3 Cover Letter Example Templates Guaranteed To Impress

3 Cover Letter Example Templates Guaranteed To Impress Writing a compelling, professional cover letter can often be the most daunting aspect of any job application. Heck, sometimes it can feel like the hardest part of the job search as a whole, even.We are faced with a blank page wzu siche we must whimsically explain why we are the perfect fit for the role and how our previous experience has prepared us. We want to show our willingness to put all of our energy into the new role while also appearing well-rounded and a great gruppe member. And dont forget how important writing with flawless punctuation is, of courseWhen you write a cover letter, however, its also an incredible opportunity to show off your skills and personality. It is your first introduction to a prospective employer and should go beyond listing your previous accomplishments and qualifications. Think of it as both a more lyrical resume, a more concise Curriculum Vitae (or CV), and a perfectly executed geschftsleben let ter all in one. And in todays hyper-competitive job market, it truly must be perfect.So, what should your cover letter include? Heres a basic breakdownStart with an introduction paragrah that shows the hire manager you are excited about the role. Inform the prospective employer how you heard about the standort and confidently state that you know youd be a great fit.Then, write a brief overview of your most recent positions and highlight how those experiences will aid you in this new role. Dont be afriad to work a few industry keywords and buzzwords into this paragraph, too the keywords most relevant to the position youre applying for can most often be found in the positions job description.Now is your opportunity, job seeker, to show even more personality. Talk about something outside of your work experience that is relevant to the role or suggest an idea about how the prospective company could change for the better.Close strong by stating your eagerness to learn more about opportun ity and your gratitude for being heard. Make sure to include contact information so they have no trouble following up for an interviewBelow youll find three sample cover letters written from three different perspectives. Dont be afraid to replicate parts of these the next time you need to write a cover letter. (A fun side note These are all real cover letters that resulted in a job interview then in a secured job Woo)Looking to write to a company that doesnt have any open job postings? Try a letter of intent.1. An Internship SeekerAs an internship cover letter, this sample is for the young woman who is just starting her professional journey. Its written from the perspective of a college student who is serious about learning during a summer internship. You will see how they incorporate their current experience in a leadership role on a campus club and translate that into skills that can be used in the office. For your own cover letter, look at all the activities in your life and how they highlight your innate intelligence, creativity or leadership. Then let people knowYour first and brde name17 Example Street, Binghamton, NY 13905Your phone number examplegmail.comMay 20, 2017Direct contacts first and last nameCompany NameStreet Address City, State + ZipDear Hiring ManagerI am excited by the prospect of joining ____s abverkauf team as an intern this summer and eager to speak with you in greater detail about the available positions. Jane Smith, intern coordinator recently told me about the position at our campus job fair.I am currently a junior at Binghamton University studying English Literature and Rhetoric. Through my studies, I have built both oral and written communication skills as well as developed persuasive rhetoric skills that I believe will be useful in the sales field.I previously interned at _______, a content marketing company, which helps brands connect with their customers via digital and social media. I assisted the sales team with day-to-day a ctivities in order to build relationships with new clients and maintain open lines of communication with current customers. My hands-on experience at _______ gave me a great perspective on what it takes to build a quality company through an effective and productive sales team.I am currently the head of marketing and sponsorship coordinator for the Example University Womens Soccer Club. I am responsible for creating and maintaining the clubs presence on social media outlets. I also work with alumni to plan and execute a self-designed marketing plan to build relationships and gain sponsorship with local businesses.My positive experiences at ______ and the Example University Soccer Club have given me with a quality starting point for a successful career in sales. I am eager to continue my path in the sales field by working with such a successful and dynamic brand as _______. I am more than confident I will make a beneficial contribution to the companys sales team.Attached is a resume o utlining my qualifications and letters of recommendation are available upon request. I look forward to speaking with you and hopefully working with you this summerThank you for your time and consideration.Sincerely,(Name)2. A Professional with a Diverse BackgroundThis one is written from the perspective of an experienced professional who has held several jobs and has a wide range of experiences. Youll see how she highlights these experiences briefly and always brings it back to how theyve taught her lessons or skills that relate directly to the job she is now applying for. No matter how