Your cover letter is a marketign tool!
It allows you stand out and intice the reader.
- too many are just an additional piece of paper
to be effective: you must act as an advertisment, attract an employer's attention by highlightng the most attractive features of the product.
have a nice sales pitch.
Both format and content are important.
FORMAT:
1st impression is appearance.
The parts of a Letter:
proper format = credible candidate.
2 styles:
Business style: (Block Style) vs. Personal Style.
only difference is in business style where all elements begin at the left margin vs. centerline and indented paragraphs.
Return Address:
your address should appear on top margin, w/o your name, (flush left or centered depending on style)
-avoid abbreviations.
-include your phone number
Date:
2 lines belwo the return address (flush left or centered depending on style)
Inside Address:
4 lines beneth the date, give addressee's full name.
give personal title
company's name,
company's address,
Saluatation:
2 lines beneth the company's address. beginning dear mr./ms. (last name):
Length:
3-4 short paragraphs.
Enclosure:
enclosure line used for formal or official ocrrespondences. Not wrong to use it (not necessary)
Paper Size, Paper Color and Quality:
standard 8 1/2 by 11 inches, has a nice weight and texture, white or ivory color.
Typing and Printing:
word processor with a letter quality printer.
Envelope:
standard business-sized envelope matching your stationery.
CONTENT
Personalize Each Letter
try and determine the person you are writing the letter to. Contact the head of the department in which you are interested.
Mapping it Out
3-4 paragraphs. (don't repeat what is in the resume). Goal: give an overview of your capabilities and show why you're a good candidate for the job. To distinguish yourself highlight 1 or 2 of your accomplishments)
First Paragraph
state the position for which you are applying.
Second Paragraph
indicate you could contribute to the company and how your qualificatons will benefit them.
Third Paragraph
show how you not only meet but exceed their requriements.
Fouth Paragraph
close by saying you look forward to hearing from them.
Complimentary close
2 lines beneth the body of the letter, aligned with your return address and date. Keep it simple!
don't forget to sign it!
TIPS FOR SUCCESSFUL COVER LETTERS
What Writing Style is Appropriate?
polite, formal style with a balance of confidence in yourself and respect for the employer.
should be clear, objective, and persusaive.
-Tone: Reserved Confidence Is Always in Style
-Emphasize Concrete Examples
-Use Powerful Language
your language should be hard hitting and easy to understand.
Avoid Catchprases
may be tempted, but avoid. pg 311
Mention Personal Preferences?
Proof with Care
COVER LETTER BLUDERS TO AVOID
Unrelated Career Goals
tailor your cover letter to the position you're applying for.
Comparison and Cliches
avoide them! b/c they distract from your letter's prpose.
Wasted Space
only 4 paragraphs so every word and sentence needs to count.
Form Letters
don't mass mail a form letter to a large number of employers.
Inappropriate Stationery
only white and ivory paper color. No graphics
"Amusing" Anecdotes
imagine an interview setting. You don't know your interviewer, don't joke
Eroneous Copany Information
verify the accuracy of any copany information
Desperation
sound determined not desperate.
Personal Photos
never include, unless for performing
Confessed Shortcomings
never emphasise your flaws rather trhan your strengths.
Misrepresentation
always stick to the facts, misrepresentation can lead to dismissal.
Demanding Statement
demonstrate what you can do for the employer, not what he or she can do for you.
Missing Resume
fatal mistake not including all materials you refer to.
Persoan Information
do not include: age, health, physical charactersitics, marital status, race, religion, political, moral beliefs. Only list things relevant!
Choice of Pronouns
using 1st person Iis preferrable
Tone Trouble
to find: read your cover letter, after each sentence ask "does this statement enhance my candidacy?" have a 2nd person ready your letter
Gimmicks
dont use, conventional cover letter is best.
Typographical Errors
easy to make errors (misspelling, forgetting to change info)
easy to be instantly rejected.
Messy Corrections
always retype in case of error.
Omitted Signature
dont forget to sign!
COVER LETTERS FOR SPECIAL SITUATIONS
there are numerous situations. so always emphasize your strengths.
RESPONSE TO A "BLIND" ADVERTISEMENT
do not list employer information. so... your letter should tell of your knowledge and qualifications.
COLD LETTERS
Where you directly contact potential employers w/o referral or previous correspondence.
BROADCAST LETTERS
candidates can advertise their availability totop-level professionals in a particular field. Candidate intends to intice the potential employer to consider their impressive qualifications for available positions.
LETTER TO AN EMPLOYMENT AGENCY
They provide sercies to a weide range of job-seekers (mainly for clerical or support staff). The letter focus on who you are, what type of position you seek, in what industry, your strongest skills. Mention preferences.
LETTER TO AN EXECUTIVE SEARCH FIRM
They mainly recurite candidates for client companies, but you can still write in. This can alert the recuriter of your availabilty. Highlight yourself and list your preferences.
NETWORKING LETTERS
They refer to a 3rd party contact to garner the reader's attention and induce him or her to assist you in your job search.
Tone: if not very familiar, tone as business like.
THANK YOU LETTERS
Is a must. Handwrite on a note card. Typed letter is always safe.
proofread and send promptly.
Your Resume On the Internet
Margaret Riley Dikel and Frances E.Roehm
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