A cover letter represents another important opportunity for you; it's like a personal introduction to the employer. A well-written letter will win you important points toward getting your interview.
A cover letter represents another important opportunity for you; it's like a personal introduction to the employer. A well-written letter will win you important points toward getting your interview.
Here are some guidelines for writing a good cover letter:
- Every resume should be accompanied by an individualized typed letter. The objective of the letter is to pinpoint how your skills and experience relate to the particular needs of the employer to whom you're writing. This letter should be addressed specifically to the person-by name and title- who will most likely be doing the interviewing for the job you have in mind. You can generally find out this information by calling the employer's switchboard. (If you are answering a blind newspaper advertisement-one in which the employer is not specified-you can address your letter "To whom it may concern.")
- Each cover letter you write will have a somewhat different slant, depending on what skills are important to the needs of the particular employer. Whenever possible, do some research on the organization or company before you write your cover letter. This research, which is an essential part of every job campaign, can be accomplished by reading annual reports or product brochures, by contacting people in the organization, or, if you have an understanding of the field, simply by asking yourself what kinds of problems this particular employer is likely to be facing.
- Your cover letter should not normally run more than three or four paragraphs and should rarely be more than a page.
- Always close your cover letter with a request for an interview. Suggest a specific time or reason, such as:
I would like to stop by with some samples of my work in this area. Could we meet briefly next Thursday after-noon?"
"I will call your office to discuss a possible interview date."
As you prepare your cover letters, keep in mind the rules of good writing and typing. Make your letters as concise as possible, to the point, and interesting. Remember that they will be viewed as samples of your writing skills.
Sending Out Your Resume
Every time you mail a resume and cover letter, be sure to make a record of it. As you really get into an active job campaign, you'll find it helpful to have names, dates, and schedules for follow-ups, etc., in a convenient place.
Sample Cover Letter
1736 D Street N.W. Washington, D.C. 20006 (202)555-6192
December 28, 1979
Mr. Edward Major, President Vendo Corporation 1742 Surf Drive Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Dear Mr. Major:
I was intrigued by the write-up of your new portable vending centers as described in Sales Management magazine. Frankly, I think it is an extremely good idea.
As you will note from the enclosed resume, my market planning and sales management experience could be of great assistance to you at this early stage in your project.
Because of my familiarity with the types of locations and clients you are seeking, I am sure that if we were able to work together in this new venture, the results would reflect my contribution.
I have roughed out some specific marketing Ideas which you might like to review, and would like to make arrangements to meet with you in Florida during the week of February 15th.
I am looking forward to meeting with you.
Very truly yours,
Jane Hardwick
Congratulations!
You have completed the resume preparation part; we hope you've enjoyed the step-by-step process of writing your resume.
And we hope you've learned a lot more than just how to write a good resume. Through the self-examination exercises, we've tried to make you aware of your accomplishments and their value in the marketplace. And we wanted you to see that you can increase your value by being willing to contribute your skills to potential employers in ways that fulfill their needs as well as your own.
Having a positive attitude about wanting to contribute value to a potential employer is one of the greatest assets you can have-in your resume and in the interviews to come. That, and the resume you now have will take you farther than you can imagine.
Good luck in your job search! You are well on your way to getting the interviews you want.
