Cover Letters

Hi Girls!!! Does anyone know how to write a cover letter? This thing is stressing me out. I found a guideline on yahoo but I need help starting it off.

Re: Cover Letters

The purpose of the cover letter is to highlight aspects of your resume and tie them to the position at hand. You should write a specific cover letter for each different position you apply for. I typically start out in the first paragraph highlighting a few key points (kind of like a thesis statement) regarding why you are qualified/interested in the position, then in the following paragraphs elaborate on those. Closing paragraph, re-emphasize why you're qualified/interested, and that you look forward to connecting with them (or something along those lines). HTH!

Re: Cover Letters

It should be brief and not a re-telling of your resume. You should highlight your past experience that specifically relates to the job for which you are applying. I instruct our interns that a good cover should be 3 paragraphs:

1) Introduction- state your name, the job you are applying for, where you saw the listing, and that your resume is attached for their consideration.

2) Body- highlight your experience that relates to the job listing. Usually, in a listing, they will spell out certain qualities or experience that they are looking for. Draw their attention to your past experience that exemplifies what they are looking for.

3) Conclusion- thank them for their time. Give your contact info ("I may be contacted via phone or email at..."). Say that you will follow up in 1 week's time to make sure that your materials have been received and that you hope to hear from them.

Make sure your letter is written in a formal style. As an employer, nothing turns me off more than a cover that is written in conversational and "friendly" language (i.e., like the applicant is my best bud).

Good luck!

Re: Cover Letters

Message edited 8/26/2008 7:47:33 PM.

Re: Cover Letters

your cover letter should say something about you that your resume does not. And IMO, it is SO important to grab the reader in the first sentence - otherwise there's a good chance your resume will be looked over - remember, the employer is lookingat tons of resumes. that said, i'd avoid the 'hello my name is so and so and blah blah...' make sure the letter relates to the specific job - one standard cover letter likely will not do it.

Here's the format I try to follow:

Dear (name),
With more than six years of travel public relations experience, I am writing to express my interest in _________.

anecedote #1

anecedote #2

I would be happy to schedule an interview upon request and can be reached at _____________.

Best of luck with your job search!

Kindest regards,

Re: Cover Letters

Hi Girls,

Thank you so much for all the help. I am fine tuning it now and will be sending it out today. DH's boss know the head of the operation for the company I am applying to so he is gonna hand it in for me. Hopefully, it all works out