So we've talked about resumes, okay. With a resume a prospective employer can see the key facts about who you are and your qualifications. But what about personality, and how does one go about spinning past experience to fit a specific job opening? Well, that's where cover letters come in.
The Assignment:
1. Search the web for discussions and tips on job cover letters.
2. Post a link to the site or sites you looked at.
3. Copy and paste or type out significant parts of the source or sources.
4. Provide some sort of commentary. Do you agree, disagree? Was the particular site you found helpful? Why or why not?
*Also, a couple of quick tips: First, we're going to be doing a peer review of your cover letters and resumes this coming Friday (1/22/10), so you may want to get rolling on that over the next few days. Second, if you're having problems with your resume, take a look at the comments section from the last blog. There's a lot of great stuff there!
Enjoy the long weekend,
Daniel
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This is a site I found on cover letters, its simple and straight to the point. It doesn't drag on and give you worthless information or information you don't need.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.accent-resume-writing.com/covertips/
Cover letters are simply a letter of introduction. One thing I liked was the "rule".
My rule is - if you are not shaking hands with the hiring decision maker and introducing yourself, then you need a cover letter to introduce you. If you are shaking hands with the hiring manager, you are introducing yourself verbally and requesting an interview. In this case, hand them your resume without a cover letter. I have never personally had to write a cover letter so I am not too sure what to include, but this site dumbed it down and made it sound pretty simple, just like cover letters should be. Brief, simple and straight to the point. I have been told by a professor who had done interviews in the past that if he noticed a spelling error, grammar error, or something worthless then he would simply throw it away and not consider looking at the resume. To me this means a cover letter is a very important part of your resume as well as an interview.
This site also stated to address these 4 topics in a succinct manner and the hiring manager will be grateful.
1) For what position are you applying?
2) How did you learn of the position or company?
3) Why are you perfect for the position?
4) Who will contact who?
Overall this site is breif and simple just like a cover letter should be. It provides simple steps to create a well written cover letter.
http://students.cacd.wsu.edu/Content/Documents/CareerServices/resumepacket-f2008.pdf
ReplyDeleteThis packet contains key phrases, action words, format and the sample of cover letter. The packet has so variety options of key phrases and action words choices to make the cover letter powerful. The format is clearly explained without any unnecessarily information. Overall, it is a really great source as a reference to get information for writing a cover letter.
http://www.csuchico.edu/careers/students-alumni/job-search-tools/resumes-letters/cover-letters.shtml
This site is divided into several sections including:
General Guidelines
Addressing the Letter: Printed Version or Attachment
Addressing the Letter: E-mail Version
Salutation
Grabbing Attention in the First Paragraph
The Middle
Writing An Action Close
Final Words
Example Cover Letters
This site explains section by section and provides examples of each section which help to understand the explanations of each section. Also one thing that I notice is the site provides several examples for each criteria of the first paragraph section. Not only providing examples of each section but also providing examples of each criteria of a specific part is truly informative. At the end of page, there are many different types of sample cover letters which is also great resources.
Overall, I liked both of them. These two resources are truthfully great references for writing a cover letter. They are both excellent resources but also they both have some weak point. While the first site has sections for key phrases and action words but the second site does not have them. On the other hand, the second site has lots of examples throughout the content. However the first site has only little examples.
This website has TONS of helpful information about cover letters and resumes: http://www.myresumeonline.org/cover-letters/
ReplyDeleteI especially like the bullet point summary of what a cover letter should include:
"Salutation
Each letter should be addressed by name to the person you want to talk with. That person is the one who can hire you. This is almost certainly not someone in the personnel department, and it is probably not a department head either. It is most likely to be the person who will actually supervise you once you start work. Call the company to make sure you have the right name. And spell it correctly.
