John writes, “I’m trying to get a job as a bank teller, but I have no experience in this field. What should I say in my cover letter?”

Kim’s Answer: Your cover letter needs to prove that you have what it takes to be a bank teller. Start by researching bank teller jobs (you can search for bank teller jobs on Monster) and figuring out what employers look for in their ideal employees. Customer service, communication, basic math, accuracy/attention to detail, honesty, and integrity are a few of the skills you’ll find are important. Write down a list of your matching credentials and weave them into the cover letter.

Keep in mind that many banks provide training to entry-level tellers, so it’s up to you to convey that you’re a fast learner and have the basic skills to do the job.

Best wishes,
Kim Isaacs

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My first computer was a RadioShack TRS-80. When my father brought the computer home and plopped it on the dining room table, my love affair with computers began. Visitors to our house didn’t know what the monstrosity was, but I spent my spare time eagerly typing programs and testing its capabilities.

I was happy as a clam, until it happened. I had devoted countless hours entering data for an MS-DOS “guess the state capital” program and must have been on line number 20,040 or so when “blammo” — the screen went dead and I was left staring at my faint reflection in the blackness of the screen.

This was no namby-pamby, modern day blue screen of death (BSOD). Computer crashes are annoying, but expected, on today’s PCs. This was far worse. My first experience with a computer crash took me by surprise, and the incident almost ended my love of computers. Indeed, the “stupid thing” (my new nickname for the computer) had no recollection of the data I had entered for days on end.

I thoughtfully deliberated about what I should do, asking friends for advice about whether or not I should give the computer a second chance. People didn’t understand my dilemma, even when I cried about what line number I was up to before the screen went blank. The computer sat in an “off” position for days, perhaps remorseful that it had betrayed me.

But I was transfixed by the computer, and it was just a matter of time before it would lure me in and I would click the “power” button again. When I did, it was like reuniting with an old friend. I never did re-enter the state program (”Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me”), but I moved on to other, more fun programs and cultivated a passion for technology that has lasted for 30+ years (I was just a baby when I got the TRS-80, ha ha).

Love, betrayal, breakups…did you notice the correlations with human relationships? I realize computers can’t feel (or can they?), but that’s what work should feel like — something that you are so passionate about, you realize you can’t live (or don’t want to live) without it. Work might not be all roses and daisies all of the time, and there will be obstacles and maybe even doubts, but it’s your passion for your career that will fuel your day-to-day happiness and ultimate success.

What about you? Have you faced career obstacles, but were able to get back on track to pursue your dreams? If so, drop me a note or a comment, I would love to hear from you!

Best wishes,

Kim Isaacs

Photo by Jeff Kubina via Flickr. Licensed under Creative Commons. Thanks, Jeff!

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