|
Cover letters won't get you the job, but they
do play a critical role in how you communicate your information.
A successful cover letter should be specific and personal.
It should be clean, neat laser copy, yet not mass generated.
 Each
letter should refer to a specific person at a specific company
and provide a specific next step that you will be taking.
If you wait for them to call you, your odds of contact decrease
dramatically. It usually requires
a proactive response on your part to move the process forward
to the next level. Here is a cover letter serving as a sample.
456 College Hall
Normal, IL 67890
February 15, 2002
Ms. Jane Doe
Partner-In-Charge
Big Public Accounting, Inc.
123 N. Michigan Ave.
Chicago, IL 12345
Ms. Doe:
I was referred to you by Mr. Dave Zbecki, a Partner
with your New York office, who informed me that the
Chicago office of Big Public Accounting is actively
seeking to hire quality individuals for your Auditor
Development Program.
I have more than two years of accounting experience,
including interning
as an Auditor last year with the New York City office
of Arthur Andersen. I will be receiving my BBA this
May from Illinois State University, graduating Magna
Cum Laude. I am confident that my combination of practical
work experience and solid educational experience has
prepared me for making an immediate contribution to
Big Public Accounting. Having interned with a leading
Big Six firm in the public accounting field, I understand
the level of professionalism
and communication required for long-term success in
the field. My background and professional approach
to business will provide your office with a highly
productive Auditor upon completion of your Development
Program.
I will be in the Chicago area the week of March 16.
Please call me at 217-222-3456 to arrange a convenient
time when we may meet to further discuss my background
in relation to your needs. If I have not heard from
you by March 9, I will contact your office to inquire
as to a potential meeting date and time. I look forward
to meeting you then.
Sincerely,
Tracy Q. Graduate |
 This
type of cover letter will pay back far greater returns than
the simple "introduction to me" letter that most
people use. Remember that a successful cover letter is a
marketing tool used to move your customer one step closer
to buying your product. Customers do not buy features, they
buy benefits. So make sure you drive home your benefit to
the customer!
And keep in mind that many employers look to the cover
letter as an example of your written communication skills.
Resumes are often written and proofed by others, but cover
letters are often yours alone. Make certain that your cover
letter is spell-checked, grammar-checked, and proofed by
someone other than yourself.
 Use
this checklist to insure that your cover letter is complete:
· One page only and limited to three targeted paragraphs
· Type written or word processor, with full spell check
and proofing
· Written to someone specific, with the name and title
spelled correctly
· Company name and address are correct and complete
· Quality bond paper, 8×11 inches, ideally the same as
your resume
· Three focused paragraphs (focused on the reader's needs,
not yours)
· Closes with "Sincerely,"--anything else can
be too chummy
· Signed with a blue or black pen
· Includes a P.S. for emphasis
· Place the resume behind and fold in a tri-fold, with
no staples
· Type or neatly print address on envelope
· Seal the envelope
· Conservative stamp on the envelope
· Final step: do not forget to follow up, or all the other
steps will be in vain!
↑TOP (622
words)
|
Listen