Opening
The opening should appeal to the reader. Cover letters are sales letters. Sales are made after you capture a person's attention. You capture the reader's attention most easily by talking about the company rather than yourself. Mention projects under development, recent awards, or favorable comments recently published about the company. You can find such information in the business press, including the business section of local newspapers and the many magazines that are devoted to particular industries. If you are answering an ad, you may mention it. If someone suggested that you write, use their name (with permission, of course).
Body
The body of the letter gives a brief description of your qualifications and refers to the resume, where your sales campaign can continue.
Closing
You cannot have what you do not ask for. At the end of the letter, request an interview. Suggest a time and state that you will confirm the appointment. Use a standard complimentary close, such as "Sincerely yours," leave three or four lines for your signature, and type your name. I would type my phone number under my name; this recommendation is not usually made, although phone numbers are found on most letterheads. The alternative is to place the phone number in the body of the letter, but it will be more difficult to find there should the reader wish to call you."
This summary makes it simple to know exactly how to construct a cover letter while telling you where and how to include information.
A helpful resource when writing a cover letter is: http://www.trincoll.edu/depts/career/guides/cover_ltr.shtml.
ReplyDeleteThis site lays out the organization of a cover letter and what to include. It also has tips, other resources, and sample letters.
The initial section that lays out the format and what should be in each paragraph is very helpful. For example, the first paragraph is "why I'm writing to you,” the second paragraph is "why I'm qualified,” and the final paragraph is to refer to your resume and thank the reader. Within each paragraph there are more suggestions about what to include. The following are the helpful tips on the site:
• Research the company and the specifics about the position so you can tailor your letter to the needs of the organization.
• Avoid using too many sentences that start with "I" or writing in the passive voice (ex. "This experience enabled me to..." or "Through my internship, I was responsible for..."); instead, make yourself the subject of each sentence and use active descriptions (ex., "In this internship, I demonstrated sound judgment and problem-solving skills on a daily basis.").
• Do not use contractions (I'd, didn't, it's).
• Spelling, grammar, or punctuation mistakes are out of the question! Cover letters are a reflection of your writing skills, so make each cover letter an example of your best work.
• Be sure to sign your letters. (Black ink is suggested)
• Keep your letter short and simple. This is not the time to tell your whole life's story.
• Have a Career Specialist review your cover letters.
• Use good quality paper that matches your resume paper and envelopes.
Overall, this site is a great resource on what a cover letter requires. I will definitely use it when creating future letters.
The University Career Services at UNC had helpful information on how to keep the cover letter professional. They had a list of tips on how to construct a cover letter and keep in consistent with the resume, demonstrating knowledge and skills relevant to the job being applied for.
ReplyDeleteHere are a few of the tips listed:
# Paper and Envelopes
Type the letter on good quality paper that matches the color of your resume (white, off-white, or pale grey). Use a 9x11 size envelope to avoid having to fold your resume and letter.
# Addressing the Letter
Address the letter to the appropriate individual by name and professional title. Avoid “To Whom It May Concern,” “Dear Sir/Madam.”
# "I" Statements
Do not begin every sentence with the word “I.”
# Start Out Strong
Attract the employer’s attention by beginning your cover letter with a strong statement. Many employers receive hundreds of applications and you want yours to be one that is remembered. To do this, develop a bridge or common bond between yourself and the employer. Tell how you learned of the company/organization and/or the vacancy. The best introduction to a potential employer is to remind him/her of the face-to-face or telephone conversation you have already had relative to your job search or to mention that you have heard about the job vacancy from a friend or other contact that works for the organization.
# Tie it to Your Resume
Use the center of your letter to arouse the employer’s curiosity by stating brief facts from your resume about your experience and accomplishments. Highlight particular points in your background that complement the type of job you are seeking.
# Your Interests and How You Can Help the Organization
Tell why you are interested in the employer. Indicate what you can do for the employer rather than what the employer can do for you.
# Be Sure to Say Thanks
In your final paragraph, thank the employer for their consideration and mention that you will call to follow-up and discuss the possibility of arranging an interview.
