The Job Hunt, Part 3

Hello everyone, and welcome to another installation of my Job Search series in blog posts.

I hope this series has been helpful so far. Today's post: The Cover Letter

As a nice change of pace, this post will be quite short (as compared to the others), so let's dive in!

 

THE COVER LETTER

  • Also known as a "Letter of Application," is the fifth step in the job search process (for a refresher on this process, see The Job Search, PT 1)
    • A cover letter is usually custom-made for each job position
    • NEVER, EVER use a stock letter to send to multiple employers
  • The cover letter always, always, ALWAYS accompanies your résumé (for a refresher on résumé writing, see The Job Search, PT 2)
  • This letter is an essential component of the job search process, for it is the first time that an employer gets to see your personality shine through all of your credentials.
  • This is a SALES LETTER
    • Focus on what you can offer the employer
    • Take on a "You Attitude" - focus on satisfying the reader, not promoting how amazing you are.
    • Demonstrate your mastery of the English Language! SO PROOFREAD LIKE MAD

 

GENERAL FORMATTING TIPS

  • Use ample margins
  • Style should be similar to your résumé
  • No script fonts, 10-12 point font
  • When printed, you can print on printer paper, but always use white or off-white
  • Never fold or staple your cover letter to your résumé, and send in a large envelope
  • Never longer than 1 page, keep to 4 paragraphs

 

THE STRUCTURE OF A COVER LETTER

  • Your Contact Information

    • Your Name (should stand out and be highly visible)
    • Your Address 
      • Don't abbreviate anything other than the state
      • Use a 9-digit zip code (you can find yours here)
    • Your Email Address (I recommend creating a unique email for the job search process)
    • Your Other Contact Information
    • Here is how it is to be structured:

       BRITTANY MAZZURCO

      123 Wouldn't-You-Like-to-Know Street
      Anytown, NY 11223-9455
      brittany.mazzurco@gmail.com
      (555) 123-4567

  • Your Sender's Contact Information

    • His/Her Name, and always use the appropriate title
    • Title
    • Company's Name
    • Company's Address
      • Again, don't abbreviate anything other than the state
      • Use a 9-digit zip code 
    • Contact Person's Email Address (optional)
    • Other Contact Information (optional)
    • Here is an example of how it is to be structured:

      Mr. Mark Zuckerburg 
      Father of Facebook
      Facebook
      156 University Avenue
      Palo Alto, CA 94301-1605
      Phone: 650-543-4800
      Fax: 650-543-4801

  •  The Introduction Paragraph

    • This is typically only 1-2 sentences long
    • This paragraph must include:
      • EXACTLY what position you're applying for, "I am applying for the Junior Marketing Coordinator position..."
      • How you heard about this position
        • What site you used, "...advertised on your website..."
        • What newspaper you read, "...posted in this Sunday's New York Times..."
        • Which person told you about it, "...as recommended to me by your Vice President, Joe Schmoe..."
      • When you heard about the position, "... on May 13."
      • One impressive personal qualification that makes you an ideal fit for the job

  • The Body Paragraphs

    • Typically 2 paragraphs
    • 3-5 sentences each
    • Describing your most appealing skills, knowledge, and abilities
      • Concentrate on showing yourself as a future employee
      • Cite specific accomplishments
        • Group important course work (ex: 12 hours of marketing research, 16 hours of accounting...)
        • Focus on areas of leadership, writing, finance, customer service.
      • The most successful cover letters show a strong connection of your past experiences preparing you for the one you're applying for
      • Demonstrate the fact you've done research on the job position
        • "Since your company is so focused on promoting world peace, you'd be interested to know that I spent three years in the Peace Corps."
        • "Due to the fact that your chain has recently opened a new location in Lancaster, the fact that I've been a manager in 2 other Lancaster restaurants would be a real asset to your company."
        • Tie your experience into what the company's currently doing

  • The Conclusion

    • Request an interview, "I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my qualifications...."
    • Always demonstrate flexibility and the willingness to accommodate the reader's schedule, "I will be available for an interview at any time that is convenient for you."
    • Thank the reader, "Thank you for taking the time to consider my application."
    • Closing Components:
      • Complimentary close, "Sincerely yours,"
      • Signature
      • Your typed name
      • Encl.: Résumé
      • Formatted like this:

        Sincerely yours,
        Brittany Mazzurco (handwritten)
        Brittany Mazzurco (typed)

        Encl.: Résumé

And now, a sample cover letter: 

Well there you have it!  How to write an amazing cover letter.
Next week: interviews!

If there is a topic concerning the job search process that I have not yet covered, please email me!

job huntBrittany Mazzurco Muscatojob hunt, resume, cover letter, job, writing, formatting, letterComment