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Don't gloss over the cover letterJan 31 '00 (Updated Jan 06 '02) Write an essay on this topic.The Bottom Line A cover letter adds depth to the bald facts on your resume. Don't sent a resume alone until you read this epinion about cover letters. Cover letters and resumes go hand in hand. Think of your resume as your fact sheet and your cover letter as your personality assessment. Without it, your resume is bland and maybe without direction. If you omit or have a vague objective on your resume, then a cover letter is absolutely necessary. A cover letter can be broken up into three parts: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. Sound like a term paper? Well it is in a sense--good thing you had so much practice in school! A major difference is that instead of a grade you can make up with the final, a cover letter might mean the difference between an interview or the circular file. Taken in parts . . . . Salutation: *Dear Sir:* Not a good idea. Considering that the person receiving this letter will likely be a woman (manager, HR, or administrative assistant), you will automatically slight the person receiving the letter. *Dear Sir or Madam:" Better. But who are these people? Is there a better, more personal way? If you don't know who will be reading your letter, call the company and find out. It can be scary, but you don't have to give your name. If you do give your name, they will recognize your resume and cover letter when they come, which automatically gives you recognition out of all those other thousands of people who didn't have your foresight. Too intimidated to call? Why not write Dear "Human Resources", "Hiring Committee", or simply "Good Afternoon!" First Paragraph: Answer these questions: Why are you writing the letter? What position are you going for? How did you learn of the position? Mention a contact name if you have one. Second (and maybe third) Paragraph: This is your chance to shine and let your personality show. Why do you want to work for this employer? Why are you the perfect choice? Do not restate your resume. Let your fact sheet stand on its own. Instead, use your cover letter to turn your fact sheet into real life experience. Use examples, employee reviews, special and unique attributes, special training or classes. Remember, how will YOU benefit the employer. Why should you be hired? An example (in brief): I am looking for a painting position. I have two years experience, during which time I have learned exterior, interior, and decorative techniques. Both my supervisor and customers have told me that I do excellent work, and I am confident that I will continue to provide this same quality of work while employed by your company. Final Paragraph: Time to wrap it up. Mention that your resume is enclosed. Indicate how and when you can be reached, and other pertinent information. A more proactive approach is to contact them instead of waiting passively: "Thank you for providing this opportunity. My resume is enclosed and I am looking forward to meeting with you. I will call you in a week to follow up and make sure you have received this letter. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me . . ." Signature: Do it in blue ink. It will show this is not a copy sent to a thousand other people. And as always, don't forget . . . Proofread, proofread, proofread.  |
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