Any tips on writing these? I am looking for phrases to mention and to avoid.
Thanks
The one thing that I always looked for was the non-standard cover letter. Yes, I’m sure you were very excited to see my ad, and that your the ideal candidate, but show me that you can think creatively by not providing a “canned” cover letter. Each one should be custom written for that opening. Show me you’ve done some research on my company, visited my website, or thought about my business.
I suspect a lot has to do with the industry in which you work. I’m in Ad Sales, hence the creatively written letter that shows the candidate can break through the clutter.
Above all else, proof the hell out of your letter. A single misspelling or grammatical mistake was enough for me to throw the whole thing away.
If it’s an engineering job, expand on the parts of your resume that are relevant or give examples. This shows, as rundogrun mentioned, that you have researched the company. For example, “I am familiar with rotary encoders because I used them on my test stages when I worked at ABC Engineers.”
Ditto on rundogrun’s comments on poor spelling and grammar.
Haj
Requests for tips should go in IMHO. I’ll move it.
bibliophage
moderator GQ
In case this helps, I am a finance major looking for a job in banking or investment.
Sorry about that
>Whoa… flashback to all those employment stories I wrote when I was an employment writer<
Use some action verbs… don’t say I did this or I worked at that… if it is appropriate, try words such as managed, developed, supervised, revamped, produced, consulted, etc.
These make stronger, tighter sentences.
Of course, that is also a good idea for your resume. The resume is something more fact-based; I was here, I did this. But the cover letter is a spot where you can brag a little, not much, but a little, on some of the things you do well that they might need.
Also, it is a spot to make the things you have on your resume sound better. For instance, if you have only one job listed in your work history that is relevant to the position you seek, but you have other jobs listed too, you might say a little about how much you learned at the job that was relevant and how your variety of positions taught you how to work with all kinds of people, and successfully manage your time and workload, and blah blah.
Things like that.
If you don’t have any relevant jobs to list, just work somewhere relevant for free if you can, volunteer for a few hours a week or something. That counts as experience.
I personally think that the first paragraph of the cover letter should be you’re 30 second sound bite pitch. Make 'em interested enough to actually skim the entire cover letter and resume. (Hint, if you’re sending it by email, make sure the cover letter is in the email text body and not an attachment.)
Maybe something along the lines of I was a finance major, internned at several banks, know how to sell, an avid skydiver and willing to be slave at your investment bank. Of course, spruce it up a bit, but a simple soundbite so they remember who you are. When you do the follow up call, sa I’m that skydiving finance major.
I have a one paragraph blurb where I give 'em the soundbite and show I understand who they are, then “I also bring the following things to the table:” and list 10 bullet points of skills and accomplishments.
Good luck
rundogrun’s advice is dead on. Don’t try to sound like anyone else. OTOH, don’t go too far out. Make the letter professional and write as clearly as you can.
Above all, show some confidence. Not “I kinda think I might be able to fill the position.” More like, “I have the interests and experience you need.” Try to avoid “I think” “I believe” “I might” “I could” and similar expressions. “I know” and “I can” works much better (actually, I’d leave out “I know,” too – you usually don’t need it).
Indicate enthusiasm for the job.
Caveat – don’t go overboard on any of these suggestions. Too much confidence or enthusiasm can be as bad as none at all.
It’s not always possible, but try to get a contact on the recieving end and address the letter to them, it’s much better than “Dear Sir/Madam”.
Also, as mentioned above, no canned letters - you must taylor each one for the specific opening, and show your qualifications to fill it.
If you can, follow up and continue to show interest without being a pest.
Best of luck in your search.