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| How do i write the best cover letter job to a college or university department enquiring about a teaching position within their art department? I don not need student cover letter help, I need business cover letter for my career change cover letter. Should I fax cover letter example or email cover letter... |
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Taken from open source.
WRITING EFFECTIVE COVER LETTERS
WHAT'S THE PURPOSE?
• A Cover Letter is the first contact you make with an organization or company. It accompanies a resume that is being sent to an organization for a specific position. The well-written cover letter will lead the reader to the other part of the application-the resume. In other words, the cover letter bridges the gap between your skills, experience and the qualifications of the position.
• It demonstrates your ability to communicate in writing and organize your thoughts in a cohesive manner, both of which are pertinent to most positions.
• A well-written cover letter commands the reader's attention. It demonstrates interest and knowledge in the industry and/or employer.
• The opportunity to interview is the ultimate goal of your cover letter and resume. A cover letter is like an individual commercial where the most attractive features are highlighted for the employer so GRAB THEIR ATTENTION!
THE INGREDIENTS TO A GREAT COVER LETTER
All cover letters are different but most have these key ingredients: the return address, date, addressee, salutation, introduction, body, closing, and the enclosure line. The introduction and closing should each be one paragraph while the body can be one or two paragraphs.
STARTING OFF…
The return address and phone number must be at the top of the page. If the resume has a specific letter head remember to use that same letter head for the cover letter. The date will appear two lines below the return address. Make sure to write out the date; don't abbreviate. Next, include the company contact information (contact name and title, address, and phone number) two lines beneath the date. Always try to find out the name and proper title of the person receiving the letter. The salutation will fall two lines below the addressee information.
Begin with "Dear Mr. " or "Dear Ms.", followed by the person's last name. Never address the letter by their first name. If it is a cold call letter, salutations may be more general like, "Dear Hiring Partner," or "Dear Recruiting Coordinator."
INTRODUCTION
This opening paragraph explains why you are writing the letter. State your purpose, and name the specific position or type of work for which you are applying. If you are responding to an advertisement, state the name and date of the publication where you found the ad. If a wellrespected person referred you to the firm or organization, mention the person's name and connection.
The first paragraph must attract enough attention to make the employer want to read on. This is definitely no time for drabness. Here are some samples of "personal" opening lines:
• Your advertisement in the Wake Forest University School of Law job postings for the
month of July indicated your need for....
• Gordon Sumner with Sumner & Associates suggested I contact you regarding.......
• I am writing to inquire about the position......
• Because of my background in...I am applying for...
• My reason for contacting you ….
BODY
This is the section where you must sell your skills and abilities. In the second paragraph, communicate the way in which your skills and experiences can be of value to this particular employer. Show how you will benefit the firm. Specifically discuss how your skills meet the requirements of the position. Highlight relevant achievements, skills, and/or experience, mentioning one or two of the most interesting points on your resume. Explain how you intend to contribute to the firm/organization. You can list in bullets or paragraph-format your skills and qualifications.
Here are some examples:
• “The enclosed resume highlights my legal skills in the area of criminal law. As a clinic student working in the District Attorney’s Office of Winston Salem… .... My hands-on training in this area has prepared me to make a strong contribution to your criminal defense law firm.”
• The position of ______________would allow me to....
• My qualifications and experience include......
• The experience I have gained in the business law field.......
• Your law firm interests me because......
If you feel the need to have a third paragraph, you can include information which hasn't been mentioned on your resume or needs to be described in more detail (for example: your continuing education experience or gaps in your employment).
CLOSING
In the final paragraph, the letter changes from desire to action. Here you should state when and how you will contact the employer to arrange a mutually convenient time to interview. Include your phone number and how you can be reached. Do not assume an employer will contact you once you have sent your cover letter and resume. It is your responsibility to follow up. Finally, thank the individual and mention that you are looking forward to meeting him or her.
Here are some closing statements:
• I would like to meet with you and will call to set up an appointment at your convenience.
• Thank you for your time and consideration; I hope to hear from you soon.
• You will find my resume enclosed. I look forward to discussing my experience and qualifications with you...
• I will speak with you further and will call the week of _____ to follow up.
Once you write your salutation, don't forget to write "Enc: resume" to remind the employer that your resume and/or other material accompanies the cover letter.
TOP 10 COVER LETTER TIPS
1. Send the letter to the appropriate person.
Your letter will be more effective when you address the letter to a specific person within an organization. Don't hesitate to call the organization directly to find out the name (and correct spelling!) and title of the person in charge. If you are unable to get a specific name, "Dear Hiring Partner" or "Dear Recruiting Coordinator" are acceptable alternatives.
2. Research the employer.
What better way to send a letter with direct impact than to focus on facts unique to this particular employer? Use the information obtained through research to demonstrate that you know something about the firm or organization.
3. Time your letters and follow-up calls effectively.
Your letters should arrive sometime after Monday--Mondays are the heaviest mail days. Tuesday is the most productive workday of the week. Time your follow-up calls no more than three days after the arrival of your letter. It is much more likely to be forgotten after that. Avoid calling on Monday morning or trying to fax your cover letter and resume on Friday after lunch since people will typically have the weekend on their minds.
4. Keep it to ONE page!
Three to four short paragraphs are plenty for an employer to read. If it's any longer, it's unlikely to be read.
5. Leave qualifiers out of your letter.
Don't use the expressions "I feel that..." or "I think that....." These qualifiers only weaken what comes after them. Usually, these statements can be left out and the remaining
sentence can stand as is.
6. Count the "I's" in your letter.
Don't overuse the word "I". If you use the word "I" more than 3 or 4 times to start your sentences, you've used it too much. Starting every sentence with "I" can give the wrong impression.. Change sentences so that the word "I" is eliminated. For example, "I have had experience in..." could be changed to "My experience includes...."
7. Retain a copy.
Be sure to use an acceptable business letter format (see samples). Send the original and be sure to keep a copy for your records.
8. Match your stationery.
For a polished, professional image, print your resume and cover letter on matching stationery and enclose them in a matching envelope. Avoid using colored paper and graphics. Stay conservative.
9. Reread your letter.
Keep in mind that the professional image you want to give to a prospective employer includes a neatly typed, grammatically correct and accurate letter and resume (NO TYPOS!). Don't be satisfied with the computer spelling and grammar check on your computer. The best way to check for mistakes is to have others read and view it before sending it to employers. REMEMBER, your cover letter and resume represent YOU so make it leave the best impression.
10. Use a PROACTIVE CLOSING!
Initiate follow-up in your closing paragraph. Don’t wait for the person addressed in the letter to take action. Let them know YOU will contact them with-in two weeks to discuss your qualifications with them more and to set up an interview date.