The Introduction Letter
Every resume must be accompanied by an introduction letter, sometimes referred to as an employment cover letter. Either way, it is your introduction, prior to an interview, to a potential employer. Your letter should say who you are and your purpose in applying for a job with the organization.
Question: Must I really have a cover letter with every resume that I submit?
Answer: Certainly, every resume needs a cover letter. Sure it adds time and effort to your already stressful attempt to get the job, but it also is the first thing read (usually) aside from an application.
Question: Will one cover letter version work for all the organizations that I want to apply to?
Answer: It sure would be easier wouldn't it? The employer will be able to tell that they are reading a generic introduction letter, especially if it's addressed to "Hiring Authority." The reality is that when a specific person receives a letter addressed to them, mentioning them specifically gets more interest from the reader.
Call the organization, perhaps the receptionist, to find out who the hiring manager is for that particular recruitment.
Usually a recruiter or analyst is put in charge of the recruitment, it's okay to use them as your point of contact in communicating with the organization. Do it if you can't seem to get the hiring manager's name. Finding the hiring person will show initiative and tenacity. Avoid the salutation “To Whom it May Concern.”
Mention something specifically about the organization, something about their reputation, recent performance, awards, etc. KEY POINT: do good research and get your facts right. You don't want to get these facts wrong and be thought of negatively. Employers will be impressed only IF you are accurate.
Question: How long should my cover letter be?
Answer: No more than one page, if not a little less. Keep your paragraphs brief with simple English and word use. Don't try to impress anyone with your eloquent command of the English language. Letters should take no more than 20 seconds (or less) to read. Emailed letters should be even shorter to ensure they fit on a computer screen and can be scanned by a reader easily.
Question: What can I do to make MY letter pop out from the rest of the crowd?
Answer: Be as specific as you possibly can. Address the letter to a specific person, mention the specific job you are applying for and mention specific skills you have that make you the right candidate for the job. The purpose of a cover letter is to answer the employer's question of “What's in it for me?” I can't stress how important researching the organization is to complete this type of documentation.
Question: How critical is grammar use and accurate spelling in the letter?
Answer: Past behavior is an indicator of future performance. Don't provide mistakes for them to review, giving them the notion that you'll do this on the job. Use the grammar and spelling features of your word processing program and have someone you trust review and edit each cover letter you send. With spell-checkers available, there is no reason for misspehled words.
Question: Who can help me write my cover letter and resume?
Answer: There are professional resume writing services that can help you write these documents. It's best to get both documents taken care of at the same time by the same company. Most reputable companies will give you a disk so that you can make updates and changes based on the job for which you are applying.
Additional Cover Letter Tips and Notes
- Avoid misspellings
- Use spell checker on your computer
- Have friends, family, or experts review and edit your letters
- Research proper spellings of company names, don't assume you know
- Don't assume gender or marital status of contact person--call and ask
- Keep your letter positive, not admitting shortcomings or failures
- Mention relevant skills and accomplishments
- Not too personal, no personal relaxation information or photos
- Follow typical letter protocol and remain conservative
- Avoid printed papers with goofy colors; white or cream paper with black ink
- Avoid desperation in, offering to work whenever, however, for whatever
- Like your resume, your cover letter must remain accurate and truthful
- Keep the letter to one page; opening paragraph and launch into your skills
- Do your research and add a personal touch
If you just can't do it, ask friends, county employment resources, or professionals for help, but don't give up that job because of a letter!
Learn why researching an organization is an important step to successful interviewing.