much youve done in the past, as a current job seeker, you should always focus on whatever experiences and skills you have that are most relevant to the new role.First and last name17 Example Street, Binghamton, NY 13905Your phone number examplegmail.comMay 20, 2017Direct contacts first and last nameCompany Name Street Address City, State + ZipHi ________,I am very excited to submit my application to work with you as a copywriter for travel and luxury hospitality brands. With a breadth of experiences in travel journalism and luxury marketing, I am confident that I will be an invaluable asset to _____________.I started my vorwort career as an employee of _______ where I developed our editorial voice, produced daily posts and long-form trend analysis, launched several products including a weekly podcast and video interview series, and represented the brand at conferences and in media.________ then handpicked me for a new leadership role that crossed the lines between print and digital as well as worked with the marketing team on new multimedia projects.After fouryears with my head down, focusing on covering and analyzing the business of travel, I spent a year interacting with the industry in a whole new way planning, booking and overseeing domestic and international trips for a family of luxury travelers from Manhattan. This involved conversations with five-star hotel properties and travel agencies, negotiations with private jet providers, and group reservations at Michelin-star restaurants.This would have little bearing on this role had I not previously written about the business of travel. I viewed all experiences through the lens of a content creator, which is to say with a keen eye for the service, marketing and business considerations behind every interaction.Throughout my editorial career, Ive also worked with luxury brands whose ethos I admired to assist them in crafting their brand story and better communicating with customers.I conceptualized and launched a digital platform for a high-end food service, consulted with digital creative agencies, and launched a multimedia platform empowering girls to own ambition for ______.I believe my unique editorial experience and unbridled passion for travel, and the companies that make truly luxurious trips possible, would greatly contribute to ____________s creation of high-quality branding, marketing, and soc ial content. Id love the opportunity to speak with your further via a phone call or video chat to learn more about the role and how I can best contribute.Ive attached my resume and am eager to send a sample piece crafted for a luxury hotel within the next week if youre interested. Kindly let me know if you have any questions at all.All my best,(Name)3. The Professional Changing CareersThe last cover letter sample is written from the perspective of an experienced professional who is attempting to break into a completely new field. This is an exciting and complex position to be in, but you will see how she smoothly explains her previous experience and then honestly and humbly explains why she is making the switch. She keeps her tone confident and positive throughout which indicates that this is a motivated employee who will work her hardest in her new field.First and last name17 Example Street, Binghamton, NY 13905Your phone number examplegmail.comMay 20, 2017Direct contacts first an d last nameCompany NameStreet Address City, State + ZipHi ________,Im very excited about the sales role currently available at ________. I am confident that my previous career experience has given me the skills and tools I need to thrive in this role. I most recently worked as a financial analyst who alone covered the east coast for a team of four bankers. I interacted daily with a wide variety of personalities and prioritized my tasks to complete as many as eight deadlines in one day.One of the most rewarding aspects of this position, however, was coordinating itineraries and entertainment for our out-of-town clients. I listened to their needs and desires before arrival, created a plan that would exceed expectations, presented it for feedback and communicated with the guests throughout their stay. I found it very fulfilling to work with these clients to ensure the best possible experience with our firm and took great pride in this task. I wished it was a bigger part of my time ther eAlthough I have spent the majority of my career in analytical roles, I recently left what appeared to be a well-paved path to pursue positions that better align with my passion for working directly with customers and creating -- as cheesy as this may sound -- magical moments.Ive worked on small and large teams through my career and am now eager to be part of a young and growing company where my daily hustle has a tangible impact on the success of the business. I am ready and excited to learn any new platforms, including your particular CRM system, that will help me and my team achieve our objectives. In closing, I am confident that I can hit the ground running at Museum Hack and truly hope we have the chance to discuss further.Thank you very much for your time and consideration. I look forward to speaking with you soonAll the best,(Name)--Samantha Shankman is a freelance business reporter and writer whose work has appeared in CNN, NBC, Travel Leisure, Skift and Mic. Shes also help ed develop content for large lifestyle brands. You can follow her Twitter at SamShankman and see more of her work at samanthashankman.com.Fairygodboss is committed to improving the workplace and lives of women. Join us by reviewing your employer