# Sign It
Always sign your letter.
# Proofread It
Proofread to correct all spelling and punctuation errors. Both the cover letter and resume must be free of mistakes.
http://careers.unc.edu/yourjobsearch/resumes_letters/coverletters.html
The same WSU site I use for resumes also has guidelines for cover letters:
ReplyDeletehttp://students.careers.wsu.edu/Content/Documents/CareerServices/resumepacket-f2008.pdf
The part I like best about this site is that it not only breaks down the cover letter format sentence by sentence, but it also includes bullet points that you may want to focus on in your letter. For example, your non-technical skills:
Top twenty non-technical competencies employers look for in job candidates
1) Communication Skills (verbal and written)
2) Honesty/Integrity
3) Interpersonal Skills (relates well to others)
4) Motivation/Initiative
5) Strong Work Ethic
6) Teamwork Skills (works well with others)
7) Analytical Skills
8) Flexibility/Adaptability
9) Computer Skills
10) Detail Oriented
11) Leadership Skills
12) Organizational Skills
13) Self-Confidence
14) Friendly/Outgoing Personality
15) Tactfulness
16) Well Mannered/Polite
17) Creativity
18) GPA (3.0 or better)
19) Entrepreneurial Skills
20) Sense of Humor
I also like the section of phrases that are good to use in cover letters:
Excellent communicator; able to draw people out and quickly put them at ease.
Strong credentials in ____________and _________________.
Creative problem solver.
Possess a positive, professional image suitable for any business environment.
Theoretical grounding in _____________and ________________.
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/CoverLetter_13348_7.pdf
ReplyDeleteI really liked the tips from this site they broke it down per paragraph and they also include sample that focuses on format. They also have several tips on the format.
One of the tips was to use terms and phrases that are meaningful to the employer. Which I found intresting since we discussed that in class on Friday for what needed to be in the resume.
http://www.quintcareers.com/cover_letters.html
ReplyDelete"First Paragraph
Do not waste this opening paragraph of your cover letter. It is essential that your first paragraph sparks the employer's interest, provides information about the benefits the employer will receive from you, and helps you stand out from all the other job-seekers who want the job.
Focus on your Unique Selling Proposition -- the one thing that makes you different from all the other job-seekers -- and identifying two or three benefits you can offer the employer.
Weak opening paragraph: I am writing today to apply for the account manager position you have posted on your company Website.
Better opening paragraph: I have increased the size and sales levels of my client base in every position I have held, which in turn has increased the revenues and profits of my employers. I want to bring this same success to the account position you have posted on your Website."
*I thought this was a really good example of an effective opening paragraph. I think it is successful in grabbing attention and showing what the potential employee has to offer right from the get-go and avoiding the typical boring first paragraph.
*I like how this site gives examples of what is effective and what's not.
http://www.quintcareers.com/cover_letter-dos-donts.html
One key tip from this "Do's and Don'ts" section is that each paragraph of the cover letter should have 1 to 3 sentences. I was suprised by how short this is but it shows just how concise the cover letter needs to be.
This site also said it is important to request an interview. But I am wondering if it is really a good idea to be this forward?
The site also suggested signing your cover letter with your name in blue ink and to never write, "Enclosed please find my resume."
Upon doing a basic Google search of "cover letter tips", I found most websites have quite a bit of the same information. However this one from Virginia Tech:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.career.vt.edu/JOBSEARC/coversamples.htm
also has information on the different types of cover letters that are commonly used and gives examples of each. The site includes not only cover letters used for a "specific advertised" job openings, but also includes examples of cover letters you can use to express interest in a company - even if you are unsure they have positions open. I find this helpful personally because there are a lot of companies that I would be interested in working for, but their method of job posting/advertising may be somewhat primitive, slow, inaccurate, etc. I can then use this sort of cover letter to express my interest within a company, even if they may not have available postings at the time.
