- Always send a cover letter with your resume.
- Use cover letters to respond to advertised job openings, referrals
from networking contacts, or to requests from
employers.
- Take your audience into consideration while crafting each cover letter.
- Avoid addressing cover letters to businesses and departments whenever possible.
Instead address your letters to a specific person by name and title.
Even if responding
to a job that states "no phone calls please," consider calling
to politely ask the name of the person who is hiring for that position.
You may not always be able to identify the name of a specific person. In
this
case,
send the
letter to the title of the recipient (Production Manager, Maintenance Supervisor,
Office Manager, Human Resources, or Search Committee). Do not address your
letter "To
Whom It May Concern."
-
Mention your skills, education, special training, and work experience
that qualify you for the job.
-
Always have a follow-up plan when you send an employer a resume and cover
letter. One way to follow-up is to call a few days after they receive your
information and set up an informational interview. At the end of your cover
letter, tell the employer how you plan to follow-up so they
know
when to
expect to hear
from
you
again.
-
Structure the letter to reflect your individuality, but avoid appearing too familiar, overbearing, humorous, or cute. Keep sentences short and to the point.
-
Keep it brief, usually no more than one page with three to five paragraphs.
- Use
the same paper stock for both your resume and cover letter.
- Ask someone to proofread your letter to check content, grammar, and spelling.
- Sign the letter in blue ink. It implies the letter is original and may
get more attention. The only other ink color to use is black. Never use any
other color on the cover letter.
Source:
Creative Job Search.
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.
Page last updated in May 2004.
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