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Cover Letter
You may be wondering: Why create a cover letter? What am I suppose to say?Cover letters are important and are worth the time you will spend tailoring one for each job you apply for. The cover letter is a great chance to sell yourself to an employer so he/she will read your resume and offer you the all important interview. At the interview, you will be able to show that you are the person for the position.
Here are some guidelines to follow:
- Always send your resume or application with a cover letter. Your resume should never arrive by itself on a decision maker's desk or fax machine. Never send the same letter twice.
- Be sure your cover letter links your background, skills etc. to the particular position or employer.
- Convey a sense of enthusiasm. Show you want the position.
- Emphasize what you can do for the prospective employer rather than what they can do for you.
- Avoid negatives on your cover letter as well as your resume.
- Back up your skills with examples from your past work.
- Keep it to one page.
- Check, recheck, and triple check your letter for any mistakes, typos, grammar etc.
- Have someone else proofread and offer opinions on your letter.
- Remember who you applied to. It seems strange to say, but employers have complained about contacting prospective employees and hearing "Who? What company did you say you're from? I sent so many (letters/resumes) out, I can't remember". This is definitely not a sign of an organized and professional job search.
- A copy of your letter and resume should always be at hand. Mark your copy with the date you mailed out or faxed so you can follow up.
How to format a Cover Letter
Your Name and Address
Date - leave 4-5 lines between your name/address and the date,
Contact Person
Title
Department
Company Name
Address
Salutation: Dear Mr./Mrs./Ms./Dr - be certain you have correctly spelled their name. If you are not sure how to spell their name phone and ask! There is nothing that puts off a person more than when you don't spell their name correctly or get their title wrong. It also shows lack of attention to details.
First Paragraph:
Establish the purpose of your letter and hopefully get their attention and spark some interest. Use no more than to 2 to 4 sentences.
Second Paragraph: (sometimes a third depending on your background)
Demonstrate to the employer that you have done some research on his/her company or field and that your knowledge, skills and background are a match and an asset for the particular position you are applying for.
Third Paragraph:
This is your closing statement telling the employer of your commitment to action. You will call to follow up and to find out when interviews will be held. Thank the employer.
Sincerely,
Sign Name
Type Your Name
Links to Cover Letter Examples
Douglas College Job Search Internet Sites
