision, and life insurance programs; and educational assistance programs. We also provide employees called to active duty with 540 days (approximately 18 months) of differential pay and health coverage to support you as you serve our nation. Join a company that emphasizes volunteerism, professionalism, and team work - and rewards the skills and discipline you developed in the service. Click here for more information.

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L-3 IS Joint Operations Group

L-3 IS Joint Operations Group is the most capable and dependable aircraft modernization and mission systems integration company in the world. We are recognized internationally as a systems integration organization specializing in the study, design, development, and integration of mission systems, plus the modernization and maintenance of aircraft. We have modified more than 15,000 aircraft of more than 125 types, and more than three aircraft per year using our Quick Response Capability, and L-3 IS has delivered integrated real-time reconnaissance systems that contain more than 2 million lines of code. To see our opportunities click here!

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SAIC

Own Your Future

SAIC has worked with the Department of Defense since our inception over 35 years ago. That is how we know what disciplined, mission-focused leaders can accomplish. As an employee, you'll find the same dedication and commitment to accomplishing goals at SAIC that you found in the military. Take ownership of your future! As an employee- owner, you'll have the opportunity to achieve success within an environment that understands the needs of servicemen and servicewomen who are separating from the military. SAIC offers a competitive salary and benefits package. For immediate consideration, apply online by clicking here. Please let us know that you heard about SAIC from TAOnline.com when submitting your resume.

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Raytheon

Software Engineering / Systems Engineering

Challenge yourself, develop your skills AND relax your life. Raytheon is recognized as a company that provides you with an ideal work/life balance. What better place to manage your career and your personal interest than State College, Pa. Ranked as one of the least stressful cities in America, with four seasons of outdoor activities, State College is the perfect place to pursue your goals.

Software Engineers

We seek experienced software engineers looking for a challenging career using today's leading edge technologies. Perform full life cycle software development of data exploitation/dissemination and real-time signal collection/processing systems. Senior engineers support proposal activities, define architectures and lead software development tasks. Junior-level engineers support design, code and test of software requirements.

Systems Engineers

Define architectures and requirements for leading edge systems, provide technical leadership in new business development and proposals and integrate sophisticated technologies and products. Use your knowledge of systems engineering processes and methodologies, including object oriented as well as conventional systems design .techniques to solve complex technical .problems. Provide leadership in a wide range of technologies.

Learn more by clicking here!

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Oracle Corporation

Excel with Excellence.

At Oracle, we're no strangers to pushing our limits. We've been first in class in an array of industry leading enterprise solutions, including being the first software company to develop and deploy 100 percent internet-enabled enterprise software across our entire product line. In fact, pushing the limits of our innovative solutions is an every day goal. Here, you'll be challenged by the excitement of creating leading-edge technologies and applications while enjoying the support and stability of and established leader.

To learn more about Oracle Corporation please visit: http://www.oracle.com/careers

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Prudential Financial, Inc.

Prudential Financial, Inc. is a multinational financial services leader with operations in the United States, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. Leveraging its heritage of life insurance and asset management expertise, Prudential is focused on helping individual and institutional customers grow and protect their wealth. The company's well-known Rock symbol is an icon of strength, stability, expertise and innovation that has stood the test of time. Prudential's businesses offer a variety of products and services, including life insurance, annuities, retirement-related services, mutual funds, asset management, and real estate services. For more information, please visit www.prudential.com.

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MasTec Advanced Technologies

Install Success On The Job.

As a MasTec Satellite Technician, your day begins with a list of customers, the keys to a company-owned truck and unlimited potential. With a mix of new installations, customer support visits, add-on sales opportunities and technical service appointments, you'll experience a variety of challenges that makes each day different.

The installation and servicing of a satellite system can be physically demanding. Also, providing excellent service to every customer is a critical responsibility. But at MasTec, we reward hard work. From your earning potential to your career growth, every job you complete is your chance to install success into your life.

Install A Secure Future.

MasTec Advanced Technologies is one of the largest DirecTV installation and service companies. With millions of people turning to DirecTV for their television needs, MasTec Advanced Technologies offers unlimited potential to the right professional.

For more information on MasTec, or additional MasTec careers, click here.

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Central Intelligence Agency – National Clandestine Service Center

You can make a world of difference.

Be a part of a mission that's larger than all of us. The CIA's National Clandestine Service seeks qualified applicants to serve our country's mission abroad. Our careers offer rewarding, fast-paced, and high impact challenges in intelligence collection on issues of critical importance to US national security. Applicants should possess a high degree of personal integrity, professional backgrounds. Do you want to make a difference for your country? Are you ready for a challenge?

All applicants for National Clandestine Service positions must successfully undergo several personal interviews, medical and psychological exams, aptitude testing, a polygraph interview, and a background investigation. Following entry on duty, candidates will undergo extensive training. US citizenship required. An equal opportunity employer and a drug-free work force.

For more information and to apply, visit: www.cia.gov

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L-3 Intelligence Solutions is a division of L-3 Services, Inc.

Intelligence Solutions has a two-decade track record of providing cutting-edge solutions and is a leader in all source intelligence support, information management, operations and security. Intelligence Solutions provides national and defense intelligence agencies and the Department of Defense's agencies, commands, and uniformed services with analysis, information solutions and systems support. Among the services Intelligence Solutions delivers are deployed Advanced Information Systems, HUMINT services, analytical services, special logistical services, mission-critical processes and systems engineering and training. The organization also provides and supports advanced concepts, research and development and state-of-the-art intelligence systems production. Using real-world experience and emerging technologies, Intelligence Solutions builds today's solutions for tomorrow's needs. Field combat units and national planners at all levels have access to the same operational, actionable picture through our proven, technologically advanced designs.

For more information, click here.

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Kaiser Permanente

At Kaiser Permanente, we work together as family to do what’s right for our patients. If you’d like to contribute your skills to an environment built on teamwork and support, come to Kaiser Permanente. Visit jobs.kp.org for more information

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Edward Jones

As a current or former member of the military, you know what dedication and service are all about. At Edward Jones, so do we. We operate a branch-office network of over 10,000 Financial Advisors who work one-on-one with individual investors to help them reach their long-term financial goals.

By becoming an Edward Jones Financial Advisor, you can run your own neighborhood office, enjoy unlimited earning potential, and set your own schedule – all backed by us, a unique and long-standing financial services leader. You’ll find that the focus, mindset, skills and experience you acquired in the military or that led you to serve in the first place, will also serve you well at Edward Jones. We look for people who understand the value of maximizing their efforts and rising to new challenges in exchange for greater results and rewards.

Worried that you don’t have a financial background? Don’t be. Our world-class training program has been specifically designed to enable individuals from a variety of occupational backgrounds to thrive in their new career. Currently, there are over 1,600 men and women with military backgrounds who now proudly serve as Edward Jones Financial Advisors.

To learn more or to apply, please visit our military microsite at www.edwardjones.com/military. Once there, be sure to check out our videos from former service people as well as our contact list of veteran Financial Advisors you can call with any questions you may have broken out by branch of service.

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TAOnline.com Helpful Hint of the Month

Gearing up for flu season. H1N1 FLU. What you should know. more

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