I also dug this up on msn's careerbuilder website:
http://msn.careerbuilder.com/Article/MSN-2038-Cover-Letters-Resumes-Crafting-an-Eye-Catching-Cover-Letter/?sc_extcmp=JS_2038_advice&SiteId=cbmsn42038&catid=cl
and I think it answers a lot of questions people may have throughout the course of building their cover letter. An example:
"5. Address any concerns
The cover letter also is a place to address any issues that may give a hiring manager pause, such as gaps in employment. Briefly explain why you were out of work and, more important, what you have been doing since then to keep your skills up-to-date."
This would be useful because I believe that if the employer has any doubt in your ability to hold a steady job, for example, this would instantly kill your chances at getting that first interview. The cover letter is your opportunity to set the record straight.
Overall, the msn.careerbuilder link is useful for questions that may come up while compiling your cover letter, and for helping you buff out any situations you may not have thought previously about.
The resource that I found most beneficial was through the career services at WSU. The document lays out formatting for both resumes and cover letters while also giving tips on what to write. The link is shown below:
ReplyDeletehttp://placement.wsu.edu/content/ResourceCenter/resumeCoverLetter.pdf
Here is the format recommended for a cover letter:
Your Address
City, State, ZIP
Phone
E-mail
Date
Name of Contact Person
Title
Organization
Street Address City, State ZIP
Dear (Contact Person’s Name):
Opening Paragraph: Why you are writing.
-State why you are writing. Name the position or type of position for which you are applying.
-Mention how you learned of the position.
-Mention the name of any referring person.
-Briefly describe why you are interested in this particular position.
Body of the Letter: Sell yourself.
-Introduce yourself.
-Briefly describe the skills and/or experiences you possess that fit the requirements of the position.
-If you have related experiences, mention your qualifications and achievements.
-This is your chance to give the reader more insight as to who you are as a person. Do not repeat your resume. This is the time to mention personal qualities or special experiences and motivators.
**Refer the reader to your enclosed resume.
Closing Paragraph: Request an interview.
-Directly, but politely, indicate your desire to further discuss your qualifications in an interview.
-Make it easy for the reader to contact you by providing your phone number(s), email, and the best time to reach you.
-Thank the contact person for his or her time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Your Signature
(4 spaces)
Your typed name
(2 spaces) Enc(s).
What draws me to this formatting tool is that it really spells out how you should construct the letter giving tips on the actual format and content. The part I disagree with, which sidewinder also mentions, is not to refer to your resume that is enclosed. I feel that if the reader wants to view the resume, they will so referring to it does not help.
I believe the most helpful tool is the body paragraph rubric. From my experiences the body of the cover letter is the hardest to write and most often turns into the applicant running on about themselves. This format gives the writer a clear picture of what to include.
Overall, this is a very good resource for establishing a well written and organized cover letter.
These websites tell what should be in a cover letter and what its focus should be. Also, there are several examples of cover letters for different situations available. I found the first website to be very straight forward and helpful in showing what a cover letter should have in it.
ReplyDeleteWebsite 1: http://www.career.vt.edu/JOBSEARC/coversamples.htm
Cover letters: types and samples
The guidelines here apply to both hard copy correspondence and e-mail. (To decide which to use, see e-mail in your job search.) The main difference between e-mail and hard copy correspondence is format: your signature block (address, etc.) goes below your name in e-mail, while it goes at the top of the page on hard copy. Of course you won't have a handwritten signature on e-mail, but don't forget this on hard copy.
All cover letters should:
Explain why you are sending a resume.
Don't send a resume without a cover letter.
Don't make the reader guess what you are asking for; be specific: Do you want a summer internship opportunity, or a permanent position at graduation; are you inquiring about future employment possibilities?
Tell specifically how you learned about the position or the organization — a flyer posted in your department, a web site, a family friend who works at the organization. It is appropriate to mention the name of someone who suggested that you write.
