Monday, October 31, 2011

Emails and Cover Letters

Cover letter emailThis concludes our 4-part series on job search written materials

Job seekers used cover letters to focus an employer’s attention on the required skills and experiences in the days when resumes were typeset and printed by the 100’s. The purpose of cover letters ceased when word processors allowed job seekers to customize each resume and print them on demand. Yet, the cover letter itself continued as tradition.

Today, many times the message in the body of the email replaces the cover letter’s purpose. The email hooks the receiver’s attention so that he or she wants to open the resume and peruse it. In addition, many online applications still ask for cover letters. Between the email and cover letter requirement on the application I still find a need to teach how to customize cover letters in less than 10 minutes.

Outline for a 10-Minute Customizable Cover Letter or Email

The cover letter or email basically consist of three parts: the introduction, the body, and the conclusion. The introduction and conclusion remain the same with a few blanks filled in. The body consists entirely of 4-5 bulleted 3rd base portions from your home run statements. You select the statements that best reflect what the company wants. The conclusion, like the introduction, does not change often.

Let me share an example. When using it, ensure you don’t include the words “Introduction”, “Body”, and “Conclusion” in your letter.

  1. Introduction
    1. “Please accept the attached (enclosed if snail mailed) resume as application for the (job title) at (company name). I respect (company name) for (insert a trait). I believe you will find I meet your requirements.
  2. Body
    • A 3rd base portion that shows you meet their most important requirement
    • A 3rd base portion that shows you meet their 2nd most important requirement
    • A 3rd base portion that shows you meet their 3rd most important requirement
    • A 3rd base portion that shows you meet their 4th most important requirement
  3. Conclusion
    1. “As you can see, I meet your requirements for the (job title). I really want to work for (company name). I look forward to communicating with about this soon.
    2. Sincerely, (your name) (job title the company uses)

How to Customize Your Cover Letter or Email

Just like a customizable resume you can create a “Master Cover” letter using Google Docs or Microsoft Live.

  • Type the above outline on the first page—minus the bullets in the body.
  • List all the 3rd base statements on pages 2-3.
  • Save the original as “Company Name Cover Letter” to customize the letter or email.
  • Fill in the blanks in the introduction and conclusion.
  • Copy the most applicable home run statements into the body.
  • Delete pages 2-3 and save the document

I hope this helps you improve the quality of your emails or cover letters, reduce the time you spend sending them, and increase the results of your job search.

Join me on Wednesday for my series on accepting and negotiating job offers

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