Archive for the ‘Cover Letter’ Category

Write A Perfect Cover Letter For You

Friday, December 2nd, 2011

A cover letter is a short document to tempt a recruiter to call you for an interview you actually wish. Many of the experts are of the view that one or two interesting sentences in your cover letter are enough to influence the recruiter to read your resume. The resume is a way to take you to the interview and interview leads you to have a job. Getting a job is a three-step process where the first step is most important that is your cover letter.

Potential employers say that applicants add all the things in their cover letters that are unnecessary. So you must be very careful while tailoring your cover letter.

Prepare your cover letter by putting yourself in the position of recruiters. If you don’t show recruiters what they want to read, they won’t read it. You should tailor your cover letter in a way that it should catch the attention of arecruiter right from the beginning.

Recruiters say “received cover letter that begin with an error, usually fail to take attention of the employers”. For instance, I received an application by an applicant who had crossed out his cell and telephone numbers and written his new number manually. His application was directly filed to garbage. Tailor your cover letter short and to the point.

The Dos and Don’ts of a Stand-Out Cover Letter

Give your basics for what post you are applying and the name of the organization. Also mention your reference with name.

Find out who is  hiring manager before applying. Take your time to research on  internet or reading suitable business journals to find the name and title of the hiring manager. This research will help you to take a step forward.

Also use official language, open your letter with Mr. or Ms. instead of Dear Sir or Madam, it does not sound official.

Carefully read the posting for the job and tailor your cover letter to emphasize the skills and qualifications that is required.  Use precise phrases from the posting of the job.

Other tips:

  • If you are applying through an ad, mention a job number or a code in your cover letter.
  • Add something incredible that makes your resume a unique one.
  • Check again and again to make sure that your letter is without any typing mistake. Ask your friend or a family member to go through once.
  • If you are sending your letter through an email, make sure that your document is opening properly and your posted document is virus-free.
  • Don’t make your cover letter lengthy. A few concise sentences will be enough.
  • Avoid repeating your resume in your cover letter.
  • Don’t mention anything that is unrealistic (any certification or skill ).
  • Avoid using funny fonts and different colored papers. Make your cover letter easy to read.
  • A customized approach always wins the meeting.

With a little common sense and a lot of flair, you can make sure that you would successfully get an offer of your desired job.

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Cover Letter Formula

Thursday, June 12th, 2008

Cover letters may vary in content, depending on the type of position or industry to which you are applying, and whether you are applying for a listed position, sending letters enquiring about a position that is not listed, or following up on a referral.

Suggested Formula for a Cover Letter

Your Address:
Street Address
City, State and Zip Code

Date

Contact Person’s Address:
Mr. / Ms. _____________
Title
Company or Organization
Street Address
City, State and Zip Code

Dear _________:

First Paragraph: Introduce yourself by stating your degree program and the year in which you will graduate. Specify whether you are seeking a permanent or summer position. Tell why you are writing, and name the position, field, or general vocational area in which you are interested. Tell how you heard of the opening or organization (e.g. job notices on website, ad in the newspaper, etc.). If someone referred you, include that information.

Second Paragraph: Mention a few qualifications you think would be of greatest interest to the employer. Tell why you are particularly interested in the company, type of work, or location. If you have related experience or specialized training, you may point it out. Refer the reader to the enclosed resume, which will give additional information concerning your background and interests.

Third Paragraph: Close by stating your desire for an interview. You may state that you will phone or email in a week or so. If you say that, make sure that you follow through. You may want to include your contact information (phone and email) so the reader knows how you can be reached.

Sincerely,

Applicant Signature

Applicant Name

Enc. [this is only for hardcopy]

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Cover Letter format guidelines

Thursday, June 12th, 2008

Overview: Purpose of a Cover Letter

A cover letter is a brief letter that introduces your resume to the company or organization to which you are applying. Your cover letter should emphasize why you want to work for that particular organization and why you would be a good fit. An effective cover letter engages the reader and encourages him or her to invite you for an interview.

A resume should always be accompanied by a cover letter. It serves as the first sample of your writing ability and attention to detail.

Getting Started: What to Include in your Cover Letter

Formatting
• Address your cover letter to a named individual, whenever possible.
• Make it brief – one page or less, with ample margins.
• Use an adequate font size – no smaller than font size 10.
• Include pertinent personal data: name, address, email and phone number.
• Proofread for spelling or grammatical errors.

Content
• State why you are writing and for what position you are applying.
• Demonstrate energy and enthusiasm for the position.
• Highlight or expand on key information from your resume, but do not simply repeat what is listed.
• Actively sell your unique qualities and tell the reader why he or she should choose you.
• Target your skills, interests and experience to the needs of the organization.
• Show you have done your homework; emphasize why you want to work for that particular organization.
• Encourage the reader to take a closer look at your resume.

Writing Style
• Be clear and concise.
• Use powerful action verbs and phrases to describe your skills, interests, and abilities.

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