BE PREPARED TO BE ACCEPTED FOR EMPLOYMENT! (part 6)
So, and now it’s time to tell you about the last document - Covering Letter. You must include a covering (or, cover) letter when sending your resume to anyone. Resumes are impersonal documents that contain information about your skills, abilities, and qualifications.
A covering letter should do more than state “Here’s my application and resume”. A well-written covering letter reveals important communication skills. Aside from what you say, the way you say it matters.
Cover letters should be brief, energetic and interesting. A polished cover letter answers the following questions:
1. Why are you writing to me and why should I consider your candidacy?
2. What qualifications or value do you have that I could benefit from?
3. What are you prepared to do to further sell yourself?
Below are the guidelines for a covering letter. Applicants should not produce identical letters. Feel free to express your own personality if you hope to influence the reader.
Get the Reader’s Attention
Try to say something that will make the reader want to read on. This could be your qualification or a reason for your interest in the firm, e.g.:
“The article on your firm in New York Post suggested that you may be expanding. Are you looking for a dynamic sales person?
As a prize-winning student of English, I believe my skill as a writer would be a useful attribute in your public affairs department.”
Name dropping is another attention-getter: if someone respected by the employer has suggested you make the application, mention the person right at the beginning, e.g.: «Arthur Stone suggested that I get in touch with you», or «Arthur Stone has told me that your company regularly hires students as summer office help».
State Your Purpose
Don’t beat around the bush and merely imply that you are applying for a job. Be specific. If you are responding to an advertised opening, say so. Remember that a reader who is uncertain about your purposes is unlikely to act.
<:3 )~~~~~~
Yours sincerely,
AlexSandra