Cover LettersWhen you are making initial contact with a potential employer by mail, your resume must be accompanied by a cover letter. Many employers report that they will not consider a resume that comes without at least a few lines of explanation.
Resumes can only tell potential employers what you have done. Cover letters can tell them why you became involved in particular activities, what you gained from the experiences; and moreover, a cover letter should tell why you are writing and what is particularly important about your resume. Cover letters allow you to cite accomplishments that would be of special interest to a given employer and to elaborate on specific sections of your resume.
Cover letters should always be addressed to the person who is responsible for initiating the review process or for making the ultimate hiring decision. Avoid sending your letters to 'To Whom It May Concern', 'Dear Sir or Madam', or 'Personnel Director'. Make a phone call if necessary, to find out the name and title of the individual to whom you are writing, and confirm the address of the organization.
The cover letter, like the resume, is a sample of the work you can do for your next employer. Pay close attention to style and format. All correspondence with a potential employer should be processed on good quality paper and be free of errors. Everything a potential employer receives from you -- resume, cover letter, follow-up letters -- must project professionalism and your power to perform.
Helpful Hints for The Cover Letter:- Address your letter to a specific person by name and title when possible.
- The first twenty words are important; they should attract the reader's interest.
- Tell your story in terms of the contribution you can make to the employer.
- Be sure to refer to your resume. It gives the facts.
- With local firms, take the initiative in suggesting that you phone them for an interview.
- Use simple, direct language. Balance letter properly on page and remember to use your spell check.
- Keep it short; you need not cover the same ground as your resume. Your letter should sum up what you have to offer and act as an introduction for your resume.
- Let your letter reflect your individuality, but avoid appearing aggressive, overbearing, familiar, cute or humorous. You are writing to a stranger about a subject that is serious to both of you.
Use the following example as a guide.
Date
Your Street Address
City, State, Zip
Ms. Betty Wilson
Director of Recruiting and Staffing
Jefferson Industries
9463 East Broad Street
Richmond, VA 32361
Dear Ms. Wilson:
The Opening Paragraph should state why you are writing and why you are interested in the organization. If you are writing a letter of application, you should name the position for which you are applying and tell the employer how you became aware of it. A letter of inquiry should provide evidence of your career-mindedness; it helps to refer to specific job functions, if not titles. If you were referred to the employer by someone such as a career counselor, a former employee, or a professor, this is also the best place to mention that person's name and to point out that he or she suggested you write.
The Middle Paragraph is where you draw attention to your resume and highlight specific skills relevant to the potential employer. Present your motives for seeking employment with this organization and cite achievements and qualifications related to the position desired. If you have qualifications that are not noted on your resume, this is your opportunity to discuss them.
The Closing Paragraph states what you will do next (such as calling to arrange an interview) or what you would like the recipient of the letter to do next. An assertive statement explaining what you plan to do and what you hope the employer will do is harder to ignore than a vague request for consideration.
Sincerely,
(Signature here)
Your Name Typed
Enclosure (This indicates that your resume or additional materials are enclosed.)
