“Should I write my own cover letter?” This is a common
question by job applicants in metro Atlanta, Marietta, Macon, and across the
nation, whether they be changing positions or simply looking for a job. The
answer is that your resume and cover letter are your first two tasks for a
potential employer. What you provide is your first work for them.
You had better do well, or delegate the letter wisely
because the buck stops with you. This is real life and your goal is to be invited
into the employer’s door for a meeting/interview. The letter and resume are
also tests! How well do you work? They speculate immediately by what you give
them.
Having said that - this piece will focus on cover letters
that accompany resumes. Like the resume, the cover letter is meant to assist in
obtaining a job interview, no matter if you are located in Atlanta, Georgia or
New York City, New York. I feel like the letter also helps to “break the ice”
before actually meeting the reader. It should help you to be more at ease!
Contact
Info/Date
A good cover letter written by a good cover letter writer
will place the date, name, and full address of the writer/applicant in the
upper right corner. On the left side (a few lines beneath that) the name,
title, company name, and full address of the recipient should be placed. (Make
certain that you figure out exactly who the letter & resume should be
addressed to.)
Address
The Reader
Now you are ready to address the reader, I prefer “Dear
Mr./Ms./Mrs. …..,” but in certain cases a formal greeting may be required. Look
into it if addressing prominent political/governmental or legal figures. The
majority of the time a simple Mr. or Ms. Or Mrs. Will do. Just do not blatantly
offend the reader. Know your recipient; know their marital status and gender.
Use a little common sense. “Ms.” Works for all females (though some prefer
“Mrs.” If married.)
Statement
Of Interest/Intent
The body of the cover letter should start with a
statement of what it is being sent for, and that the resume is accompanying it.
Be brief and include your blunt intent. Be enthusiastic but firmly-rooted in
your purpose.
Show
Your Value
Next, make a point of demonstrating what value you can
bring to the department or company by joining it. What do you bring to the
table? Why should you be given the time of day? This is extremely important,
particularly in competitive areas like Atlanta, etc.
Background/Credentials
Above you stated your potential value to the
organization, next provide support for that. What are your credentials via
education and work experience? Job titles? Talents related to the job opening?
Something extra you have to share? Be specific.
Suggest
Future Action/Determine Level Of Employer Interest
Next, you should suggest a specific time range for
determining (by telephone call, usually) if and when further discussion and
interview plans should be made, if the potential employer shows interest.
Statement
Of Appreciation/Compliment
End the letter with a nice statement of appreciation of
their consideration of you. In addition, it is always nice to pay the company a
nice compliment, something that demonstrates that you have done your homework
about it. Then close with a simple “Sincerely,” and sign above the typed name.
(Show your initials and that there is an enclosure, as well – usually on the
bottom left hand side….. YOU ARE DONE!
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