A cover letter typically accompanies each CV/Resume you send out. Your cover letter may make the difference between obtaining a job interview and having your CV/resume ignored, so, it makes good sense to devote the necessary time and effort to writing effective cover letters. This is simply because, sending off your CV/Resume, accompanied by your cover letter is actually the first test in a job recruitment exercise.
A cover letter should complement, not duplicate your CV/Resume. Its purpose is to interpret the data-oriented, factual resume and add a personal touch. A cover letter is often your earliest written contact with a potential employer, creating a critical first impression.
Your cover letter should be designed specifically for each purpose outlined above as well as for each position you seek. A cover letter is not a "one-size-fits-all" document. Do not design a form letter and send it to every potential employer (you should know how you deal with spam mail!).
Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences (remember, relevance is determined by the employer's self-interest). They should express a high level of interest and knowledge about the position.
Types:
*The APPLICATION LETTER which responds to a known job opening
*The PROSPECTING LETTER which inquires about possible positions
*The NETWORKING LETTER which requests information and assistance in your job search
The guidelines here apply to both hard copy correspondence and e-mail. The main difference between e-mail and hard copy correspondence is format: your signature block (address, etc.) goes below your name in e-mail, while it goes at the top of the page on hard copy. Of course you won't have a handwritten signature on e-mail, but don't forget this on hard copy.
All cover letters should:
- Explain why you are sending a resume.
- Tell specifically how you learned about the position or the organization - a web site, an advert in the dailies, a family friend who works at the organization. It is appropriate to mention the name of someone who suggested that you write.
- Convince the reader to look at your resume.
- Never make the reader guess what you are asking for. Be specific: Do you want a temporary employment, or a permanent position; are you inquiring about future employment possibilities?
The cover letter will be seen first. Therefore, it must be very well written and targeted to that employer.
- Call attention to elements of your background - education, leadership, experience - that are relevant to a position you are seeking. Be as specific as possible, using examples.
- Reflect your attitude, personality, motivation, enthusiasm, and communication skills.
- Provide or refer to any information specifically requested in a job advertisement that might not be covered in your resume, such as availability date ( this is when you would be available to take up the job )
- Indicate what you will do to follow-up.
Extra tips:
•In a letter of application - applying for an advertised opening - applicants often say something like "I look forward to hearing from you." However, if you have further contact info (e.g. phone number) and if the employer hasn't said "no phone calls," it's better to take the initiative to follow-up, saying something like, "I will contact you in the next two weeks to see if you require any additional information regarding my qualifications."
•In a letter of inquiry - asking about the possibility of an opening - don't assume the employer will contact you. You should say something like, "I will contact you in two weeks to learn more about upcoming employment opportunities with (name of organization)." Then mark your calendar to make the call.
Cheers!
PS: Your suggestions are strongly needed on what I should write on next week.
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