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The preliminary application for a professional position generally consists of two documents: a cover letter and a resume. This describes the cover letter and the resume. While the resume is a somewhat generic advertisement for yourself, the cover letter allows you to tailor your application to each specific job. Although the thrust of your various letters may remain the same there is really no reason to have a single, generic cover letter.
OVERVIEW
Effective cover letters are constructed with close attention to
Purpose
Audience
Content
Format
Examples: cover letter 1
PURPOSE
Your cover letter and resume usually provide all the information which a prospective employer will use to decide whether or not you will reach the next phase in the application process: the interview.
While your goal is an interview and, ultimately, a job offer, the more immediate purpose of your cover letter in some cases may simply be to gain an attentive audience for your resume.
AUDIENCE
A cover letter provides, in a very real sense, an opportunity to let your prospective employer hear your voice. It reflects your personality, your attention to detail, your communication skills, your enthusiasm, your intellect, and your specific interest in the company to which you are sending the letter.
Therefore, cover letters should be tailored to each specific company you are applying to. You should conduct enough research to know the interests, needs, values, and goals of each company, and your letters should reflect that knowledge.
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CONTENT
A cover letter should be addressed to the specific company and the specific individual who will process your application. You can usually find this through research or simply by calling the company to find out who you should address your letter to.
The letter should name the position for which you are applying and also make specific references to the company. Indicate your knowledge of and interest in the work the company is currently doing, and your qualification for the position.
You want the reader to know:
1) Why you want to work at that specific company
2) Why you fit with that company
3) How you qualify for the position to which you applying.
In addition to tailoring your application to a specific job with a specific company the cover letter should also.
1)Highlight the most important and relevant accomplishments, skills, and experience listed in your resume
2) Point to the resume in some way (as detailed in the enclosed resume) 3) Request specific follow up, such as an interview.
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FORMAT
A cover letter should be in paragraph form (save bulleted lists for your resume) with a conversational, though formal, tone.
The first paragraph should be brief, perhaps two or three sentences, stating
| what job you are applying for and how you learned about it
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any personal contacts you have in or with the company
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your general qualifications for the job.
The body of your letter should consist of one to three longer paragraphs in which you expand upon your qualifications for the position. Pick out the most relevant qualifications listed in your resume and discuss them in detail, demonstrating how your background and experience qualify you for the job. Be as specific as possible, and refer the reader to your resume for additional details.
The concluding paragraph of your letter should request an interview (or some other response, as appropriate).State where and when you can be reached, and express your willingness to come to an interview or supply further information. Close by thanking your reader for his or her time and consideration.
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Example: Cover Letter 1
Joseph Smith
34 Second Street
Troy, New York 12180
October 4, 2001
Ms. Gail Roberts
Recruiting Coordinator
Department DRR 1201
Database Corporation
Princeton, New Jersey 05876
Dear Ms. Roberts:
Your advertisement for software engineers in the January issue of the IEEE Spectrum caught my attention.
I was drawn to the ad by my strong interest in both software design and Database. I have worked with a CALMA system in developing VLSI circuits, and I also have substantial experience in the design of interactive CAD software. Because of this experience, I can make a direct and immediate contribution to your department. I have enclosed a copy of my resume, which details my qualifications and suggests how I might be of service to Database.
I would like very much to meet with you to discuss your open positions for software engineers.If you wish to arrange an interview, please contact me at the above address or by telephone at (518) 271-9999.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely yours,
Joseph Smith
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MIJ's RESUME TIPS
Below are some basic pointers for content of a resume. Although these will aid you in creating a resume, some people choose to use a professional resume service. Most resume services are very thorough and provide a great service. There are links to different resume services in the links section
A well-written resume is a selling piece to get you an interview with potential employers. A well-written resume is sometimes the difference in getting an interview and not. Some of the items listed below will not be in every resume, but it is a good idea to look at all of them to see if they are pertinent to you.
1. Heading: Contains all of your contact information. Include your name, address, phone number, and email address if you have one. Remember, many employers will contact you via phone so be cautious and conservative about the recording on your machine or voicemail.
2. Objective: If you do not have a cover letter, your resume should contain an objective that tells the reader what your job search is trying to achieve. Actual job titles work very well in this area. A common mistake that people make is creating one objective and sending that out to dozens of potential employers. Each resume should be tailored to fit the job and company that you are pursuing for employment. Make sure that the objective is not so inclusive that it may exclude you from the job in which you are applying.
3. Summary Statement: Some people like to include a summary statement after the objective. The summary statement tells the reader what the resume is trying to accomplish. The heading may read "Summary of Skills, Qualifications Summary, or Background Summary," and contain information such as computer skills, customer service skills, or an overview of previous positions held.
4. Education: It is up to the individual writing the resume as to whether experience or education is listed first. If there is limited experience, education will probably be listed first and be a bulk of the resume. The level of education and the area of study are listed, followed by highlights. The highlights can contain areas that were studied, research papers, or even equipment and computer knowledge. The date of graduation is optional but recommended if experience is limited and education is recent.
5. Experience: This section can be listed a couple of different ways. The first way is to list your experience in chronological order. The second possible way is write the resume with relevant experience to the job that is being applied for. In either circumstance, you will want to list the key points at the top of each category. There are many people that feel that they do not have any experience. I have yet to meet someone that has no experience. Whether it is managing money, volunteering time, or doing odd jobs. Skills are transferable from job to job. Communication skills, managerial, problem solving and many others are skills that can be used in completely different industries but the core concept is the same.
6. Other Categories: There are numerous other categories that can be included on a resume. Once again, it is up to the person writing the resume as to whether the information is relevant to the job being sought. These categories include, but are not limited to, computer skills, extracurricular activities, awards, special skills, offices held, and community involvement.
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