COVER LETTERS
COVER LETTERS WILL TALK
Just like the resume, the cover letter will give the employer a first
impression of you. Each letter must be individually composed, and
importance must be given to the appearance, style and format. The
variations of your letters will share certain characteristics. A letter
will introduce you and inform the reader of your reason.
Cover letters have common problems that you will want to address. The
letter can be poorly organized, confusing, unclear, choppy and sloppy. A
well organized letter will read smoothly. It will act as a bridge between
the job posting and the information on your resume.
There are three basic formats for a business letter: block, semi-block and
full block. The most commonly used is the block.
Select the same paper as the resume paper. Post cards, decorated
stationery, cutsie decorations or perfume smelling letters are not
appropriate.
The letter will usually contain three main parts: the introduction, the
body, and the closing. It typically includes at least three paragraphs, of
course, you may wish to add an extra paragraph to break up some main
thoughts into more readable pieces.
A cover letter should NOT exceed one page. If your letter is longer than
one page, you are saying too much!
Address the letter to a specific individual. If you know the title,
indicate (Mr., Ms., Dr., Mrs., Miss) before the person's name.
IMPORTANT: A good cover letter or thank you letter may be more responsible
for getting you a job than your resume. It takes work, time and, yes,
practice to write an effective letter.
APPLICATION LETTER
Paragraph one is the "Introduction Paragraph". Indicate the purpose of the
letter, the title of the position, and let the reader know how you learned
of the position.
Paragraph two is the "Body of the Letter". Expand on your educational
background or related experience and possibly an activity. Express how
these experiences relate to your qualifications for this job.
Additional parts of the "Body". Show your interest in the willingness to
assume other responsibilities that you would like to be included in at
that company. This paragraph could express a certain experience to show
our skills and abilities.
Closing paragraph is the "Concluding Paragraph". Indicate that you would
like to hear from them soon and tell them how to reach you.
PROSPECTING LETTER
The is a useful letter for those who want or may need to conduct a job
search in a particular geographic location. Structure of this letter is
similar to the application letter.
Structure will be the same number of paragraphs as the application
letter.
The letter does not focus on a specific position but will represent you in
a very broad way; your resume will focus on your special qualifications.
Try to use your qualifications to match the needs of the
organization.
THANK YOU LETTER
Thank you letters should be sent within 24 hours of the interview. A
well-written letter does not need to be lengthy or elaborate. It need only
be several sentences, four to five sentences should be the limit.
This letter will remind the employer who you are. The letter will remind
the reader of your background and qualifications.
A letter will impress him/her with your courtesy and follow-though.
In this letter show your enthusiasm and continued interest in the field or
specific position that was discussed.
It is important to convey to the employer your sincere appreciation for
his/her time and consideration.