The How to Add References to a Resume Pitfall

The How to Add References to a Resume Pitfall Whats Truly Going on with How to Add References to a Resume Usage of effectual titles ought to be considered. Adding references may appear to be a necessity, but its bedrngnis. Next ensure use of good resume keywords. How to Choose How to Add References to a Resume If you feel curious and wish to download pictures. Most folks look at writing a resume as just something youve got to do to have a job. Unless you happen to be a graphic designer looking for employment, theres no need to over think the plan of your one-pager. Your job (while youre attempting to find a job) is to ensure you fit what theyre searching for. Fortunately, there are tons of excellent samples and tools accessible to aid you craft the excellent professional resume. Just dont forget, its about short and sweet. If youre seeking to customize professional, pre-formatted resumes, have a look at our completely free downloadable templates. Try to remember, you c an want a recommendation letter from the current organization, and therefore dont write whatever may sound rude and bitter. Quite simply, the objective of your resume is to acquire an interview. Resume objectives can be a little controversial. Ideas, Formulas and Shortcuts for How to Add References to a Resume Meanwhile, here are our finest practices to follow when it has to do with formatting your resume. Whenever you make an application to receive a job do not neglect to specify applicable certifications in such regions. Your resume should highlight the most indispensable abilities and experience thats related to the stttes youre targeting. However much or what type of work experience youve got, theres a resume format that is likely to make your qualifications shine. As soon as you have your resume and references complete, you will be prepared to Search jobs to seek out your next rewarding career. Day-to-day details of prior jobs are unnecessary and frequently dull. State why you could be interested in the job. If youre attempting to acquire work in accounting or finance you require averystrong resume. All About How to Add References to a Resume Writing a strong application is a challenging procedure and we would like to make it simpler. Youre ready to check Sample Blank Invoice Templates for an idea of the way to find the specific same. Notice how the example resumes are extremely specific when it has to do with technical skills. The Awful Secret of How to Add References to a Resume You would like a resume thats simple to read and simple to follow along with. The range of references you list is dependent upon your career level. You will possibly utilize past references and teachers from volunteer work youve completed within the area. Then it may be time to bring some style to your resume You ought to have five objective statements. You have to offer relevant, concise details. In the majority of cases, a reference list is going to be re quested after your in-person interview. Whatever information is the most relevant to the position youre applying for should be at the very top of your resume. Understanding how to tailor your resume will obviously offer you an advantage. When youve reviewed resumes in your field, peruse resumes across fields to learn how to vary the usage of action verbs and receive a feel for what makes a potent accomplishment statement.