Convince the reader to look at your resume.
The cover letter will be seen first.
Therefore, it must be very well written and targeted to that employer.
Call attention to elements of your background — education, leadership, experience — that are relevant to a position you are seeking. Be as specific as possible, using examples.
Reflect your attitude, personality, motivation, enthusiasm, and communication skills.
Provide or refer to any information specifically requested in a job advertisement that might not be covered in your resume, such as availability date, or reference to an attached writing sample.
Indicate what you will do to follow-up.
• In a letter of application — applying for an advertised opening — applicants often say something like "I look forward to hearing from you." However, if you have further contact info (e.g. phone number) and if the employer hasn't said "no phone calls," it's better to take the initiative to follow-up, saying something like, "I will contact you in the next two weeks to see if you require any additional information regarding my qualifications."
• In a letter of inquiry — asking about the possibility of an opening — don't assume the employer will contact you. You should say something like, "I will contact you in two weeks to learn more about upcoming employment opportunities with (name of organization)." Then mark your calendar to make the call.
Sample Cover Letter Format Guidelines (below).
Cover letters generally fall into one of two categories:
1. Letter of application: applying for a specific, advertised opening. See:
Sample 3.1: letter of application following personal meeting, hard copy version
Sample 3.2: letter of application for advertised position, e-mail version
Sample 3.3: letter of application for advertised position, e-mail version
Sample 3.4: letter of application for advertised position, hard copy version
This website provides another set of rules for writing a cover letter. The content is too large to post but I found it very easy to follow and full of useful information.
Website: http://www.resumecoverletters.org/
I found this site to be pretty helpful. The sample cover letters on this site are useful in deciding what is important to put on your own cover letter. In all, there are about 25 different letters, so its not that hard to find something you can relate to. There is also a pretty good section on ineffective V. Effective cover letters.
ReplyDeletehttp://jobsearch.about.com/od/coverlettersamples/a/coverlettsample.htm
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/coverlettersamples/a/coverformat.htm
ReplyDeleteYour Contact Info:
Name
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Phone Number
Email Address
Date
Employer Contact Information (if you have it)
Name
Title
Company
Address
City, State, Zip Code
Salutation
Dear Mr./Ms. Last Name, (leave out if you don't have a contact)
Body of Cover Letter
The body of your cover letter lets the employer know what position you are applying for, why the employer should select you for an interview, and how you will follow-up.
First Paragraph
The first paragraph of your letter should include information on why you are writing. Mention the position you are applying for and where you found the job listing. Include the name of a mutual contact, if you have one.
Middle Paragraph(s)
The next section of your cover letter should describe what you have to offer the employer. Mention specifically how your qualifications match the job you are applying for. Remember, you are interpreting your resume, not repeating it.
Final Paragraph
Conclude your cover letter by thanking the employer for considering you for the position. Include information on how you will follow-up.
Complimentary Close
Respectfully yours,
Signature
Handwritten Signature (for a mailed letter)
Typed Signature
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/coverletterwriting/a/coverlettertips.htm
Send a customized cover letter with each resume you send out. Your cover letter may make the difference between obtaining a job interview and having your resume ignored. Even if an employer doesn't request a cover letter, it's helpful to send one.
Target your cover letter. Take the job posting and list the criteria the employer is looking for. Then list the skills and experience you have. Either address how your skills match the job in paragraph form or list the criteria and your qualifications.
Don't rehash your resume. Your cover letter should complement, not duplicate your resume. Expand on your resume and highlight your background as it relates to the job.
Write simply and clearly. Get right to the point and write short, targeted letters. Each letter should be one page, or less. Each paragraph should contain three or four sentences, at most.
Personalize your letter. If you can, address it to the individual responsible for hiring. If need be, research online or make a phone call to find out who the hiring manager is.
Use email for cover letters, but, keep them short and include in the email message. Don't send as an attachment unless the employer specifically requests one.
