<div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div dir="ltr"><div class="gmail_default"><div><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Hello again NFBNJ members and Federation friends, </font></div><div><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><br></font></div><div><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Attached and included in the body of this email is the third module to assist you in preparing for our upcoming job fair. This module is titled, "Writing a Cover Letter" and is designed to assist with the creation of an effective Cover Letter. This normally is sent to a potential employer along with a resume.</font></div><div><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><br></font></div><div><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Special Note: Keep in mind emails can sometimes mess with document formatting. </font></div><div><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><br></font></div><div><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Best of luck,</font></div><div><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Job Fair Team</font></div><div><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><br></font></div><div><h2><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><a name="_Toc144403212"><b>Cover
Letter</b></a><b><span></span></b></font></h2>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">A
cover letter is a document that accompanies a resume when a job seeker applies
for a job. The cover letter has a unique role in that it helps the job
applicant express their interest and qualifications for a position in a way
that a resume is not able to do. Cover letters allow the job seeker to write in
their own voice and provide information that is not easily found in a resume.
In fact, some recruiters claim that they would prefer to have an applicant's
cover letter instead of a resume as they can gather much more information about
the person. Since the cover letter is in your own voice, it is important to put
in a lot of effort and have somebody else read it and give you feedback.<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> </font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">I
can tell you that as someone whom has worked as a Recruiter and as a Hiring
Manager, I always insist on the applicant sending a cover letter along with
their resume. It allows me to see what their writing skills are like. It also
gives insight as to how an applicant can follow directions.<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> </font></p>
<h3><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><a name="_Toc144403213"><b>Formatting
a Cover Letter</b></a><b><span></span></b></font></h3>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">It
is important to use the standard style of writing a business letter when you
reach out with a cover letter or request for an informational interview. These
guidelines have been put together for you to follow. Always proofread your
letter, or better yet, have someone review it for you. Do this before sending it
out. Make sure to look for spelling, grammar, and formatting errors. Some
assistive technology products offer features for looking for inconsistencies in
the document. Consult your product’s online resources for additional
information.<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> </font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">The
most common format is referred to as Block style. All information should be
left justified and single spaced. Use an easy-to-read font like Times New
Roman, Courier New, or Arial in 12-point font. Even better, try to use the same
font as your resume. Avoid using bold, italics, or underline in your letter.
Margins should be one inch all around. This is the default on most word
processing programs. In between sentences, it is not necessary to press the
spacebar twice. It is a good idea to skip one line between paragraphs. It is
not necessary to indent the first line of a paragraph.<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> </font></p>
<h3><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><a name="_Toc144403214">What
to Include in the Document</a><span></span></font></h3>
<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><a name="_Toc521330805">Sender’s Address</a><i><span></span></i></font></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">This
information should be included unless you are using a letterhead that already has
the sender’s address.<span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpFirst"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span></span><span style="line-height:107%">Start at the top of the document<span></span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span></span><span style="line-height:107%">Include the street address, city, state and
zip code<span></span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span></span><span style="line-height:107%">Do not include your name, title, email
address, or web site (You can place it in the body of the letter or beneath the
closing signature<a name="_Toc521330806">)<span></span></a></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpLast"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span></span><span style="line-height:107%">Date</span><span style="line-height:107%"><span></span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">The
date should follow the sender’s address. Skip one line after the sender’s
address. For companies in the United States, use a standard format:<span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpFirst"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span></span><span style="line-height:107%">Write out the name of the month, e.g., August<span></span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span></span><span style="line-height:107%">Use a numerical value for the day such as 12
followed by a comma<span></span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpLast"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span></span><span style="line-height:107%">Finally, the year written out numerically as
well<span></span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Example:
04/22/2019<span></span></font></p>
<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><a name="_Toc521330807">Inside Address</a><i><span></span></i></font></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">The
inside address is the recipient’s address and should come after the sender’s
address and date with one line in between. Ideally it is best to write to a
specific person. You can always research the organization online to find a
staff directory or a page describing the leadership team if you are looking for
a name.<span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpFirst"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span></span><span style="line-height:107%">First comes the person’s first and last name
including their title<span></span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span></span><span style="line-height:107%">If known, use the appropriate title such as
Mr., Mrs., Dr., etc.<span></span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span></span><span style="line-height:107%">For women, if you are not sure which title
they use, use Ms.<span></span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span></span><span style="line-height:107%">The next line should be the full name of the
company<span></span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span></span><span style="line-height:107%">The next two lines should be the street
address and city, state, and zip code<span></span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span></span><span style="line-height:107%">Use the organization’s standard business
address. It is preferable to use the company's headquarters address rather than
a satellite office<span></span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span></span><span style="line-height:107%">Write the city followed by a comma and the
abbreviation for the state and then the zip code<span></span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpLast"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span></span><span style="line-height:107%">For international addresses, write out the
name of the country in all capital letters on the last line<span></span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Example:<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Ms.
