FSS Newsletter :: September
2002
Career Corner :: 10 Tips For Creating an Effective Cover
Letter
Your cover letter presents your intentions, qualifications
and availability to a prospective employer in a succinct and
appealing format. As your first chance to make a great impression,
a personalized letter indicates you are serious about your
job search. Your resume can give the nitty-gritty of dates,
places of employment and education, but your cover letter
must entice the reader to consider you amidst dozens of candidates
for any one job opening.
1. Do You Really Need a Cover Letter?
You bet! Just as you would never show up unannounced at a
prospective employer's door, your resume should never just
appear solo on a decision maker's desk. Your cover letter
is your first opportunity to introduce yourself, present your
qualifications and show the search committee you are a potential
candidate for the advertised position.
2. Personalize It to the Company.
Anyone can reproduce a "canned" cover letter and
hope for the best. Instead, take a few minutes to personalize
your letter to show a company you are serious about working
there. State the reason for your interest in the company.
Show that you have done your homework by mentioning company
specifics such as a department, a new project or a recent
acquisition.
Address the cover letter to a specific individual whenever
possible.
3. Why are You Sending Your Resume and Cover Letter?
Cover letters should be clear and to the point. Include the
specific job title, two to three reasons why your experience
makes a good fit and a brief outline of your career highlights.
4. Highlight Your Strengths.
You may be a great person and never call in sick, but prospective
employers really want to know why they should consider you
for this position. Brag a little! Give a few facts, list relevant
skills and state accomplishments on recent jobs that will
be impressive.
5. State Your Intentions and Qualifications Right up Front.
Don't expect a the personnel manager to wade through a mishmash
of information on your cover letter before understanding why
you are sending your resume.
6. What Makes You Different?
Emphasize your skills, talents and experiences to show how
you would be a valuable addition to the team. If you have
relevant volunteer or professional experience, mention it
briefly in your cover letter. For example, if you are an accountant
who serves as volunteer treasurer for a
nonprofit community health organization, include that information.
7. No Negative Information.
Never include personality conflicts with previous employers,
pending litigation suits or sarcastic remarks in your cover
letter. If you are bad-mouthing your present place of employment,
interviewers may fear a repeat performance if they hire you.
8. When Should You Include Salary and/or Relocation Information?
The rule of thumb is to always include salary requirements
and/or salary history in the cover letter if a prospective
employer requests it. For example, you could write: "My
salary requirements are $20,000-$30,000 (negotiable) Eliminating
this information from your cover letter may justify your resume
getting tossed out. Never include salary and relocation
information on your resume -- only address this information
in your cover letter.
9. Take Action Steps.
Take a proactive approach in your cover letter. State the
fact that you are available for a personal interview; give
your home, work, email and/or cell phone numbers where you
can be reached; note that you will follow up by phone (whenever
possible) to provide any additional information required.
10. Be Direct!
A clean, error-free presentation, combined with strong phrasing
and solid facts, will encourage the reader to review the attached
resume and call you in for an interview.
Training & Employment Programs Available at Harcatus
Harcatus Training & Employment Division is announcing
the availability of training opportunities which are being
provided to Tuscarawas County residents.
Harcatus is accepting applicants into their programs beginning
immediately. Programs being offered include 1) GED classes
2) Basic Skills (for those just interested in improving their
academic abilities 3) Job Placement / Work Experience for
those individuals seeking employment. In certain instances,
participants will be placed into actual paid employment at
the minimum wage 4) Computer Training to improve skills in
computer utilization. 5) Life skills training to help you
manage child care, stress, transportation and other life issues
Additionally, Harcatus will help people who are just interested
in getting assistance to find a job. They will instruct you
on various aspects of the job search process including resume
preparation, interview skills, obtaining job leads, filling
out job applications, etc.
In order to be eligible for these free services individuals
must meet the following criteria:
1) Be a resident of Tuscarawas County.
2) Have current incomes which are below 200% of the Federal
Poverty Level. (TMHA participants would meet this eligibility
factor)
3) Have custody of a minor child residing in your home under
19 years of age: Or (see # 4)
4) Be a non custodial parent paying child support to a child
who is residing in Tuscarawas County.
All of the programs operate out of the Harcatus Training
& Employment office located at 225 Grant St. in Dennison.
For further information or to enroll please contact Linda
Simpson at (740) 922-1083 weekdays between 8:00 and 4:30.
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