Spell check and proofread. Then ask someone else to read your correspondence before you send it. It's often easy not to notice mistakes in our own writing.
Write simply and clearly. Get right to the point and write short, targeted letters. Each letter should be one page, or less. Each paragraph should contain three or four sentences, at most.
Review cover letter samples to get ideas for format and content for your letters. Use examples as a starting point for creating your own library of job search correspondence.
Keep copies of all your cover letters, so you know what you sent to whom.
These are two pages from an About.com site. The first page is very basic and gives a good outline for a sample cover letter, but it doesn't provide anything to make one's cover letter stand out from the crowd. The second site isn't exceptional, but it does gives some tips for reviewing and/or tweaking an existing cover letter to make sure that it is up to par. Cover letters are so subjective to the job that one is applying for that every single cover letter needs individual attention.
Here is the Cover Letter site I found helpful:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.myfuture.com/toolbox/coverletter_all.html
This site breaks down the help for your cover letter in the following sections:
-Before You Write
-The Right Format
-Compose the Letter
-Common Mistakes
-Stand Out
-Sample Letter
The site summarizes the cover letter as being: Every time you send out a resume or apply for a job, you’ll need to have a great cover letter to send along with it. The cover letter is another way of introducing yourself to a potential employer. What it says about you can be the difference between getting in the door and missing your chance.
Despite this site not having enormous resources devoted to cover letters in particular it has very clear and concise information. The site describes exactly what process you should go through in order for you to write your first cover letter or add some real substance to your cover letter that you already have. It is very easy to follow and organized site that is organized in a very succinct manner that won’t get you confused with unnecessary information.
http://www.trincoll.edu/depts/career/guides/cover_ltr.shtml
ReplyDeleteThis is a good link for information about writing a cover letter because it gives a specific format for what a cover letter should look like. It also thoroughly explains what information should be presented in each paragraph.
It explained the main point for writing a cover letter is to grab the employers attention and point out why you, above all other applicants, should be contacted for a personal interview.
This site also outlined some key points that can make a cover letter more professional:
• Research the company and the specifics about the position so you can tailor your letter to the needs of the organization.
• Avoid using too many sentences that start with "I" or writing in the passive voice (ex. "This experience enabled me to..." or "Through my internship, I was responsible for..."); instead, make yourself the subject of each sentence and use active descriptions (ex., "In this internship, I demonstrated sound judgment and problem-solving skills on a daily basis.").
• Do not use contractions (I'd, didn't, it's).
• Spelling, grammar, or punctuation mistakes are out of the question! Cover letters are a reflection of your writing skills, so make each cover letter an example of your best work.
• Be sure to sign your letters. (Black ink is suggested)
• Keep your letter short and simple. This is not the time to tell your whole life's story.
• Use good quality paper that matches your resume paper and envelopes.
I do agree with what this site says about writing a cover letter. I think this site would be very helpful for someone who had never written a cover letter before and had no idea how to begin. However, someone looking for more advanced cover letter information may want to look somewhere else because this site seemed to cover the basics.
This website has a checklist for cover letter review. I found the list to be a good starting point for cover letter preparation. It has enough specific information that might be otherwise overlooked to avoid the simple mistakes, alng with some guides towards professionalism.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.resume-resource.com
1. Use the same paper that you use for your resume. If the papers do not match you are telling the employer is that professionalism is not one of your strong suits.
2. Proofread.
3. Keep the letter to one page.
4. Ensure the name of the person addressed in the letter is spelled correctly and that you have his/her correct title.
5. Demonstrate that you have researched the company by including some information in one or more of your sentences.
6. Sign the cover letter with a blue or black ink pen.
7. Use clear and concise sentences. Be professional, but also conversational.
8. Sell yourself. This is not a license to use "I" at the beginning of every sentence, but you can state in clear and well-defined language what you can do to assist the employer in reaching specific goals. Use active language to engage the reader in wanting to know all about you. Generate excitement. When you speak convincingly, your reader will find it easy to agree with you.
