Job-Related Correspondence
Why a Cover Letter?
A cover letter allows you to tailor your application to a specific job. It reflects your personality, your attention to detail, your communication skills, your enthusiasm and motivation, your intellect and your specific interest in the company/organization/unit to which you are sending the letter.
It highlights the aspects of your experience that are most useful to the potential employer and you can earn points for knowing what those aspects are. It should call attention to the skills, talents and experience the employer seeks. It provides the opportunity to show what you know about the field you are interested in and the company/organization/unit to which you are writing.
A well constructed cover letter can also demonstrate your ability to organize your thoughts and get to the point: keep your letter focused on what you can do for the employer. You must demonstrate a clear understanding of the company/organization/unit's current situation. You clearly can increase your chances of being invited for an interview by writing an effective cover letter.
Writing an Effective Cover Letter
Cover letters are constructed with close attention to:
Purpose
The main purpose of the cover letter is to gain an attentive audience for your CV. It is the opportunity to let your prospective employer hear your voice. The cover letter should reflect the fact that you have conducted enough research to know the interests, needs, values and goals of the company/organization/unit to which you are applying.
Content
The letter should name the position for which you are applying and also make specific references to the company, organization or unit. Moreover, it should be addressed to the specific individual who will process your application, when ever possible. In the private sector, this usually can be found through research or by calling the company to find out to whom you should address your letter. This is more challenging with online systems, especially with rosters and multiple duty station listings.
Indicate your knowledge of and interest in the work the company/organization/unit is currently doing and your qualifications for the position. You want the reader to know:
- Why you believe to be the perfect match for that specific company/organization/unit.
- How you qualify for the position to which you are applying.
- Why you fit with that company/organization/unit.
The cover letter should also:
- Highlight the most important and relevant accomplishments, skills and experience listed in your résumé/CV;
- Point to the CV in some way;
- Request specific follow-up, such as an interview.
Format
The cover letter should be in paragraph form with a conversational tone. The first paragraph should be brief, two or three sentences, stating:
- Which job you are applying for and how you learned about it,
- Any personal contacts you have in or with the company or organization,
- Your motivation for that specific company/organization/unit and for the job,
- Your general qualifications for the job.
The body of your letter should consist of one to three longer paragraphs in which you expand upon your qualifications and fit for the position.
Pick out the most relevant qualifications from your CV and discuss them, demonstrating how your background and experience qualify you for the job. Be as specific as possible and refer your reader to your résumé for additional details
The concluding paragraph of your cover letter should request an interview. State where and when you can be reached and express your willingness to come to an interview or supply further information. Close by thanking your reader for his/her time and consideration.
To see a sample cover letter click here.
For more information, you may visit www.jobweb.com or www.cvtips.com.
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