Linda Melendez<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">National
Federation of the Blind, New Jersey Affiliate<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><a name="_Toc521330808"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">P.O. Box 185<span></span></font></a></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Keyport, New Jersey
07735<span></span></font></p>
<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Salutation<i><span style="color:windowtext"><span></span></span></i></font></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">After
typing the address, insert one line between the address and the salutation.<span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpFirst"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span></span><span style="line-height:107%">Use the same title for the recipient as in the
inside address plus their last name<span></span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpLast"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span></span><span style="line-height:107%">If you are unsure of the recipient’s gender,
you can write out their first and last name without a title<span></span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Example
Chris Johnson or Pat McDonald<span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpFirst"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span></span><span style="line-height:107%">Only use first name if you are on a first name
basis with the person and only in exceptional cases<span></span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span></span><span style="line-height:107%">Pro tip: This should be avoided when possible.
Keep it formal.<span></span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpLast"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span></span><span style="line-height:107%">The name should be followed with a colon and
not a comma<span></span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Example:<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Dear
Ms. Melendez:<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Dear
Pat McDonald:<span></span></font></p>
<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><a name="_Toc521330809">Body</a><i><span></span></i></font></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">After
you have created the salutation, skip one line before beginning the body of the
letter. It is important to keep the body of the letter concise and on point. Do
not write one large paragraph, instead break up the body into three or more
paragraphs. Remember to put a blank line in between each paragraph for easier
reading. It is not necessary to indent the paragraphs.<span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpFirst" style="margin-left:0in;text-indent:0in"><span style="line-height:107%"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> </font></span></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span></span><span style="line-height:107%">It is okay to be friendly but keep the tone
formal and limit the length of any friendly gestures<span></span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span></span><span style="line-height:107%">Do not write anything that would sound like an
email to a friend, a text message, or a post on social media<span></span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span></span><span style="line-height:107%">Be sure to give the reader a clear
understanding of why you are writing to them in the first paragraph<span></span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span></span><span style="line-height:107%">Identify the job title, job location if there
are multiple job sites, requisition number if available, and where you found
the posting<span></span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span></span><span style="line-height:107%">If you are being referred for a position, be
sure to include the referring person’s name (the referring person may earn a
monetary bonus for the referral. So, it is imperative to mention them by name <span></span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span></span><span style="line-height:107%">The first paragraph should highlight why you
are an excellent candidate for the position identified<span></span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span></span><span style="line-height:107%">Use the second and third paragraphs to support
your first paragraph and be sure your support aligns with the job posting <span></span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span></span><span style="line-height:107%">The last paragraph should restate the intent
of the letter including a “call to action”<span></span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpLast"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span></span><span style="line-height:107%">It is okay to insert your phone number, email
address, and availability for an interview<a name="_Toc521330810"><span></span></a></span></font></p>
<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Closing<i><span></span></i></font></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">After
the last sentence of the body paragraph, insert a blank line.<span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpFirst"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span></span><span style="line-height:107%">Capitalize the first word only and follow with
a comma<span></span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span></span><span style="line-height:107%">Use conservative closings like Best regards,
Thank you, or Respectively<span></span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpLast"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span></span><span style="line-height:107%">Do not use casual closings such as Later,
Thanks, Cheers, Cordially, or Warmly<span></span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Examples:<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Thank
you,<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Best
regards,<span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpFirst"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span></span><span style="line-height:107%">Skip four lines and type out your name<span></span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpMiddle"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span></span><span style="line-height:107%">This allows you a space to sign the letter if
it is printed<span></span></span></font></p>
<p class="gmail-MsoListBulletCxSpLast"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><span style="line-height:107%">·<span style="font-variant-numeric:normal;font-variant-east-asian:normal;font-variant-alternates:normal;font-kerning:auto;font-feature-settings:normal;font-stretch:normal;line-height:normal">
</span></span><span style="line-height:107%">Optionally, you can include your contact
information such as phone number and email address<span></span></span></font></p>
<h1><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><a name="_Toc521330811">Enclosures</a><i><span></span></i></font></h1>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Note
