So after wading through the muck of possible careers on the internet and the quicksand of jobs in the newspaper, you’ve finally got a golden nugget or two matching your qualifications and interests. For the right pay, benefits, and work environment you might just see yourself there for the next five or ten years. The only problem is that now you need to do the groundwork to get the job, and that starts by writing a bang-up cover letter to impress the human resources department to get you an interview.
First of all, if you’ve got more than one job in mind, you need to write a separate cover letter for each. Just like Rock of Love might be the same show concept as Flavor of Love, it is not the same exact show. Every job and company is unique, meaning applying for a half dozen jobs with the same job title might require you to have half a dozen different qualifications. If that’s true, than it wouldn’t make much sense just sending the same mad-libbed cover letter to every single job you apply for, would it?
So, now that you’ve fully realized that actually writing a decent cover letter is a more of a grueling task than wrapping your mind around the purpose of that Paris Hilton show The Simple Life, make sure that the job you’re applying for is one that you actually want and one that you actually want to take the time to put 110% (or insert another winning sports cliché) into the application process.
Before you type anything, do your research.
“Research,” you say. “I’m not writing a college composition paper.”
That may be true, but consider that you are writing for a certain audience and you’ll also be using specific language formalities depending on the tone in the job advertisement and the type of company ... Not so different from what you learned in composition 101 class.
Besides, you just graduated and your writing classes should still be fresh in your memory. Just trust me, the information will be worth it when you write your cover letter and later when you attend your interview. Research the job, people, and company who will be hiring you. Make a few notes about things that interest you or you have questions about.
Now… you can start the cover letter. I know, I know…it only took four paragraphs to get here.
Start by reading the job advertisement and note about these questions:
(1) What work-related and personal qualities does the company desire?
(2) What matching qualities do you have?
Write your cover letter by discussing: which job your applying for, how you fit into the company, and what you uniquely bring to them without being obnoxious by constantly starting every sentence with “I” or reiterating something that can be easily seen on your resume. Keep it to no more than three paragraphs – less is better.
Last but not least: Whether you like it or not, it’s who you know. If you have a mutual friend of the hirer, mention it in the first sentence directly after your greeting.
HERE’S ONE OF THOSE MAD LIBS COVER LETTERS THAT YOU SHOULD AVOID HAVING
instructions: fill in the parenthesis
(Company)
(New Boss Name), (Boss Job Title)
(Company Address)
(Company Phone)
(Today’s Date)
(Greeting) (New Boss Name), (Boss Job Title):
I am (adjective) that I will be a wonderful new addition to your (job title you are applying for). I have an extensive background in (verb +ing) personal attention to customers both (adverb) and (adverb). I can (transitive verb) your needs for (noun), (noun), and (noun) with my (verb +ing) and my practical (noun) skills. I have (verb +ed) numerous co-workers in situations that required me to (verb), and I’m a (adjective) person who will (verb) your clients and make them feel (transitive verb) at (name of company). I would be more than happy to meet for an (noun) at your convenience. (Verb) free to (verb) me (the hours you’re available) Monday - Friday.
(Closing greeting,)
(Your name)
(Your phone number)
(Your email)
Image above is from http://www.cybercv.com
No comments:
Post a Comment