looklook123123
02-02-2016, 08:30 PM
Back again with another professional development guide! First off, I will not be going through the format of the cover letter in its entirety as you can just google that. It doesn't change. I want to give you my approach to the cover letter. I think my ideas are strong, as the same professional who helps with our resumes guided us along for a cover letter. Personally, I feel I never write the right thing in my cover letters, though I have confidence in the fundamentals behind it which I'm providing! Without further ado, here we go!
What is the cover letter? This is sort of like writing out your resume while not actually referencing anything in your resume at all in that you are talking yourself up. It should emphasize YOU. It is an alternative way for the employer to get to learn who you are, what you want, and why you are worth it.
I usually keep it to 2 full paragraphs and make a third �paragraph� which closes it out stating that I look forward to the employer reading my resume next and contacting me about the position. Below I will outline how my own personal cover letters look. It is a bit different than what you look up when you google templates.
I am putting this in a spoiler so only members can read it!
Dear (EMPLOYER),
My name is XX XXXXX and I am applying for XX position. From here list what you currently do (whether it�s going to school part time, or what you currently do for work or both). From here, let them know something about you that will captivate them. This is usually a trait that you possess that you can explain further in your cover letter. This trait may change depending on the position you are applying for. As an example, applying for a sales associate position, you may say that you great relation skills while in applying for a bookkeeping position you may say you have great attention to detail, or if you�re applying to be a schoolteacher, state that you have drive in watching people succeed. From here, connect the trait to the job you are applying for.
What are you currently doing? If finishing school, state you are working towards your bachelors in XXX. If working, state that. If you�re doing both, say you are working at X place as well as working on your bachelors/masters/doctorate etc degree. From here, explain what you are doing currently to ready yourself for the position you are applying for, whether it�s something big or small. Let them know you are preparing for hire; this shows that you are serious in your job search. Next up, spend a few sentences describing how you fit that trait from paragraph 1. Give a brief scenario about you performing in that skill and tie in any other positives within reason to this assessment (PM me for help with this). After giving the example, reassure the reader why this is important, and what that trait alone can bring to the table. Make sure it�s something different than the concentration in your resume.
Start off the final �paragraph� thanking the reader for taking the time to read everything. Reinforce the end of the previous paragraph, which should be about reassuring your original trait (kind of like a 5 paragraph essay; start with an idea, support it in the body, and conclude with it). Finish off by stating you look forward to hearing a response and setting up a time to discuss the position further. Be confident. You�ve got this. Don�t forget this last bit. Show that you want it.
KEY POINTS:
Do not rewrite your resume
Be honest and make sure you can back up the special trait
Be bold and confident
Be concise so that the reader understands everything you�re saying in a page or less.
Be yourself! This is the first impression
Be free of grammar/spelling errors unless you want your resume/cover letter thrown away!
GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE AND AS ALWAYS POST OR PM ME QUESTIONS.
What is the cover letter? This is sort of like writing out your resume while not actually referencing anything in your resume at all in that you are talking yourself up. It should emphasize YOU. It is an alternative way for the employer to get to learn who you are, what you want, and why you are worth it.
I usually keep it to 2 full paragraphs and make a third �paragraph� which closes it out stating that I look forward to the employer reading my resume next and contacting me about the position. Below I will outline how my own personal cover letters look. It is a bit different than what you look up when you google templates.
I am putting this in a spoiler so only members can read it!
Dear (EMPLOYER),
My name is XX XXXXX and I am applying for XX position. From here list what you currently do (whether it�s going to school part time, or what you currently do for work or both). From here, let them know something about you that will captivate them. This is usually a trait that you possess that you can explain further in your cover letter. This trait may change depending on the position you are applying for. As an example, applying for a sales associate position, you may say that you great relation skills while in applying for a bookkeeping position you may say you have great attention to detail, or if you�re applying to be a schoolteacher, state that you have drive in watching people succeed. From here, connect the trait to the job you are applying for.
What are you currently doing? If finishing school, state you are working towards your bachelors in XXX. If working, state that. If you�re doing both, say you are working at X place as well as working on your bachelors/masters/doctorate etc degree. From here, explain what you are doing currently to ready yourself for the position you are applying for, whether it�s something big or small. Let them know you are preparing for hire; this shows that you are serious in your job search. Next up, spend a few sentences describing how you fit that trait from paragraph 1. Give a brief scenario about you performing in that skill and tie in any other positives within reason to this assessment (PM me for help with this). After giving the example, reassure the reader why this is important, and what that trait alone can bring to the table. Make sure it�s something different than the concentration in your resume.
Start off the final �paragraph� thanking the reader for taking the time to read everything. Reinforce the end of the previous paragraph, which should be about reassuring your original trait (kind of like a 5 paragraph essay; start with an idea, support it in the body, and conclude with it). Finish off by stating you look forward to hearing a response and setting up a time to discuss the position further. Be confident. You�ve got this. Don�t forget this last bit. Show that you want it.
KEY POINTS:
Do not rewrite your resume
Be honest and make sure you can back up the special trait
Be bold and confident
Be concise so that the reader understands everything you�re saying in a page or less.
Be yourself! This is the first impression
Be free of grammar/spelling errors unless you want your resume/cover letter thrown away!
GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE AND AS ALWAYS POST OR PM ME QUESTIONS.