that this practice has been falling out of favor and you may want to consider
not including it in your cover letter. However, if you do want to include it,
follow this direction. If you are planning to include additional documents, you
can write Enclosures and optionally list them.<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Skip
one line after your closing and then type Enclosure<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> </font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Write
“Resume”<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Write
“References”<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Write
“Work Sample”<span></span></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> </font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">If
you attach either of these enclosures with your cover letter, list them as
noted above.</font></p><p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><br></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><a name="_Toc144403215"><b><span lang="EN" style="">Why I Care More About Your Cover
Letter Than Your Resume</span></b></a><span lang="EN" style=""> </span><b><span lang="EN" style=""><span></span></span></b></font></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">I’ve probably sorted through the
materials of thousands of job applicants over the years. Sometimes it’s for
full-time work; sometimes I’m looking for a contractor. Sometimes the position
is challenging and complex; sometimes the tasks are basic. But no matter what
the nature of the hiring may be, one thing remains the same: if your cover
letter doesn’t impress, I won’t even look at your resume. So, take your time
and write a quality letter.<span></span></font></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><br></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">Every job posting I’ve ever written has
made it clear that I require a cover letter. I even go so far as to tell them
what I’m looking for in that cover letter: an explanation of why their
experience and skills makes them a good fit for the opening. There should be no
opportunity for confusion.<span></span></font></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><br></font></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:tahoma,sans-serif;font-size:large">And yet sadly, if I had to guess, I’d say that more than 60% of applicants don’t include a cover letter at
all. Another 20% include a cover letter that simply informs me they’ve attached
their resume. Another 10% include a cover letter that is clearly a template
they use for any old job application. Only 10% of the total applicant pool
takes the time to actually write a cover letter that answers the questions I’m
asking. In other words, the best candidates customize the cover letter for this
specific job at this specific company. I know that because they address why
they are a good fit, and they share their relevant experience. These applicants
may share information that demonstrates they have researched our company and
mention a tidbit or two about the company’s accomplishments or goals for the
coming year.</span><br></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><br></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">That means that 90% of the people who
want me to hire them are not submitting a cover letter that will help them
secure an interview. Talk about a terrible first impression. <span></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">If your cover letter leaves much (or
everything) to be desired, I don’t care if your resume is dozens of pages of
awards and sheer greatness. You’ve lost me. Why?<span></span></font></span></p>
<ul type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">If your cover letter is
nonexistent or messy and uninformative, I’m not sure I believe a word of
your resume.<span></span></font></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">If you can’t follow simple
instructions in the application process, I have little to no faith in your
ability to take direction on the job.<span></span></font></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">If you cannot communicate why your
experience and skills are relevant to the job, I’m not sure you understand
what the position entails, or that your background brings all that much
value to the table.<span></span></font></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">If your cover letter could be used
to apply to anything, anywhere, it tells me that you didn’t care enough
about the opportunity to convince me you’re the person for this specific
job.<span></span></font></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">In the body of your cover letter,
target one or two job requirements and state how your skills address those
specific job requirements. As an example, “<i>Your requirement says you
should have 4 years as a Photographer. </i>Write something like, “<i>I
have worked as a Sports Photographer for 7 years documenting high school
and college football, track, and basketball games with pictures that told
a story</i>.” Or “<i>I have
provided photographs of my client’s weddings with the types of photos they
told me they desired prior to their wedding date. I have done this for
over 15 weddings successfully over the last 7 years.</i>”<span></span></font></span></li>
</ul>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">A solid cover letter, on the other
hand, makes me want to schedule an interview immediately. In most cases. It can
even help you overcome deficiencies in your resume or a lack of experience. I
would rather have a determined, passionate individual with a strong work ethic
on my team than one with an Ivy League degree without tenacity every single
time. Your pedigree is not as important as your <i>ability</i> to do the work.<span></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">So, the next time you go to apply for a
job, think about whether it’s one you really want. If you do, take the time to
write a custom cover letter that will grab their attention and clearly
articulate why you’re the candidate they’ve been looking for all along. It may
be the difference between getting dismissed or landing the interview. <span></span></font></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><br></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN" style=""><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4">NOTE: The company doesn’t care as much
as to why you <i>want</i> or <i>need</i> the job – but they care more about <i>what
you can do for the company</i>. How can you increase revenue, decrease
turnaround time, or solve their problem? So, sell yourself as a problem solver
that addresses their needs. That is more likely to get you hired. <span></span></font></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"> </font></p></div><div><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><br></font></div><div style="font-size:large;font-family:tahoma,sans-serif"><font face="tahoma, sans-serif" size="4"><br></font></div></div></div></div></div></div>