by Kimberly Bartel, Manager
Do I really need a cover
letter? Yes, usually. Why? Because it is an opportunity to convince the employer
to interview you for the job you want! What is a cover letter? It is a short
letter (no more than one page) written to a specific person about a specific job
that contains three parts:
First paragraph: Explain why
you are writing and mention the job you want. Do not start with the sentence “I am writing about
the position…” Learn something about the company that you can write about in
this paragraph or if you have been referred to the company, mention the
person’s name.
Second paragraph: Sell
yourself and show off your writing skills. Write about all of the skills,
knowledge and abilities you have that will benefit the company/organization. Do
not write about what they can do for you. Focus on current accomplishments that
are related to the current job, not the number of years you have worked or a
long history of your experience. This is an opportunity to use current industry
jargon and to mention your up-to-date technical skills. Don’t rewrite your
resume since it will accompany this letter, but you can refer to
it.
Third paragraph: Write that you are very interested in
the job and would like to work for the company. Indicate what the next steps
will be. Do not write, “You can contact me at…” rather, request an interview and
let them know when you will contact them. Include your contact
information.
Don’t include salary
information. After you’ve been offered the job, negotiate for
salary.
Make sure you have someone
you trust edit your cover letter for
content, grammar, and tone before you send it. Your cover letter should
communicate your energy and ability to meet the employer’s needs. It should be
perfect.
