Cover LettersOr the Highly Rhetorical

Resume Companion

Cover Letter BasicsLength

Typically, the job application letter should be no more than one printed page (standard 8 1/2" x 11").

1/2- or 2/3-page letters are becoming popular. Multiple-page letter might be used later in a career, but entry-level

candidates should stick to one page.

Delivery

Typically, the job application letter is a print document written it in a word-processing application delivered via postal mail.

Job letters can be delivered in a number of different ways that you should be prepared for.• Fax• Email• Web portal• How else?

Delivery Considerations How the letter is delivered requires important

considerations:• How should you send it via email— in an email message or as

an attachment to one? • How interested is the reader?

If the reader doesn't know you or is not that interested in your application (like an HR department or a general contact) don’t send the job letter as an attachment (because the reader will likely never open it).

Perhaps, send your job letter as an email message which the recipient can read directly and quickly without having to download it.

• Don’t create barriers between you and the uninterested reader. Even if you send a letter via email follow up with a FAX or mailed

version. You want to make sure the reader has a hard copy version of your

letter. Make it easy to read your letter!

What’s in a Cover Letter?

Overall, the goal of the cover letter is to: • express your interest in the job • formally ask to be considered for it • highlight your best qualifications for this job• Show that you are a match by referring to your resume

Do the work that your resume cannot The letter does not have to be comprehensive, but it

does address every credential mentioned in the job ad.• Refer to your keyword list when writing your cover letter!

Don’t just repeat what is already in the résum—supplement it. • You might repeat key credentials, but it should add to what is

already in the résumé. Aim for 3-4 paragraphs

The first paragraph… Indicate what job you are applying for and where you saw or

heard about the job. Express your interest in being considered. Indicate the special credentials that make you qualified for

this position. Example:

Dear Ms. Gore:

Your advertisement for a programmer in the August edition of Computerworld magazine describes a very intriguing development environment, and one that I am interested in learning more about. If your need for state of the art software specialists remains unfilled, my enclosed résumé may interest you.

The second paragraph… Highlight your best credentials for this particular job. If your academic degree program is your best credential, begin with

that. If you have relevant work experience, begin there instead.or Have one paragraph on work experience, one paragraph on

academic credentials, and a third paragraph on "other"— that is, special qualities that make you a particularly promising candidate.

Example:

My experience in the U.S. Navy has instilled in me a high regard for excellence and achievement, which I strive to maintain daily in both my personal and professional activities. During college, I have worked full-time as a programmer to support my family, and have managed to maintain a near perfect grade point average. My programming background using C and C++ as well as my familiarity with object -oriented development methodologies would be a positive addition to your Colorado Springs development team.

The final paragraph Indicate your interest in being contacted for an interview. Indicate when and how you can be contacted. Express enthusiasm for the position. Example:

It would be my pleasure to meet with you to discuss how well my skills might fit your current requirements for an application programmer, and what contributions I could make to your organization. Perhaps we can also discuss your vision of those technological advances that interest us both. I am looking forward to hearing from you soon.

End with a closing line (sincerely, etc.) Follow with 4 blank lines (for signature) Type first and last name Any enclosures

• Enclosure: Resume

What about the style? To make your letter stand out, don’t use overly generic

language "Generic language" is general, abstract, non-specific— it's a

phrasing or sentence that could be stated by anybody, not you in particular. Readers' eyes glaze over when they encounter generic language, because they have heard it before (thousands of times) and because you sound like everybody else.

For example: "I have excellent people skills." "I get along well with

people." "I have excellent communication skills.”

“I am very interested in working for your company.”

"I have extensive experience in accounting."

Your cover letter should always be tailored, and therefore not generic.

The tailored job letter not only presents your credentials and qualifications (the résumé does that, too), but it explains those credentials in terms of the specific demands of the job and the company.

Be distinctive: use sentences, phrases, language that only you could write, and only for this particular job.

Make sure that you provide or at least refer to evidence to support your claims. Below are some examples of both generic and specific language.

"I enjoy working in a team environment -- and have contributed to several successful team projects in advanced management courses and in my internship at General Motors.”

"Your location in Seattle and the chance to work with a team of innovative IT professionals make me especially interested in the position.”

"My portfolio includes several different kinds of technical documents, including end-user computer documentation, technical descriptions, and summaries of science and technology articles, written for both advanced readers and new learners."

Use Specific, Tailored Language

In-Class Exercise• Work with a partner on the following

exercise1. Choose a job description that one of you is

using for the resume and cover letter project

2. Draft an opening line for the first paragraph of that cover letter

3. Rewrite that line to be more tailored and specific

Homework For Wednesday:

• Draft a cover letter for your selected job• Bring an electronic copy with you to class