Shannon O'Brien, MA, EdM
Life & Career Coach
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Co-authored Articles (49)
How to Write a Job Application Letter (with Examples)
An expert-approved formatting and writing guide to help you stand outSo, you’ve found your dream job and want to make sure you nail the job application process. You double- and triple-check the criteria—they’re ask...
How to Format a Formal Letter (with Examples)
A step-by-step guide to writing a traditional block style and AMS letterFormal letters can come in handy when you need to communicate professionally. Maybe you’re emailing your boss about an upcoming vacation, confirmi...
How to Start & Write a Recommendation Letter
A guide to writing recommendations for students, employees, & moreWriting a letter of recommendation can be intimidating, especially because the person you’re writing it for is counting on you to pull through for them....
How to Introduce Yourself in Any Situation
Learn how to make a good first impression at professional events If you’re confused or nervous about introducing yourself to others, you’re not alone! Whether you need to introduce yourself to a new team of colleagu...
Writing a Business Letter: A Step-By-Step Formatting Guide
The best tips and tricks for writing a professional letter to a companyNeed to write a polished, professional letter? Whether you’re following up on a job interview or sending in a sales pitch, knowing how to format a ...
Easy Step-by-Step Guide for Making a Great LinkedIn Account
An easy-to-follow tutorial on setting up a LinkedIn profileHaving a LinkedIn account and profile is a great way to build a business network so that you can find jobs and apply for them. This wikiHow teaches you how to cr...
How to
Get Companies to Send You Free Stuff
Who doesn't love free stuff in the mail? To get companies to send you free stuff, including samples and coupons, you can take a direct approach by simply asking. You can also try signing up for newsletters, as well as co...
How to
Address a Formal Letter
Although most people today communicate through emails or phone calls, there are still occasions when it is helpful to know how to write a formal letter. You may need to submit a formal request to a business, inform a cli...
How to Get Hired at Costco
''Application and interview tips to help you land the job''Costco is widely regarded as one of the best retailers to work for. With good compensation, a fun work environment, and lots of employee benefits, it’s no wond...
How to
Write a Portfolio Introduction
The introduction to your portfolio is a great way to tell your readers who you are and briefly explain what you'll be talking about. If you're using your portfolio to attract customers, it's important to give a few examp...
How to
Write a Resignation Letter
One of the greatest secrets of success is knowing when to move on. With the right resignation letter, you will do so with satisfaction while leaving on good terms with your previous employer. Though you may think it woul...
How to
Sign a Letter
Knowing how to sign a letter is an important skill for mastering business documents as well as personal, friendly, or even intimate letters. Learn how to place your signature, and what to include before and after it. Tai...
How to
Write a Confirmation Letter
There are several different types of confirmation letters, each requiring a slightly different format. Basic confirmation letters written to confirm the details of a meeting, event, or other arrangements are typically br...
How to Address a PhD in Email
Writing an email to a college professor with a Ph.D.? Do you call someone with a Ph.D. a doctor? Figuring out the right way to address someone with a doctorate is a lot easier than it may seem, and we’re going to break...
How to
Improve Your Personality
Your personality includes your individual differences from other people in how you think, feel, and behave. You might want to improve your personality if you just moved to a new school, got a new job, or simply because y...
How to
Apply at McDonald's
If you’re looking for your first job or just need some extra income, a job at McDonald’s might be for you. However, if you’ve never applied for a job before, you may not how to go about getting a job at the Golden ...
Negotiating Your Salary Over Email: 14 Effective Tips
Score a higher salary over email (and impress your new employers with your professionalism)If you’ve received a job interview or a job offer, you’re probably wondering how you’re supposed to bring up the topic of s...
How to
Write a Business Letter to Customers
When you own a business, you will likely need to write letters to your customers. You may be writing to tell them of new events or specials, or you may be responding to a customer complaint on behalf of your company. Reg...
How to
Write a Job Application Essay
Many employers now require a writing sample, or job application essay, to accompany all applications or résumés — even if writing is not a significant part of the position. The goal of the job application essay is to...
How to
Change Yourself
Most people feel dissatisfied with their lives or even themselves at some point. If you feel like you need a fundamental change to who you are, you are in luck; you can change! Major change can seem daunting, but it is...
