|
Keep It Short
Make It Look Professional
Explain Why You Are Writing
Introduce Yourself
Sell Yourself
Provide All Requested Information
Ask For An Interview
Check For Errors
Keep
It Short
Your cover letter should be one page, no more.
Make
It Look Professional
These days, you need to type your letter on a computer
and print it on a laser printer. Don't use an inkjet printer
unless it produces extremely crisp type. Use white or
buff-colored paper; anything else will draw the wrong
kind of attention. Type your name, address, phone number,
and e-mail address at the top of the page.
Explain
Why You Are Writing
Start your letter with one sentence describing where you
heard of the opening. "Joan Wright suggested I contact
you regarding a position in your marketing department"
Or, "I am writing to apply for the position you advertised
in the Sun City Journal."
Back
To Top
Introduce
Yourself
Give a short description of your professional abilities
and background. Refer to your attached résumé:
"As you will see in the attached résumé,
I am an experienced editor with a background in newspapers,
magazines, and textbooks." Then highlight one or
two specific accomplishments.
Sell
Yourself
Your cover letter should leave the reader thinking, "This
person is exactly what we're looking for." Focus
on what you can do for the company. Relate your skills
to the skills and responsibilities mentioned in the job
listing. If the ad mentions solving problems, relate a
problem you solved at school or work. If the ad mentions
specific skills or knowledge required, mention your mastery
of these in your letter. (Also be sure these skills are
included on your résumé.)
Provide
All Requested Information
If the help wanted ad asked for "salary requirements"
or "salary history," include this information
in your cover letter. However, you don't have to give
specific numbers. It's okay to say, "My wage is in
the range of $10 per hour." If the employer doesn't
ask for salary information, don't offer any.
Back
To Top
Ask
for an Interview
You've sold yourself, now wrap it up. Be confident, but
not pushy. "If you agree that I would be an asset
to your company, please call me at [insert your phone
number]. I am available for an interview at your convenience."
Finally, thank the person. "Thank you for your consideration.
I look forward to hearing from you soon." Always
close with a "Sincerely," followed by your full
name and signature.
Check
for Errors
Read and re-read your letter to make sure each sentence
is correctly worded and there are no errors of spelling,
punctuation, or grammar. Don't rely on your computer's
spell checker or grammar checker. A spell check won't
detect if you typed "tot he" instead of "to
the." It's a good idea to have someone else read
your letter, too. They might notice an error you overlooked.
Back
To Top |
