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Tips for writing
effective cover letters.
WRITING COVER
LETTERS THAT LAND INTERVIEWS
When it
comes to job hunting, your cover letter is your
best tool to landing an interview.
Many people
may have job skills and experiences as good or
better than your own but a cover letter is the
place where you can really let an employer know
who you are in a very personal way.
Here are
some tips on writing a successful cover letter.
Tips
for Great Cover Letter Writing
When writing a cover letter, write it to one person for one job. Don’t write to
“Dear Sir” or “To Whom It May Concern”. Obtain the name of the right person and
get the right spelling!) along with that person’s title. Mention the job for
which you are applying as well as how you found out about the position.
Points to Highlight to be Effective
Next, speak to special talents which perhaps don’t show up on your resume. What
personal characteristics do you have that are needed for this position? If the
opening is for a “detail oriented” individual then speak to your volunteer
experience shelving books at the library. If the needed skill is “strong
customer service”, then you highlight any situation where you’ve worked with the
public – anything from Scout cookie sales to running a cash register will help.
Whatever examples you give should be concise, clear, and honest.
Now what about mentioning your current employer? Make only positive statements.
No matter how stressful or awful your current working situation may be, don’t
make negative comments. A good generic statement is: I am looking for a new
opportunity where my skills and abilities can be best used. If you don’t wish to
be contacted at your place of employment, a simple note to that effect will
suffice.
Show your Knowledge
In the cover letter, let the employer know that you know something about the
company and their needs. Take the time to learn about the company’s goals. Read
copies of business journals or the business section of the local paper. Show an
interest in the company just like you want the company to show an interest in
you. Show how you can help the company.
In the closing paragraph, be confident and enthusiastic. A good closing
statement might be: I look forward to meeting with you in the near future to
discuss the needs of XYZ company.
Be Professional
Last tip: Using fancy fonts, colored papers, colored inks, fancy folders, or
enclosing extra materials will get your cover letter noticed but not in the way
you want. Stick to the professional guidelines of using a standard business font
such as Times New Roman and a nice quality paper in either white or cream color.
A
cover letter can essentially be considered a “paper interview” so let those
talents and your personality shine!
To
teach and learn more money skills, personal finance, and money
management, please go to the Money
Instructor home page.
Great Cover Letter Tips
for Great Cover Letters
- Thank you Job Letter -
Resumes -
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Adults - Classroom - Writing Cover
Letters
Tips for writing
effective cover letters.
To
teach and learn more money skills, personal finance, and money
management, please go to the