Top 10 telephone tips for calling about a job

Top 10 telephone tips for calling about a job Top 10 Telephone Tips For Calling About A JobPosted October 13, 2011, by Josie ChunCalling a future employer can be one of the hardest things for any job seeker to do. For those who arent natural phone people, the mere thought of it can be enough to induce heart palpitations.The telephone is often yur first point of personal contact with a potential employer, so its important to make the interaction a good one. They will get an immediate impression from your telephone manner and tone of voice, and this could make the difference between getting a callback or not.As easy as it is to send your resume by email without bothering to make a call, picking up the phone is always a good idea because it gives you a chance to establish a personal connection and shows an extra degree of initiative and confidence. It just gives that extra personal andeutung and will differentiate you from the other impersonal resumes theyll be receiving. It will also g ive you a chance to get more information about the role and company. If youre lucky, you might be able to establish a rapport with the hiring manager or interviewer over the phone and that could land you a face-to-face interview.1. Call as lead-in or follow-upJob calls can be made either before you send your resume, to get more information and alert the person receiving the resumes that youll be sending yours through or they can be made soon after sending your resume as a follow-up, to introduce yourself and confirm that theyve received it.2. Do your research before you callBefore you call, read the job ad carefully, do an Internet search on the company and visit their website to find out about the products and services they offer, the company structure and culture, the industry and other pertinent information.3. Write down what you want to sayIts always a good idea to write down your key points and questions before you make the call. You dont want to read them verbatim and sound s tilted, but it will help if you have them on greifhand to ensure that you dont miss anything important. Base any questions on the job description or the information you have gleaned from your research. Having specific, well thought-out questions will impress them and show that you have read and researched with care. Also have a copy of your resume on hand in case they ask specific questions about your background and experiences.4. Set yourself upUse a quiet, private room you dont want your call interrupted by screeching children, mobile phones, music or passing traffic. Find somewhere quiet where you can focus and conduct a professional conversation. If you can, use a landline because mobile phones can sometimes drop out or have poor reception. Its also important not to chew gum, eat or drink while talking, but have a glass of water on hand in case your mouth gets dry.5. Practise your spielIts always a good idea to practise what youre going to say aloud before you make the cal l. You can play with different wording and practise until you feel comfortable and relaxed. You want to convey confidence, enthusiasm and energy in your voice. It helps to actually smile while youre talking, as it will make your voice sound brighter and warmer. Also breathe deeply to help you relax.6. Dont forget the nicetiesSay hello, ask for the contact specified in the job ad, address him or her using Ms or Mr, politely state your anthroponym and explain that you are calling about the job opening. Always ask if it is a convenient time to talk first, because they may be in the middle of something. If they dont have time to talk at the moment, ask when would be a more convenient time to call. Its important to not only tell them about yourself, but to listen attentively to everything they say. Jot down notes and ask questions using the information they give you. That will show that youre on the ball and are a good listener. At the end of your call, always thank the person for taking the time to talk to you. Remember to be courteous and professional with everyone you have contact with, including the receptionist. If youve been rude, the boss is sure to hear about it. If you have to leave a voicemail, clearly state your name and number and the purpose of your call. It can help to repeat your phone number just in case.7. Dont waffleWhen making a call, its important to be concise and not waste the other persons time. Avoid waffling and using slang or fillers like um and ah.8. Keep a recordKeep a record of all the calls you make note the date, who you spoke to and what you discussed.9. Follow upAlways follow up calls with an email thanking the person you spoke to for taking the time to talk to you, and attach your resume and a tailored cover letter(with any additional information gleaned from the phone call) if you havent already.10. Tape yourselfAs painful as it can be to listen to the sound of your own voice, taping yourself can be enlightening you may not realise just how much you really do say um and like. You may also be surprised to observe that you speak in an unfriendly-sounding monotone, and if thats the case you could work on brightening up your tone. The energy and warmth you convey in your voice will go a long way towards making a good impression.Here are 10 things you can do right now to make sure you get the jobTop courses in 2017Administration coursesAnimal Care coursesBuilding and Construction coursesCounselling coursesCommunity Services coursesNatural Therapy coursesNursing coursesNutrition coursesProject Management coursesReal Estate coursesSocial Work coursesTravel and Tourism courses ResourcesMy first resumeCover letter for my first jobCareer Insider StoriesShelley Lask - Body Positive Health & FitnessInterested in becoming a?Human Resources OfficerGeneral ManagerBusiness ManagerAccountantOffice AdministratorPopular Career Searchesmodern job advertisementsauditing jobs from homejob adverts showroom managerwhat t raining builder do you have to do to get this jobjob advert retailer CoursesBachelor of Social WorkEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Health AdministrationEnquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Criminal JusticeEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCertificate III in Allied Health AssistanceEnquire Online Enquire OnlineJosie ChunRelated ArticlesBrowse moreStressWellbeingMental Health In The WorkplaceAn overbearing boss, unpleasant working conditions, unrealistic targets, personal health issues, and more can all affect our mood and stress levels in the workplace. Looking after your mental health should be 1 on your list of professional priorities, heres our tips for improving your workplace wellbeing.EMPLOYER RESOURCESManagementWiden your net to find the right employeesWith Australia suffering from talent shortages in many industries and more competition for available qualified people, it is more important but more difficult than ever for employers to find the right talent to fill key positions.HabitsJob advertisement tips49 Ways To Say No To Anyone (When You Dont Want To Be A Jerk)In life, you have to say no a whole lotta times. So how do you say no, no, no all the time without being a jerk? Here are 49 ways to do just that.

