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January 24, 2007
Cover Letters -- The Basics
Hopefully you are busy applying for jobs and working on those ever-so challenging cover letters. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you are drafting letters.
1. Before you write the letter, research the employer and consider how to link what you know about a particular employer with your background, education, interests, and skills.
2. Create a tone that is enthusiastic and sincere.
3. Limit your letter to three paragraphs and just one page. In the first paragraph explain the purpose of your letter and why you are applying to this particular employer. In the second paragraph elaborate on your background and how it relates to the particular employer. In the third paragraph request an interview.
4. Proofread carefully and do so many, many times -- employers are not sympathetic to typos and grammatical errors.
5. Do not just assert that you have certain qualifications or skills -- back up your assertions with examples.
6. Market yourself -- let the employer know why you are the right person for the job.
7. Make every effort to address your letter to a particular person. That way it gets where it needs to go and you have someone to follow up with.
8. End your letter with Sincerely yours, Yours truly, or Very truly yours -- and don't forget to sign it!
9. Please ask the CSO staff to review your letters.
If you are feeling frustrated and challenged in writing cover letters, you are not alone -- they are hard to write, and please do not hesitate to ask the CSO for help!
Posted by smp20 at January 24, 2007 05:36 PM