Niblik (![[info]](http://l-stat.livejournal.com/img/userinfo.gif){kind=small} niblik) wrote,@ 2008-08-20 10:56:00 |
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Cover Letter Basics
A Cover Letter is a basic "quickie" introduction. Something to entice the other person
to actually read your resume -- and, hopefully, to entice them into giving an interview.
This has almost been completely replaced by an Objectives section at the top of the resume.
As I have seen people wondering about Cover Letters so much that it is not funny....
I, personally, don't use them. I never have. I have never needed to.
I don't even have a college degree.
I've been working as a corporate computer professional since 1995 (or earlier).
My general opinion of Cover Letters is that they are "cold calls". A Cold Call is
a call given to someone that is not soliciting for services. These are the telemarketers
that give us phone calls asking us if we want aluminum siding (and we live in an apartment).
A Cold call, in this case, is applying to a company in the "old school" manner of
pure formality where they may or may not have a position where your services are required.
Since the 90's, almost every place there is has an application process that is online.
As I am in the computer field, this is always the case. I would hate to think of
working some place, doing InfoTech (IT) for them and they have no basic forms available online.
All government agencies should have an online presence. All education institutes, too.
However, I did learn Cover Letter skills a long time ago. Typing class is good for that.
Please find the proper format for this (I think Word probably has a template now days).
The Basics (Generic):
Your Contact Information
(name, address, etc - as in writing a formal business letter)
Employer Contact Information
(name, address, etc - as in writing a formal business letter)
Salutation (Dear Mr./Ms. Last name - leave out if no contact is available)
Body of Cover Letter - keep it short. Short. Short. Short.
First Paragraph - Position applying for.
-Mention the position and where the job was found
-if being referred, mention the person's name
Middle Paragraph - how your skills match the job
-What you have to offer
-match qualifications to the job
-one line summary of resume and fitting it to job
(I have a lifetime experience in field (computers for me), and would be a good addition to the company for that reason)
Final Paragraph - Why you should be selected for an interview
-Make a punch here. The above should have sold you already. This is the kicker.
-Simple conclusion, Thank them for considering you.
Complimentary Close
-"Respectfully yours,"
Signature
-Handwritten (if mailed)
-Typed beneath handwritten
cc/Resume (indicates that a Resume is attached)
The basic format done for a generic cover letter -- avoid these.
If you have to actually write a cover letter, craft it for the target company!
CONTENT
Step 1: Research the company.
This just got me my new job - does help that I worked there 10 years ago. It also helps that I know the third company involved from growing up with them.
That does not mean finding negatives. That does not bring publicity articles.
Find out what the company does to make money!
Find out how you can aid the company in making money!
For governmental positions - Find out what that department does.
Mention this, VERY BRIEFLY
e.g. I have read that your company makes widgets. I am a master crafter at creating widgets.
That would be a tough sell. The why was left out.
e.g. I have read that your company makes the best widgets in the world. I am a master crafter at creating
widgets and would consider it an honor and privilege to work for your company. I bring 50 years of widget
experience - from beginning widget resource gathering to completed widget distribution.
That right there is likely to get you a job making widgets.
This is why company research is important. This will show interest in that company. A basic
knowledge of what the company is doing.
Step 2: Know yourself
Discover what it is that you actually offer. Sell it!
This is a "pimp" yourself moment.
e.g. I have read that your company makes the best widgets in the world. I am a master crafter at creating
widgets and would consider it an honor and privilege to work for your company. I bring 50 years of widget
experience - from beginning widget resource gathering to completed widget distribution. I have won a wide
variety of awards in creating new widget designs. I won the year 2000 award for creating the widget of the millennium.
Step 3: Conclude
e.g. Your company produces the best widgets in the world. My background as a master crafter of widgets
provides me with 50 years of experience to bring to your company. I ask for a few minutes of your time so
that we can further explore what I offer your company. Please contact me at email-address@email.com or 123-555-1234
to arrange a time. I look forward to hearing from you and appreciate the opportunity to apply and be
considered for position at your company.
Finally:
The key to a cover letter is to demonstrate enthusiasm for the position. A quick glance sheet of paper
designed to offer forth why someone should read a resume and schedule an interview.
Again.... I have never used cover letters. I usually demonstrate enough enthusiasm when I want a job
that I get the job. Due to my particular job market being the technical market, I am usually sought after
rather than having to apply for positions.
I may change that, though. I am an incredible manager. I have lots of people telling me I should do management.
I have led teams to success levels that have never been accomplished before (or after).
Even so, I have never had to review a cover letter, either. I have been involved in interviewing people
for positions on my team.
I also have a copy of "Cover Letters that Knock Them Dead" at home, and "Resumes that Knock Them Dead".
I haven't used those in over 10 years, either. But, they are there.
The best reference on Resumes is from www.manager-tools.com
http://www.manager-tools.com/sample-res
http://www.manager-tools.com/podcasts/S
While a 1 page resume is an ideal, I have not converted mine to 1 page.... yet. I did get it down to 2 pages back in January; but, that version is not ready for prime time, yet.