How to Use a Mock Interview to Boost Your Job Search

How to Use a Mock Interview to Boost Your Job SearchHow to Use a Mock Interview to Boost Your Job Search2Looking for ways to make a great impression on potential employers? Hone your presentation skills through a mock einstellungsgesprch. You have plenty to gain through these practice sessions.Frankly, most of us are not used to talking about ourselves, and it is especially challenging to talk about our goals and background, and how our experience relates to specific opportunities, says Dale Austin, director of the Career Development Center at Hope College. Through practicing, candidates gain confidence in expressing key ideas and perspectives. They learn through mock interviews how to communicate specific examples that can demonstrate how their background can meet effectively the needs of an employer.Whether youre trying to land your first job or your tenth, consider the following when making a mock interview part of your job-seeking strategyChoosing an InterviewerObviously, working with a career coach or other trained professional can be a major plus. They know what types of questions employers likely will ask and have a knowledgeable eye for spotting potential weaknesses in your answers and delivery. They can give you focused attention and may have strategies for immediate improvement.For instance, Ryan Brechbill, director of the Center for Career and Professional Development at Otterbein University, notes that when conducting mock interviews with students preparing to go on the market, his staff emphasizes the learning aspect. Before we begin the practice interview, we let them know that they can call a timeout at any time to discuss/process the question and their response, and we, as the interviewers, may also do to the same, with the goal that concerns and constructive feedback can be shared at the moment the student begins to struggle or is uncertain how to respond to a question.College career offices also often provide free or low-cost services to alumn i. Industry organizations and job support networks at your local library or community center may likewise be an alternative to hiring a private career counselor. Colleagues, friends, and family members also can stand in as interviewers. Ask them to pepper you with perennial favorites (Tell me about yourself), as well as not-so-standard questions that encourage thinking on your feet.Making the Most of the ProcessRegardless of who conducts the mock interview, record or (preferably) film it. Reviewing is essential to improving. As Austin notes, Many times candidates will be quite surprised to hear the number of verbalisms like um, ah, and well that they express unknowingly in the interview. They also pick up on unfavorable non-verbal cues, like rocking in their chair, fidgeting, and poor eye contact that can impact the outcome of an interview and result in not receiving a job offer.As you would for an actual interview, spend some time beforehand thinking about what makes you a good fit for specific jobs. Brechbill encourages interviewees to come in to mock interviews having identified the top three things they must share during their interview conversation- the most important and distinct examples the interviewer should walk away knowing. Having this information top of mind enables a candidate to practice weaving the responses.Dont get discouraged if at first you feel somewhat ill at ease during mock interviews. The great thing about them is that they can be repeated until a candidate gains competence and confidence. Consider mock interviews a no-pressure zone where you can experiment with ways to present your best self. Soon you might find talking about yourself becoming second nature, making actual interviews much less nerve-wrackingFine tune your interview skills even more with these job interview tipsReaders, have you used a mock interview to help you hone your interviewing skills? Share your experience with us below

