Cover letter?

[DetHMetaLDolL]

Has anyone here ever had to write one. This is a letter you attach to a resume to further seel yourself. I have to write one and I have no idea how. I am not good at shameless self promotion...

[Meow18]

My boyfriend had to write one recently.

 

I would say to go online and search cover letters just to get examples and ideas. I found one site that you might find helpful: link removed

[Hope75]

I've written a few in my time as well.

 

You basically introduce yourself, talk about what you are applying for and why you are interested. Then you mention some of your skills and abilities, and why you would make a good addition to the company.

 

Tell them you look forward to hearing from them.

[macdomat]

Here's how it goes:

 

Your address

Date

 

Employer's name

Employer's address

 

Dear (Insert name here - and you better have a name to put in here, "sir or madam" won't cut it):

 

First paragraph outlines how you found out about the job, including the names of the people who reffered you (ask permission to use the names first), and how/why you think you'd be a good fit.

 

Second paragraph outlines more of your applicable skills. Mention school if you are currently enrolled anywhere, pointing out the full program name and date of graduation. Do NOT re-write your resume here, as tempting as that may be. Try and match your skills to the skills they requested in the job ad.

 

Third and final paragraph contains your contact information. Thank them for considering you, and tell them that you look forward to hearing from them soon. Tell them you're available for an interview anytime (even if you're not... you can work out a time for an interview when you're on the phone with them later).

 

Sincerely,

 

Sign your name here

Type your name here.

 

Be sure to sell yourself.... this is like an ad... you want the person to buy the product. But be sure to point out what the product can do for THEM.

[DetHMetaLDolL]

All good advice, but I have an added nuance. I already work at the place I'm applying for the job at. It's just a step up the latter, big step.

[Caldus]

Well you still need to treat it as though you are applying for a new company. Again, you're trying to sell yourself.

 

Once you finish the cover letter, I can take a look at it if you want and tell you what I think.

[shyanne]

your response to an ad is stronger if you accompany your resume with a cover letter tailored to fit the position. to write a good cover letter, study the ad for the employer's needs. the letter should then cover your strengths, idenitify your skills, accomplishments and experience that match the employers needs.. don't spend a lot of time thinking up the perfect closing to your letter. "my resume is enclosed" is fine.

[shyanne]

some ads ask for salary desired.. since a specific figure can eliminate you if it is too high or low, you could list a fairly wide range or you could write "salary requirements depend on job responsibilities and can be discussed at an interview" or negotiable

[iamteddybearfeelmecuddle]

I've had to deal with the receipt of mass resumes in my job, so i can tell you it will be appreciated if you scroll your name and all contact info accross the top of the page in a 'Header', it makes it so much easier for me to contact you, and remember your name!