Careers 101: Writing an effective cover letter
Careers 101: Writing an effective cover letter
Is this you?
Thumbing through the want ads, you become excited about a new job listing. The ad says to submit a resume and a cover letter — but wait, didn’t cover letters go by the wayside when we moved into the age of e-mails and online job postings? And doesn’t your resume detail all the information an employer needs to know anyway? Besides, you know people who were hired who didn’t include a cover letter, so why should you?
Despite what you may think, cover letters are not extinct. In fact, many employers still expect to see one on top of your resume. The bottom line is that you should always include a cover letter unless you are in the rare position of personally delivering your resume to an employer.
What is it for?
Basically, the cover letter is a personal letter written in a business format. Here are some characteristics of a good one:
• It’s professional, but also warm and friendly.
• It personalizes your job search, providing an opportunity to stand out from other candidates by emphasizing what you can contribute, in your own words. • It expresses your enthusiasm and interest in the position and the company and, at the same time, demonstrates your uniqueness and personality.
• It’s work-centered, employer-focused and tailored for each employment opportunity.
How it differs from a resume
Keep in mind that the cover letter is often viewed as an extension of your resume and should reflect your knowledge of the employer’s needs.
But now you ask: If the resume and the cover letter are so closely related and essentially serve the same purpose — getting you a job interview — then how do they really differ?
By highlighting your previous accomplishments in a factual, data-oriented format, a resume establishes that you can do the job. An effective cover letter, however, functions differently in to distinct ways:
1) It points out out who you are as a person by providing a peek into your personality, making the reader (interviewer) eager to meet you.
2) It complements and supplements your resume by explaining in more detail relevant items in your resume.But it should never duplicate the resume. Still, both documents should be employer-centered by addressing the employer’s needs as detailed in the job description.
Before you get started
Before you begin to compose your letter, try doing the following:
• Thoroughly read the ad or posting to determine what they are looking for.
• Circle key words and use them in your resume and cover letter.
• Put yourself in the potential employer’s shoes and ask yourself if your resume and cover letter answer its needs.
• Research the company. Know why you want to work for that particular agency.
• Divide a piece of paper into two columns. On one side list the job requirements, and on the other side list your qualifications. Review the skills you have to offer and see how they fit in that particular job. List the unique qualities about yourself that make you a viable candidate.
Now, how to actually write a cover letter
As with resumes, there is no one right way to write a cover letter. That said, there are a few guidelines to follow. A good cover letter is normally one page in length and consists of three to four paragraphs written on identical paper and with the same point size and font as found on your resume. It should be written in a an easy-to-read 12-point font such as Times New Roman, Arial or Palatino, and it should be single-spaced and on the same kind of paper as your resume. Use standard 1-inch margins on all four sides.
There are many types of cover letters, but the “invited” cover letter — one written in response to a posted job opportunity — is the most common brand and the type we are focused on here.
The first paragraph should indicate the position you are applying for and where you saw it advertised. Indicate your interest and enthusiasm at the prospect of getting the job in a manner that would arouse the employer’s interest by pointing out how you can contribute to the profitability, efficiency or productivity of the organization in a way no other candidate can.
In the second and third paragraphs, grab their attention by demonstrating how you would benefit the employer. Sell your most relevant skills, achievements and qualifications. If you are aware of a problem the company is facing, you could tactfully suggest how you might be able to help solve the problem. This is also a good place to show your knowledge of the company. You could list skills that would add value to your candidacy but aren’t listed in the job announcement, such as fluency in another language. The fourth paragraph should indicate how you intend to follow up. Most importantly, make sure that you actually do. Remember, your goal is to obtain an interview. By promising to follow up, you take some control of the process. You could indicate that you will call the company’s offices next week to see if a meeting could be arranged to discuss your candidacy. And always thank the reader for his or her time and consideration.
Final points
• Keep it brief, following the aforementioned guidelines.
• Avoid negativity and always accentuate the positive. • Don’t be too creative or humorous with your cover letter.
• Make sure to write it so that it is attractive and easy to read.
• Carefully edit the letter. It must be free of spelling, grammar and punctuation errors.
• Stay focused and use a traditional approach that incorporates your marketable skills, demonstrates your enthusiasm for the job and highlights your knowledge of the company. By creating a successful cover letter, you are one step closer to getting that dream job you always wanted. Good luck!
Tony Abbruzzi is assistant director for employer relations at UNCG. He can be reached at 334-5454 or ajabbruz@uncg.edu.
Interested in contributing to Careers 101? Do you have ideas or suggestions? Contact Patrick Collins at 412-5934 or pcollins@news-record.com.
What to include
Each paragraph of a good cover letter has a distinct and important purpose.
Paragraph 1: Indicate the position you are applying for and where you saw it advertised.
Paragraphs 2 and 3: Grab the reader’s attention by demonstrating how you would benefit the company. Sell your most relevant skills, achievements and qualifications. If you are aware of a problem the company is facing, you could tactfully suggest how you might be able to help solve the problem.
Paragraph 4: Communicate how you intend to follow up. Most importantly, make sure that you actually do. Remember, your goal is to obtain an interview. By promising to follow up, you take some control of the process.