When to Use a Plain Text Resume

When to Use a Plain Text ResumeWhen to Use a Plain Text ResumeWhen to Use a Plain Text ResumeOne thing about resumes that seems to get swept under the rug is the idea of creating a plain text version. We all know how daunting it is to write your resume in the first place, and recreating it in plain text can be just as intimidating.So after all that time and effort you put into making your resume perfect and visually appealing, why would you need to make a second, bare-bones version?Mostly, plain text resumes are used for job boards. Even though job board sites are getting more advanced and allowing you to upload resume as a Word doc, you risk it being garbled by the resume formatting bot (as I like to call it), which leaves your resume looking completely different when it finally makes its way to the employers screen.What do I mean? Lets say your perfectly designed resume is constructed with the sections in this orderContact InfoProfessional SummaryExperienceEducationTechnical Skills But when it gets dissected and thrown back together by the job board bot, the employer could end up seeing thisEducationExperienceTechnical SkillsProfessional SummaryContact InfoNeedless to say, its frustrating to fine-tune the look and feel of your resume, only to have it botched by the bot.To avoid this, take the time to create a plain text version that you can upload to the job board. It might not be as attractive, but the job board wont mess it up. Plus, despite the dullness of plain text, there are ways you can organize the elements of the resume in an easier-on-the-eyes format. (Pongos Resume Builder does this for you automatically with multiple file formatting options.)And if youre emailing your resume and cover letter directly to employers, dont forget to send PDF or Word .doc formats unless they state otherwise in their job postings

Millennial Unemployment Rate Nearly 4 Points Above National Average

Millennial Unemployment Rate Nearly 4 Points Above National Average Millennial Unemployment Rate Nearly 4 Points Above National Average Expected seasonal hiring is likely keeping youth unemployment artificially low, and young people know all too well that a temporary job over the holidays is not a long-term solution, Matthew Faraci, senior vice president for communications at Generation Opportunity, said. The fact is that 2012 marked yet another year in which Millennials were unable to find real opportunities in the vocations for which they trained and are qualified.This meant another year just scraping by, falling further behind on student loan payments, living at home with mom and dad, sending out hundreds of resumes, and filling out numerous job applications, all with little or no result. This was another year without hope for a generation eager to apply their skills and get in the game. As Washington argues over short-term fixes, Millennials are wondering why their elected lead ers continue to ignore critical issues such as unprecedented youth unemployment as well as the larger challenge of addressing the nations underlying fiscal challenges.

