RESUME/COVER LETTERS: Creating Great Cover & Followup Letters

Introduction

Cover letters are generated in response to several queries for employment. Generally, you should generate a cover letter when: - Sending a general letter soliciting employment under a general mailing... in effect a “cold call letter” - Responding to an Ad, either a blind Ad or a specific response to an Ad placed by a Company, Recruitment/Search Firm - Following an Interview, with an Employer or Referring Agency - Networking to solicit help in your job search - Thanking someone who referred you to a job opportunity Generally the body of the letter should be short and to the point. However, since cover letters usually results in delivering a message which will hopefully improve upon your candidacy or the identification of a job opportunity, consider including, where appropriate, the following information and suggested statements which varies for each letter:

COLD CALL LETTERS

The “cold call letter” captures your audience’s attention in a matter of precise seconds. Normally the reader jumps right to the resume unless there is something that immediately attracts the eye of the reader. Opening Statement: In your first sentence include reference to the area in which you are interested, and in general terms indicate the level of the position. For example: "I am seeking employment in the area of Hotel Management as the Front Office Manager. Or: "I am seeking employment in Casino Operations as a Floor Supervisor." Qualifications: You should immediately indicate why you qualify for this position. You should site the years of experience in the related field, specialized education, noteworthy jobs particularly if the most recent one is relevant to the job and the area you are most interested in. For example, your letter would begin: "I have had over five years of experience in hotel management and am presently employed by X Corporation as the Front Desk Manager. In this capacity, I direct and manage a staff of ten employees, to perform those duties that will enhance the service rendered to our clients. To keep abreast of innovative ways to improve on our service, I have continued to be trained in various courses relevant to this area (cite examples) and graduated in 1980 in Hotel Management from XYZ University I have served in similar capacities at (name of companies and position)." Accomplishments: Where possible include bullets of recent accomplishments. For example: "In 1997- 1998 I reduced customer complaints by 30% by instituting a new program in which we followed up on each complaint and amended the problem within 24 hours." Compensation Expectations: Demonstrate flexibility when indicating your expectations for compensation. However, by including your compensation you will achieve a perception of your worth, as well as be able to identify if they have genuine opportunities for you. For example: "My current compensation package is in the range of ___ however, for the right career path, I will consider the opportunity over the compensation." Closing Comments: Here you want to reaffirm what you expect and let them know that you would be interested, even if the result is only an exploratory interview. Further to that statement, you may want to indicate a willingness to relocate, should a suitable position exist out of the area. For example: "I look forward to hearing from you in the near future so we can explore if there is a suitable position for me in your firm. Thank you in advance for your consideration and I hope to hear from you soon."

RESPONDING TO AN AD OR A SEARCH FIRM AD

Generally the tips above are applicable; however make sure you specify in your opening comment precisely the position you are applying for. In most cases companies will generally screen resumes purely on your opening statement and then will scan it to determine your experience by weighing your compensation expectations relevant to your experience. Include in this letter a comment on follow-up, in which you will call them. Although this may appear a bit assertive, if you position the phone call as an exploratory one, and do not make a pest of yourself, then you may get the call for the interview.

FOLLOWING AN INTERVIEW

Here you have an opportunity to follow-up on the interview with a precise letter that is designed to respond to questions and issues that arose during the interview. This will demonstrate that in addition to delivering important information about yourself that you were responding to the needs of the firm and the position. Make sure you thank them for the opportunity, as well as restate your level of accomplishments relevant to the position and why you are a suitable candidate. The letter should also be an opportunity to clarify statements that may have been addressed, but upon reflection of the interview, you think you should have provided further information. Do so in the follow-up letter. Lastly, make sure they know you continue to be interested and look forward to hearing from them soon.

NETWORKING

Letters to solicit names of individuals to whom you could refer your resume are very useful in your job search efforts. But first you need to generate a list of names you wish to solicit. Sit back and consider your own acquaintances and others that you could get in touch with who have acquaintances as well. Once you have your list, construct a letter similar to the “cold call letter” but in your opening comment indicate the following: "Your name was given to me by a mutual friend who thought you may be able to assist me in by job search. I am interested in a position in (***this is where you use the same verbiage provided under”Opening Statement”***). Therefore, I would appreciate the names of individuals whom you suggest I may call, provide my resume to, or to whom you can personally introduce me." Following a brief summary of your credentials you should remember to thank them for their follow-up and support during your search efforts.

THANK YOU FOR THE REFERRAL

Here is an opportunity to follow-up with someone who has referred you to a potential job opportunity or to a networking contact. It is a short, simple note thanking the person for their referral. If the position comes to fruition and you are employed due their referral, make sure you do something special to thank them. Such a gesture will be remembered and one thing that you will carry with you following the job search is to remember those who assisted.