A Cover Letter is a basic "quickie" introduction. Something to entice the other person
to actually read your resume -- and, hopefully, to entice them into giving an interview.
This has almost been completely replaced by an Objectives section at the top of the resume.
As I have seen people wondering about Cover Letters so much that it is not funny....
I, personally, don't use them. I never have. I have never needed to.
I don't even have a college degree.
I've been working as a corporate computer professional since 1995 (or earlier).
My general opinion of Cover Letters is that they are "cold calls". A Cold Call is
a call given to someone that is not soliciting for services. These are the telemarketers
that give us phone calls asking us if we want aluminum siding (and we live in an apartment).
A Cold call, in this case, is applying to a company in the "old school" manner of
pure formality where they may or may not have a position where your services are required.
Since the 90's, almost every place there is has an application process that is online.
As I am in the computer field, this is always the case. I would hate to think of
working some place, doing InfoTech (IT) for them and they have no basic forms available online.
All government agencies should have an online presence. All education institutes, too.
However, I did learn Cover Letter skills a long time ago. Typing class is good for that.
Please find the proper format for this (I think Word probably has a template now days).
The Basics (Generic):
Your Contact Information
(name, address, etc - as in writing a formal business letter)
Employer Contact Information
(name, address, etc - as in writing a formal business letter)
Salutation (Dear Mr./Ms. Last name - leave out if no contact is available)
Body of Cover Letter - keep it short. Short. Short. Short.
First Paragraph - Position applying for.
-Mention the position and where the job was found
-if being referred, mention the person's name
Middle Paragraph - how your skills match the job
-What you have to offer
-match qualifications to the job
-one line summary of resume and fitting it to job
(I have a lifetime experience in field (computers for me), and would be a good addition to the company for that reason)
Final Paragraph - Why you should be selected for an interview
-Make a punch here. The above should have sold you already. This is the kicker.
-Simple conclusion, Thank them for considering you.
Complimentary Close
-"Respectfully yours,"
Signature
-Handwritten (if mailed)
-Typed beneath handwritten
cc/Resume (indicates that a Resume is attached)
The basic format done for a generic cover letter -- avoid these.
If you have to actually write a cover letter, craft it for the target company!
CONTENT
Step 1: Research the company.
This just got me my new job - does help that I worked there 10 years ago. It also helps that I know the third company involved from growing up with them.
That does not mean finding negatives. That does not bring publicity articles.
Find out what the company does to make money!
Find out how you can aid the company in making money!
For governmental positions - Find out what that department does.
Mention this, VERY BRIEFLY
e.g. I have read that your company makes widgets. I am a master crafter at creating widgets.
That would be a tough sell. The why was left out.
e.g. I have read that your company makes the best widgets in the world. I am a master crafter at creating
widgets and would consider it an honor and privilege to work for your company. I bring 50 years of widget
experience - from beginning widget resource gathering to completed widget distribution.
That right there is likely to get you a job making widgets.
This is why company research is important. This will show interest in that company. A basic
knowledge of what the company is doing.
Step 2: Know yourself
Discover what it is that you actually offer. Sell it!
This is a "pimp" yourself moment.
e.g. I have read that your company makes the best widgets in the world. I am a master crafter at creating
widgets and would consider it an honor and privilege to work for your company. I bring 50 years of widget
experience - from beginning widget resource gathering to completed widget distribution. I have won a wide
variety of awards in creating new widget designs. I won the year 2000 award for creating the widget of the millennium.
Step 3: Conclude
e.g. Your company produces the best widgets in the world. My background as a master crafter of widgets
provides me with 50 years of experience to bring to your company. I ask for a few minutes of your time so
that we can further explore what I offer your company. Please contact me at email-address@email.com or 123-555-1234
to arrange a time. I look forward to hearing from you and appreciate the opportunity to apply and be
considered for position at your company.
Finally:
The key to a cover letter is to demonstrate enthusiasm for the position. A quick glance sheet of paper
designed to offer forth why someone should read a resume and schedule an interview.
Again.... I have never used cover letters. I usually demonstrate enough enthusiasm when I want a job
that I get the job. Due to my particular job market being the technical market, I am usually sought after
rather than having to apply for positions.
I may change that, though. I am an incredible manager. I have lots of people telling me I should do management.
I have led teams to success levels that have never been accomplished before (or after).
Even so, I have never had to review a cover letter, either. I have been involved in interviewing people
for positions on my team.
I also have a copy of "Cover Letters that Knock Them Dead" at home, and "Resumes that Knock Them Dead".
I haven't used those in over 10 years, either. But, they are there.
The best reference on Resumes is from www.manager-tools.com
http://www.manager-tools.com/sample-res
http://www.manager-tools.com/podcasts/S
While a 1 page resume is an ideal, I have not converted mine to 1 page.... yet. I did get it down to 2 pages back in January; but, that version is not ready for prime time, yet.
