Whether
you e-mail, fax or snail-mail your resume, you'll
want to include a cover letter. This document can
direct the reader to the meat of your resume and
establish rapport between you and the potential
employer. Here are some important ideas to keep in
mind as you compose your letters:
Purpose
- Not only does your letter serve as an ambassador for you, introducing your
credentials, but an effective letter must also generate the reader's
interest in you. Ultimately you want to prompt a favorable reply.
Audience -
Keep in mind the perspective of the person who will be reading your letter.
He/she is not interested in what YOU want, but rather in what value you will
bring to the organization. What you convey should prove of interest enough
to lead an employer (or recruiter) to want to interview you.
Structure - A
letter should be composed of:
introductory paragraph that is interest-generating, states or implies
interest
value-selling paragraph that demonstrates your ability to add value
highlights of your key strengths and abilities
background summary that briefly describes your relevant education and
experience
statement that either compels or insures follow-up action
statement of appreciation
Point of View
- Write your letters in the first person; yet vary your sentences with
beginning phrases and clauses so that each line does not start with "I."
Match Needs with Qualifications
- List the requirements of the job side-by-side with your qualifications for
a response to a job ad. Doing so will show the reader you have the right
stuff and will simplify the process of reading your letter.
Good Writing Requires Rewriting
- Don't be satisfied with your first draft. Let your first draft be a stream
of consciousness. After you let your ideas flow, go back and review your
writing for glaring grammatical errors. Edit to remove unnecessary words and
phrases. Limit your paragraphs to six or seven lines, so you don't overwhelm
the reader.
Appearance -
Proof your letters carefully. Have someone else review them. Don't rely on a
computer spell-checker. A word may be correctly spelled but inappropriate
for the context.
Networking - A
letter can be an entrée to a person who can lead you to a job opportunity.
Start with a mention of the person who referred you to the contact.
Provide a brief summary of your career background.
Maintain the initiative by suggesting a meeting and that you will call
for an appointment.
Follow Up Letters
- Every meeting and interview should result in a follow-up letter. Reiterate
the high points of the meeting and include ideas that distinguish you from
the pack.
Stay in Touch
- Maintain visibility by sending letters periodically to your key contacts.
Look for articles of interest to include to "gift" the receiver with
information they can use to better do their job.