9. Ensure your letter is an original and not a copy ? and printed on good/quality printer.
10. Use the traditional business letter format. Do not get cute in the hopes of standing out. Don’t use more than one font and keep your statements easy-to-read.
11. Explain anything in your resume that might concern the employer, such as gaps in employment history. Be brief with your explanations and spin them in the best possible light.
12. Identify the specific job that you are seeking to be hired for. If you let the employer guess what you want to do for them, they'll probably guess something that you weren't expecting, so make it clear for them.
13. Request an interview and let the employer know that you will follow up at a certain time on a particular date. Simply state that you would like to meet face to face to further discuss the mutual benefits of a potential working relationship. Add that you will follow up in a few days to ensure your letter was received.
14. Grab the reader’s attention and don’t let it go. Be positive and enthusiastic. Show the reader why you are better than the other candidates seeking the position. Enthusiasm is contagious. Infect someone with your positive attitude. They’ll like you before they ever meet you.
15. Focus on the employer. What can you do for the company? How quickly can you add to the bottom line? Be dynamic and express your desire to work hard to achieve results.
16. Quantify your experiences rather than rehash them. Instead of saying you helped the distribution center organize its processes, state "HOW" you helped them do this. Be specific and use numbers whenever possible. It means more. It is relevant. It is definable. Your statement might read, "Increased efficiency in the distribution center which resulted in a 15% reduction in employment costs. That is a measurable difference.
17. If you fold your letter and resume, put the cover letter on top and fold them in thirds. Better yet, mail them flat in a larger envelope. Your resume will look better than the others from the start because it won't be creased. Everything matters.
18. Keep a copy of the cover letter for your records. It is also wise to track the letters and resumes you send out. Keep a copy of everything including newspaper clippings or other job-related information. You never know when you might need to refer to something.
Writing an exemplary cover letter requires attention to detail ? the very thing that most employers are craving in their employees. If you can show them in your letter why you are the right person for the job, you will get the interview and be well on your way to the job you want.
http://jobsearchtech.about.com/od/gettingthejob/a/CoverLetter.htm
ReplyDeleteIt is important to remember that cover letters are sales letters, and you are the product. Cover letters serve to introduce you to an employer, and resumes tell about you. Like the resume, the cover letter is an important marketing tool.
Remember, you do not get a second chance to make a first impression. Your cover letter creates your first impression, and you want that impression to be positive.
Purpose of the Cover Letter
Its important to keep these objectives in mind when putting together your cover letter. A cover letter serves to:
•Create a favorable first impression
•Introduce yourself
•Demonstrate your professionalism
•Illustrate your communication skills
Position requirements often list "good communication skills." Demonstrate those skills through your cover letter. Make sure to use proper punctuation, capitalization and grammar – this is not the place to utilize your IM skills.
Cover Letter Sections
A cover letter has three general sections. The first section should create interest and explain why you are writing. It should state the type of position you are applying for, as well as how you heard about the company. Also in your first paragraph, refer to your enclosed or attached resume.
The second part or paragraph should explain your interest in this type of position. You should relate your qualifications to the job opening, and use action verbs to describe your experience. This should be brief. Be specific in what you have to offer the company.
The third part is the closing paragraph. Here you request action, such as an appointment, an interview, or some other definite action. Make this action easy for the reader to take by listing the best time to call you, the best number to reach you on, and/or your email address to contact you electronically. Close by restating your interest in the company.
Cover Letter Formatting Guidelines
The following are general guidelines to follow in writing your cover letter. You should follow a format for your cover letter even if you are emailing it, since many managers will print it out.:
•Whenever possible, address the letter to an individual
•Use a block style business letter with one inch side margins
•Use the same font and type size as used for your resume
•Proofread the cover letter, and have someone else proofread it as well
I agree that a big part of the cover letter is grabbing the employer's attention. So, you must analyze the job, know what the employer is looking for, be original, be grammatically correct and proofread the letter.
