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Job Searching Advice: Cover Letters: Add a Personal Touch

written by Marissa  Virtusio

A cover letter. What is it ?

Sometimes, we call it an  application letter. In your job search, a cover letter  introduces your resume (Neile,1991). Is it needed? Well,  in "Resumes for Hard Times" Bob Weinstein  remarks that "you can get away without one" but  enclosing a cover letter is adding the right professional  touch. In today's competitive world, professionalism can indeed make a difference.

In this regard, I highly recommend Caren Neile's Tips  for Winsome Cover Letters which are as follows:

·     Custom-fit your cover letter to the specific job or  company with your background in mind.

·     Open with a convincing lead. Make the employer's day  by writing opening lines that stand out - but don't  overdo it.

·     Manifest your skill in research. If you are replying  to an ad, why not use some of the words or phrases the  company has mentioned?—like "industrious",  "hardworking".  Make sure you have researched  about the company, its needs, the needed job  responsibilities, and how your skills and experience will  make a good match to it.

·     Hit the mark by targeting the letter to the right  person. Don't risk ignoring or insulting a female  employer by writing "Dear Sir" or "Gentlemen". "Dear Sir or Madam" will  do if you can't get any name.  Remember, you should get  the information right : the address, the spelling of the  person's name, the company name, the job title you're  applying for and that of the person you're writing to.  Be brief and concise. Let your resume speak more for  you.

·     Proofread and ask somebody to check for typographical  errors.

·     Your cover letter as well as your resume should have  the same type paper and envelope.  No flower-designed  stationeries, please. Standard, matching paper presents a  professional look.

·     By all means, type (don't hand-write) the letter and  use correct business-letter form.

  Type an original cover letter or application letter  for each resume you send. It may take a good part of your  time but it's worth it.

·     Don't be too personal, intimate, or sweet.  Polite and professional is the secret.

·     Use blue or black ink in signing your name and leave  out the loops and squiggles.

·     As you end your letter, leave one space after your  typed name and type "Enc." at the left margin  to notify that you have attached an enclosure, i.e., your  resume together with the letter.

So, here's A Sample Cover Letter

(Courtesy of How to Get a New Job and Earn what You're  Really Worth)

Your Address
City, State, Zip
Telephone Number
Date

Name Of Employer or Personnel (HR) Manager
Title of Employer or Personnel (HR) Manager
Name of Organization
Street Address
City, State, Zip

Dear Name of Employer or HR Manager:

Paragraph One: Introduce the purpose for mailing your  resume (like you want to apply for the position the  company has advertised). State the source used—such  as a classified ad, recruiter, friend, and of course, a web site like trabaho.com. If you want to drop someone's  name, check first if it's okay and research about the  person's credibility and reputation in the company.

Paragraph Two: Describe yourself briefly with regards  to your current job, education, willingness to relocate,  etc.

Paragraph Three: Expound a little bit more about your  contribution to your field, as far as experience,  enthusiasm, education, or expertise.

Paragraph Four: Politely request a date for an  interview. If there's a need for you to travel, recommend  a time span during which you'll be able to do so.  Reiterate your interest in the company.

Sincerely OR Very truly yours,

Your Signature
Your Typed Name

------------- end of article -----------------
Reference: Neile, Caren (1991). How to Get a New Job and  Earn What You're ReallyWorth.  USA: Globe Communications Corp.

Conducting an effective job search requires a clear understanding of the job market and the know how to use some of the skills and techniques. Here are some myths and misconceptions concerning the effective methods for achieving success, followed by corresponding realities.

Myth 1: Anyone can find a job in today's low unemployment job market.

Reality: The job markets of many countries have been the employees' market for the recent years. However, it does not follow that anyone who possesses intelligence and concrete work skills can effortlessly find a good job. Having positive attitudes and self-esteem, abilities of setting goals and solving problems, skills of interpersonal communications may help in succeeding job search. But more importantly, he must know where to find a job a post-industrial and high-tech society. The visible job market in which vacancies are advertised in media channels is highly fragmented and chaotic. On the other hand, the hidden job market in which vacancies are not advertised but passing through word-of-mouth, is still unknown to most job seekers.

Myth 2: Employers hire the best qualified candidates. Inexperienced job seekers do not stand a good chance in the competitive job market.

Reality: Employers seldom hire the best qualified candidates because "qualifications" are difficult to define and measure in any job interview. Personal traits and other virtuous aspects of an individual such as being purposeful, persistent, pleasant, competent, intelligent, honest, independent, confident and well-mannered, can possibly be measured in a job interview. Employers want value for their money and do not hire people for no reason. Being an inexperienced applicant, do not emphasize your own demands and never volunteer your weaknesses by saying "I'm sorry I don't have such experience..." On the contrary, you should define employer's goals or needs as your skills and strengths, and you might end up in the driver's seat.

Myth 3: Job seekers should not try to use contacts or connections to get a job.

Reality: Employers hire people who can contribute more than they worth. Employers care less whether applicants make use of contacts or have connections with whom they know. Moreover, if an applicant is strongly recommended by someone the employer knows and trusts, his chances of getting a job is higher than one without. Standing in line for a job often reduces possibilities of being selected, or even being noticed. If for one reason or another job seekers prefer to apply through front door like everyone else when he can use personal contacts, it is because they just want to test their luck. They are probably not serious enough in getting a job.