Expert Advice for Job Seekers
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Subscribe TodayDo you have it covered? Writing the perfect cover letter.
Before the Internet and e-mail, writing a cover letter felt similar to cranking out a mini term paper. Those days are no longer. Online job postings have enabled employers to reach thousands of candidates, and sifting through résumés has become a fine art. In this environment, a cover letter that's effective reads more like a snappy marketing piece, with concise language, short paragraphs, and bullet points.
"The purpose of a cover letter is to incite the employer to look at your résumé," says Louise Kursmark, co-author of Cover Letter Magic and The Fifteen-Minute Cover Letter. "Nobody has time to read a lengthy personal essay. Get to the point quickly or they will move on."
What to write
Here are a few suggestions:
Again, you want to get the reader excited about you, but first you need to tell the person why you're writing - for instance, you're interested in the sales associate job or you're seeking contract work in the IT department.
"Don't make it a mystery," Kursmark says. "It's OK if you want to start out with a quick anecdote to make it interesting; just don't get caught up in the story and not explain why you're writing until paragraph three. It's very important to be clear right up front."
Not everyone who reads your cover letter will look at your résumé, so it's OK to include some résumé highlights. However, don't repeat things verbatim. That shows laziness. Instead, point out a larger theme in your skill set that would translate well in the job opportunity. For instance, if the company needs a self-starter, focus on your successes inside and outside of the classroom that demanded initiative and entrepreneurial thinking.
Tone and format
Humor and quirkiness are often great attributes in social situations, but when it comes to cover letters, it's best to keep it professional. That doesn't mean you have to be over-the-top formal. Simply demonstrate that you are a professional. Avoid using slang and abbreviations and always proofread meticulously for spelling and grammatical errors.
"If you want to let some of your personality shine through, go for it, but first consider the company's culture and make sure [your approach] is appropriate," Kursmark says. "Never forget that your letter is a business correspondence, not a letter to a friend."
Most companies request that cover letters and résumés are sent via e-mail; however, regular mail is certainly acceptable at many companies. It might even help you make a lasting impression if your materials arrive through regular mail. If you chose this route, your cover letter and résumé need to match in paper selection, headings and font style. "It should look like a coordinated package," Kursmark says.
E-mailed cover letters should contain short paragraphs (three to four lines maximum). Also, use bullet points to break out lists.
Cover letter Do's . . .
Focus on what you can offer. Especially as a recent college graduate with limited work history, you might be tempted to explain away what you perceive to be shortcomings. However, Kursmark says to stay positive. Are you intellectually curious? A problem solver? Do you have an eye for detail? Highlight accomplishments, personal interests, and extracurricular activities that demonstrate sought-after traits and values.
Show them you understand. Research the company and refer to your findings in your letter. "It shows that you took time to look into what they're doing and where they're going," Kursmark says. "It shows them that you're ready and interested."
. . . and Don't's
Don't tell your life story. Nobody has time to hear it. Save it for water-cooler talk once you've landed the job!
Don't rely on the cover letter and résumé to get you the job. State in the letter that you will follow up in a few days to discuss the opportunity, and then pick up the phone and follow through with your promise.
"Cover letters are difficult to write because you have to write tight," Kursmark says. "So, take time to pare down to the most important things. But remember: Don't make it all about you. It's about how you can help them."
