If you’re sending along a resume what is the deal with this cover letter business and why do you even need one at all? Well, according to the experts it takes all of seven seconds to make a first impression, and this can be the sole factor in determining their initial interest.
Not just any letter thrown together is going to suffice when applying for a serious position. You need to make sure your writing is tailored to the individual that is going to be reading it. The wording used should be specific to the position and company in question and not bogged down with generalized statements. This is going to be the path that convinces the reader to continue on and read your resume.
A cover letter is going to fall within one of two categories: it will be either a letter of application or of inquiry. For an application letter, you would write regarding a specific posted position; whereas an inquiry letter can be simply an interest in associating with the organization even if there is not an opening for a particular position.
With the explosion of technology, many potential employers today may want you to submit your cover letter electronically. There are some very keys variances that should be noticeably different in the structure of your letter if it is not being reviewed in hard copy form.
· Signature and contact
- Hard copy the block of avenues to reach you would be at the top of the page with a hand-written signature on the bottom; whereas in electronic form all of that information would be the closing lines that come after your name
· Subject Line
- Hard copy this can be a simple ‘Dear Whomever’; however for an email version this line can determine whether or not an employer even takes the time to look at the information you have sent to them, make sure it is logical to the recipient
· Margins/Fonts
- Generally speaking for a hard copy version, an ideal margin will be 1.5 inches. However, if you are having difficulty fitting all of your information on one page (should not be an issue) that measurement can be adjusted. Obviously if you are submitting the letter electronically, the standard presets for emails should be adequate.
- As Meg mentioned, the simplicity of a font is critical. Regardless of the version you are submitting, it is best to choose a sans serif font, such as Arial or Calibri. It is also important to be aware that the size of the font is going to vary based upon the font you select, so a 12pt. font in Arial is different from 12pt. in Times New Roman.
- It can be a nice touch to have the fonts of your resume and cover letter match, particularly for hard copy versions where the reader is able to lay the two pages side-by-side.
Hope this continues to help as you muddle through the job application process!
-Amanda
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Write your BEST Cover Letter
So what is a cover letter you ask? It is your opportunity to wow your employers with your skills, and what you are looking for....A JOB A JOB! (I hope that I'm not seeming to eager :) ) Here are some tips on how to set up the format of your cover letter and what to include.
Employee's name
Let’s be real, if you don't even have the information of the company your applying to, you might as well save yourself the time and not apply. Most job description will tell you who you are sending the information to. Make sure that you spell his/her name right because that would be a stupid reason for you not to land the job.
Your information
If you already have your address on your resume, you do not need to include it on your resume. However, you still should include your email address and phone number.
Be Professional
You need to make sure that the font is professional. Choose a classic font that won't be a problem, like Times New Roman. This may seem stupid but it is actually quite important.
How to start off
You should start the letter with Dear Mrs./Mr./Ms. followed by a COLAN: a comma is too informal for a cover letter.
BODY
The first sentence should immediately introduce what job you are looking for, followed by introducing yourself. Tell them your name, what school you attend, and your year. You can't use the same cover letter for every job that you are applying for. Each cover letter should be specific for the job.
Compliment the Company
Say something about the company before you go into detail about yourself. This shows that you have done research and know what the company is about. You can also relate this to why you would be a great fit for the company.
Why you
Why should you get this job over all of the other applications that they receive? Brain storm what qualities makes you great for the specific job. Take those qualities and write a sentence or two about your experiences and why you are right for the job. Give an example of something you have done, like your internship. Avoid just listing things like, eager to learn, punctual, team player etcetera.
Let them know you’re available
let them know you are flexible and ready to interview at their convenience as well as the best way to reach you. It is also a good idea to say 'If I don't hear from you I will follow up next week.' Your should give them a specific date of when you will follow up with them if they don’t contact you.
BUH-BYE!
Short and sweet. 'Very best regards, Meghan Graf'
Just like your resume, do not forget to proofread your cover letter. Have as many people as possible to look over it before you send it anywhere!
-Meg
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