This site talks about how to sell yourself in your cover letter. As it is the first thing that an employer will look at, it is when you have to best sell yourself as the right person for them to hire.
ReplyDeleteThe site give fours steps to follow in writing the cover letter; research perspective employer, the leading line of the cover letter, selling yourself, and giving a powerful closer. The site also gives helpful guidelines for each specific category. Finally it gives specific examples, samples, and templates for the cover letter.
http://susanireland.com/letter/how-to/
http://www.allbusiness.com/human-resources/careers-cover-letter/1599-1.html
ReplyDeleteI liked this site, because it is a business website, and its information is straight to the point, with no confusing information. There are 10 important tips to help write an effective cover letter, they are explained more on the actual site...
1. focus on your unique qualities
2. target the right person, spell the name correctly
3.grab reader's attention in the first paragraph
4. stay simple, keep the letter brief
5. match the style of copy on your cover letter with the style of your resume
6. clarify how your expertise will benefit them directly
7. proofread
8. avoid exaggeration
9. request an interview and tell the employer when you will follow up to arrange it
10. you'll greatly increase your chances of getting an interview if you call the employer directly after writing, rather than just sitting back and waiting for a call.
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ReplyDeleteThis is Joe Westergreen
ReplyDeleteThe site I found is produced by AARP. It gives some tips about common mistakes people make in cover letters. It also gives tips on how to sell yourself in your cover letter.
http://www.aarp.org/money/work/articles/get_noticed_with_cover_letter.html?CMP=KNC-360I-GOOGLE-MON&HBX_OU=50&HBX_PK=cover_letters&utm_source=Google&utm_medium=CPC&utm_term=cover%2Bletters&utm_campaign=Money%2BSection
Cover Letter Mistakes
• DON’T send out a generic cover letter, whatever the position. Instead, tailor each letter (and résumé) to the job you want.
• DON’T waste space on phrases like “I am writing to…,” “Let me introduce myself,” etc. Get to the point or your letter will not be read.
• DON’T repeat what is in your résumé. Instead, call attention to your qualifications by highlighting your special skills and achievements. Find fresh ways to get your message across.
• DON’T call attention to your age by citing your 20, 30, or 40 years of experience. Rather, choose words like “extensive” or “significant” to describe your experience.
• DON’T include your salary requirements. Instead, save the salary discussion until you are close to being offered the job.
Selling Yourself
• Take time to describe your “personal brand”—the unique skills and strengths that make you attractive to an employer. Convey your brand in your letter.
• If you don’t have an elevator speech, try writing one. It’s a pithy, 30-second summary of who you are and what you'd like to do professionally. Not only will this make you feel more confident, but you can also use elements of your elevator speech in your cover letter.
I feel that this is a useful site it. I like the section about cover letter mistakes. It gives examples of things that I would naturally do in a cover letter that I should watch out for such as wasting space on phrases like “I am writing to…” I agree with the tips on this site. I like the idea of having a 30-second summary speech. I think it would help in building confidence especially for the interview stage.
This is Josh Schultz, I found this site on cover letters that I believe to be very helpful. It is very useful because it basically gives you a working outline for a cover letter. It also gives a specific example. The website is http://wiki.wsu.edu/wsuwiki/Cover_Letter_Writing_416
ReplyDeleteThis is a site that I thought gave some good tips about writing a good cover letter.
ReplyDeletehttp://jobstar.org/tools/resume/cletters.php
I think the most helpful part of this site is a link to Stunk and White's "Elements of Style", a book about writing tips published in 1918. More importantly, it gives a link straight to chapter 5: Words and Expressions Commonly Misused. This chapter shows a list of phrases that people commonly misuse in every day writing. Words and phrases that could set you apart from the other cover letters.