Cover Letters

It isn’t another Resume What it is, is a chance to show you can write, that you have a personality, what your goals are, and in some cases to illustrate a particular skill you believe the employer will be interested in.

What to do Try to address it to the person it is supposed to go to. Call the place and ask who to address it to if you don’t know. Don’t address it to their first name only, that’s being too familiar Don’t use the same cover letter over and over, it really needs to be personalized for each job. You should have the job announcement and your resume out as you write this.

What to do Make sure it is on the same type of paper as your resume It needs to be typed and proofread Date and sign it Be brief, one page Be positive about the position you are after and your ability to do it

What NOT to do Don’t mention salary, benefits, vacation time etc. Don’t be too pushy Don’t say “I would appreciate hearing from you as soon as possible.” Don’t be negative If you aren’t sure you want it or if you can do it, why should they be?

What not to do Ramble Poor grammar and spelling Bragging, exaggerations Self depreciation Self focused instead of employer focused (instead focus on How can YOU help THEM) Be bland and boring

The four basic parts Identification First paragraph tells the employers why you are writing Statement Second paragraph relates your particular skills and abilities to the specific position It isn’t a summary of your resume. Selection In the third paragraph state why you want to work for this company. Not just that they had a job opening Request Last paragraph is an action paragraph. Either requesting the employer take action to call you or that you will call them. Don’t be too pushy

The Format Use a readable font Sample format Susan Ireland’s Website