The Keys to Scoring The Best Restaurant Gig In The Biz

The Keys to Scoring The Best Restaurant Gig In The BizThe Keys to Scoring The Best Restaurant Gig In The Biz The Cheesecake Factory built its brand on celebratory fun a place for guests to enjoy an anniversary or birthday over one of 300 menu items, starting with that famous brown oat bread. Internally at Cheesecake its all about celebrations for staffers too, says Dina Barmasse, Cheesecakes SVP of Human Resources.Its a culture that Barmasse and team work hard to cultivate. She explains why even new menu items are an excuse for a party, why the company trains its staffers even for a post-Cheesecake career, and what makes a partie so Cheesecake.Glassdoor The Cheesecake Factory has an obvious public-facing aspect with the restaurants. How do you and your team build a culture that permeates through all functions, from a cashier at a restaurant to a staffer in corporate operations? Dina Barmasse The cultural aspect of The Cheesecake Factory is absolutely paramount for attraction, retention, etc., so HR is very deliberate in working with operations about how we build that. First, our talent selection team works really hard to find and retain the right talent. We call them So Cheesecake people. Its become shorthand When interviewees would leave the room, if they nailed the interview you would say Oh, theyre just so Cheesecake. We started exploring, what do we mean when we say theyre so Cheesecake?Really, what it boils down to is that they ooze warmth and hospitality that comes from within. They radiate positivity. Theyhave extremely high personal standards of excellence, and they love to celebrate and have fun. Of course, theres different factors and competencies that youll look for in different roles, but that is a cultural touchstone for us how we find the So Cheesecake people. Once we find and hire them, we have appreciation recognition programs that thank our people for their hard work and extra effort that they put in. Working at The Cheesec ake Factory is leid the easiest job. We are one of the busiest restaurant concepts around. You have to want to work hard here. But we also want to make sure they know how appreciated they are, so we go above and beyond in our appreciation and recognition programs.We have lots of celebrations. If you think of The Cheesecake Factory you probably think of having fun. Its no different for the people internally. We use every opportunity we can to build camaraderie and celebrate. For example, when we roll out new menu items twice a year it could be fairly perfunctory. But we turn it into a cultural touchstone where were able to bring everybody together. We spend a few hours playing games and quizzes, and there are opportunities for the winning team to give money to charities.Our training programs are the best in the industry. When you have 300 menu items, its a lot for people to be able to remember. We want to make sure that were doing everything we can both on the food, service and hosp itality side to set them up for success.Glassdoor Cheesecake employees often rave in their Glassdoor reviews about the training theyve received that it doesnt just make them exceptional at their current job, but it really tees them up for overall career success.Dina Barmasse You just made me very happy when you said that, because that is one of the things that we think about intentionally. We know training is critically important for some people. Lets say in our kitchen theres someone for whom this is their career, and they want to learn as much as they can and be able to achieve their career goals with us. But even if theyre not going to stay with us forever, we want people to feel that if you come to work at The Cheesecake Factory, no one is going to teach you more. If you come to The Cheesecake Factory, youre not making three items. Youre making every item under the sun - were going to invest in you and no matter if you stay with us or if you go somewhere else, youre going to g et the best training around. That hopefully attracts people to come to work for us and it hopefully also retains them. But were also very happy when it helps people externally to be able to move on to other dreams and aspirations. Certainly, with our kitchen and long menu here, there are a lot of other places people can go and where there may be less challenge. At The Cheesecake Factory, there is definitely that challenge - but thats also one of the elements of pride that I think is why a lot of people come to us. Setting them up for success is critically important.Glassdoor The Glassdoor reviews also talk about Cheesecake as a place where employees can give critical feedback.Dina Barmasse One of the challenges in having more than 200 restaurants is making sure that we have a direct line to hear the best ideas and suggestions from people who know it best, which is our staff. We set up a crowdsourcing site called Cake Talk. Every staff member has the opportunity to submit their idea s and suggestions directly to us and our senior leaders, unfiltered. We read every single Cake Talk submission. We take the feedback very seriously, and many times they lead to awesome hallway conversations.Cake Talk lets people vote on the suggestions, so the fruchtwein popular rise to the top. That gives us a sense of the energy behind that suggestion. Weve made some wonderful menu changes. Weve changed the servers attire. Theres suggestion after suggestion that has made a real impact.Glassdoor You mentioned that Cheesecake is a fun but demanding job. How do you retain talent that could go elsewhere for a job with, say, a smaller menu?Dina Barmasse Restaurants are facing a lot of challenges right now, and it can be a tough environment to retain staff. So were really focused on retention. It starts from when they first come in the door. We have revamped our orientation and what we call our First 60 Days Program. We know the biggest turnover in a restaurant takes place in the first 60 days. So what can we do from the time that they first come in? How can we deeply understand what is important to them?We have a process in place for our managers to be able to do just that, and to be able to share that information with the other management. Maybe its that this person really wants to work, but cant work nights. He loves the Dodgers and he has three kids. If I understand that, I can meet his needs. Because our restaurants have a very large staff, we basically will do anything to meet peoples expectations around shifts. If they want to work only two days a week, or five days, well try to make that happen. We have enough flexibility because of the number of people, but also because we really try hard to staff our restaurants to meet that. Its a big selling point for the front-of-house in particular, who may be going to school or doing different things. They want that flexibility so we do it in a way that its welcomed. In other words, its not a burden. Its something that we want them to have. That is a different approach to just saying, Yes, you can have that time off - but begrudgingly giving it. It only takes that one sigh or hesitation or frown to send a subtle message. We dont want that. We want the message to be were going to do everything we can. We know how hard our staff works, and we want to be able to do this for them.Glassdoor What keeps you personally at Cheesecake?Dina Barmasse My answer is probably fruchtwein people will tell you When you say you work at The Cheesecake Factory, we all get a pretty universal response. The persons face lights up. Theyll rave about the wheat bread, tell you about how they go every year on their anniversary. Theres some energy that is there that you can feel - the cultural difference. From an HR standpoint, that is golden. We want to do everything we can so each person is truly personally inspired to live that culture.