The
preliminary application for a professional position generally
consists of two documents: a cover
letter and a resume. This handout describes the cover
letter; the resume is described in a separate Writing Center
handout.
While the resume is a somewhat generic
advertisement for yourself, the cover letter allows you to
tailor your application to each specific job. Although the
thrust of your various letters may remain the same, with the
assorted text-processing options available at RPI-options
that include find-and-replace and merging capabilities-there
is really no reason to have a single, generic cover letter.
Overview
Effective cover letters are constructed
with close attention to
Purpose
Your cover letter and resume usually provide
all the information which a prospective employer will use
to decide whether or not you will reach the next phase in
the application process: the interview.
While your goal is an interview and, ultimately,
a job offer, the more immediate purpose of your cover letter
in some cases may simply be to gain an attentive audience
for your resume.
Audience
A cover letter provides, in a very real
sense, an opportunity to let your prospective employer hear
your voice. It reflects your personality, your attention to
detail, your communication skills, your enthusiasm, your intellect,
and your specific interest in the company to which you are
sending the letter.
Therefore, c over letters should be tailored
to each specific company you are applying to. You should conduct
enough research to know the interests, needs, values, and
goals of each company, and your letters should reflect that
knowledge.
Content
A cover letter should be addressed to
the specific company and the specific individual who will
process your application. You can usually find this through
research or simply by calling the company to find out who
you should address your letter to.
The letter should name the position for
which you are applying and also make specific references to
the company. Indicate your knowledge of and interest in the
work the company is currently doing, and your qualification
for the position. You want the reader to know:
- why you want to work at that specific
company,
- why you fit with that company
- how you qualify for the position to
which you applying.
In addition to tailoring your application
to a specific job with a specific company , the cover letter
should also
- highlight the most important and relevant
accomplishments, skills, and experience listed in your resume
- point to the resume in some way (as
detailed in the enclosed resume")
- request specific follow up, such as
an interview.
Format
A cover letter should be in paragraph
form (save bulleted lists for your resume) with a conversational,
though formal, tone.
The first paragraph should be brief, perhaps
two or three sentences, stating
what job you are applying for and how
you learned about it
any personal contacts you have in or with the company
your general qualifications for the job.
The body of your letter should consist
of one to three longer paragraphs in which you expand upon
your qualifications for the position. Pick out the most relevant
qualifications listed in your resume and discuss them in detail,
demonstrating how your background and experience qualify you
for the job. Be as specific as possible, and refer the reader
to your resume for additional details.
The concluding paragraph of your letter
should request an interview (or some other response, as appropriate).
State where and when you can be reached, and express your
willingness to come to an interview or supply further information.
Close by thanking your reader for his or her time and consideration.
What makes a Good Cover Letter?
- No spelling or typing errors. Not
even one.
- Address it to the person who can hire
you. Resumes sent to the personnel department have a tougher
time of it. If you can find out (through networking and
researching) exactly who is making the hiring decision,
address the letter to that person. Be sure the name is spelled
correctly and the title is correct. A touch of formality
is good too: address the person as "Mr.," "Ms.,"
"Mrs.," "Miss," "Dr.," or
"Professor." (Yes, life is complicated.)
- Write it in your own words so that
it sounds like you - not like something out of a book.
- Being "natural" makes many
people nervous. And then even more nervous because they
are trying to avoid spelling errors and grammatical mistakes.
- Show that you know something about
the company and the industry. This is where your research
comes in. Don't go overboard--just make it clear that you
didn't pick this company out of the phone book. You know
who they are, what they do and you have chosen them!
- Use terms and phrases that are meaningful
to the employer. (This is where your industry research and
networking come in.) If you are applying for an advertised
position, use the requirements in the ad and put them in
BOLD type. For example: the ad says-- 2 years' experience processing
magnetic media (cartridge, tape, disc); interface with benefit
plan design, contracts and claims; and business background
with strong analytical & technical skills--dBase, Excel,
R&R, SQL."
Make sure your cover letter contains each
of these requirements and shows how you measure up. To see
sample and guidelines of Cover Letter. |
