WRITING A SIMPLE, EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER
An effective cover letter is an important step in your job search process.
What does an effective cover letter do?
First and foremost, it provides the reader with a compelling reason to look at your resume. The same care and attention given to writing your resume should also be given to your cover letter. Many applicants choose to use a professional service to create their resumes. Sometimes, therefore, the look and feel of the resume does not match the presentation of the unscripted cover letter. It is important to carefully proofread, and of course, target your cover letter towards the advertised job description.
The bottom line - you must answer the critical question: Why me? What about me will qualify me for this position?
What should the cover letter do?
The cover letter should answer these four critical questions:
- What are you specifically applying for and how did you hear about this position?
- What skills, achievements, education, or related experience makes you qualified for this position?
- What do you know about us (our company, corporate culture, management style)?
- How can we reach you?
Although a cover letter should be simple, your message should be concise and powerful. Get to the point.
It is always important to think in terms of what do I have (skills, experience, education, attributes) that relate to this position?
Question 1: How did you hear about this position?
You need to provide the person reading your cover letter wtih a quick understanding of what you are looking for. If you are applying to a large company, they will undoubtedly have hundreds of applicants. If you do not tell them what you are looking for, your resume will go into the black abyss.
They want to know about the effectiveness of their media campaign. And finally, if you are a referral or come from an inside source that is critical. Your cover letter will get special attention if you know someone internally.
Question 2: What skills, experience, achievements, or traits do you have that relate to this job? Your most compelling or key points should be read from the top down. This is the core of your cover letter. Think in terms of providing 3-4 specific examples which either provide specific information targeted to the advertised position, or provide an overview of your skills, experience, and education.
Question 3: What do you know about this job or company?
This is perhaps the most overlooked paragraph in the cover letter. It will also separate you from the pack. Most applicants blindly approach employers without knowing about what they are applying for. By inserting this paragraph and information, it marks you as an insider.
And finally, the last paragraph can actually be a single line about how to reach you.
EXAMPLE #1 (Targeted for a specific opening)
June 1, 2004
Mr. Bill Jones, Operations Manager
ABC Graphics & Printing
330 Elm Street
Redwood City, CA 94063
Dear Mr. Jones:
I am interested in applying for the position of Administrative Assistant at ABC Graphics & Printing, as listed in Jobs and Careers Newspaper. The Job Requisition Number is 10342. I feel this job is a fit with my skills, education, and career goals. I am particularly interested in working in a graphics and publishing environment. Here is why I am qualified for this opening:
- Over 10 years of administrative experience in all areas
- Computer Literate: Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Email Certificate in Office Administration
- Hands-on experience in the graphics/printing industry
- Created procedure manual used by the administrative staff of 12 employees.
I have read about ABC Graphics and Printing, as well as your company’s management style in Graphics Digest. I was impressed by your company’s corporate philosophy and business practices, as well as your customer relations.
I can be reached for an interview, by calling (650) 367-8991. Thanks for your time.
Jill Lodges
jlodges@aol.com
EXAMPLE #2 (Referral letter, No advertised opening)
April 4, 2004
Ms. Sue Smith, Operations Manager
Beta Publishing Company
222 North Street
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Dear Ms. Smith:
I am writing to introduce myself to you. I am a good friend of Judy Plume in your Editorial Department. I am actively interested in an Administrative Assistant position or a related role with your company. I am particularly interested in working in a graphics and publishing environment. Here is a brief summary of my experience:
- Over 10 years of administrative experience in all areas
- Computer Literate: Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, Email Certificate in Office Administration
- Hands-on experience in the graphics/printing industry
- Created procedure manual used by the administrative staff of 12 employees.
I would be available for an exploratory interview. Thanks for your time.
My home phone number is: (650) 367-8991.
Jill Lodges
jlodges@aol.com
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