Cover Letter is the part which made up one's resume. Writing a resume without the cover letter is a fatal mistake
Anderson (2012) says that a cover letter have to always be included in a mailed or emailed resume. It is a part which highlights specific information of one's resume and their background that applies to a specific field or position.
Cover Letters are sent to introduce yourself and to say why you are sending a resume.
Points to be considered when writing a Cover Letter
- Introduce your self (differentiate yourself with the rest and show why you are different)
- Get you noticed
- Convey special information
- Make a note of your accomplishments
- Get someone to re-read
Hints when writing the Cover Letter
- First 20 words or the first paragraph are the most important as the employer makes his first impression based on that. Therefore try as much to use action verbs
- Show your value to the employer and say how can you be of value to the employer
- Use active voice and direct language and grammar, not passive.
- Reflect your individuality: personal strengths, skill set, which are,
- Communication
- Problem Solving
- Analysis
- Interpersonal
- Numerical
- Spell Recipients name correctly
- Sound friendly and polite not pushy.
- Use excellent grammar and correct spellings
- Do not use slang
- Be brief- stick to one page
- Last paragraph must request for an action like for an interview
- Stick to the point
- Proof Read
- Neatness
- Sender's Address and the date
- Name and address of the person to whom the letter is sent
- Title of Respect
- A salutation which is gender neutral
- The body of the letter
- A complimentary close and signature
- Return Address
- Reference initials, enclosure notifications
- Postscript (Convert to PDF)
The body have to include
- 1st Paragraph: Say the reason for writing
- 2nd Paragraph: Give a picture of who you are and why they should hire you
- 3rd Paragraph: Call attention to resume, reiterate, interest, what is next?
References
Capital University Career Development (2012) How to Write a COVER LETTER. [online] Available at: http://www.capital.edu/uploadedFiles/Capital/Current_Students/Student_Services/Career_Development/Content/How%20to%20Write%20a%20Cover%20Letter.pdf [Accessed: 15 Jan 2013].
No comments:
Post a Comment