Cover Letters/Thank You Letters
 

 

A cover letter is your first opportunity to make a good impression. If your resume is well-constructed but your cover letter is not, you are decreasing your chances either for a useful meeting or obtaining guidance and direction from the recipient.

You want your cover letter to achieve four objectives:

  • clearly and concisely explain your reason for writing

  • introduce you and your qualifications

  • gain the reader's interest and support

  • keep control over the follow-up

Your letter doesn't need to relate your life-history but it does need to convey the essence of your experience in very concise terms. In the first paragraph spell out why you are writing. Tell the reader if you are seeking a meeting, asking for your resume to be considered or seeking active guidance and direction in your job-search.

Examples:

  • '' I am writing to submit my resume for your confidential consideration...''

  • '' I would appreciate a few minutes of your time for the purpose of meeting and discussing my qualifications in Air Exports...''

  • '' A mutual industry acquaintance suggested that I write and ask you for guidance on my job-search...''

You will make the impression of being decisive and focused if you tell the reader why you are writing. You risk losing your audience if you are unclear about the purpose of your letter.

In introducing your qualifications stick to three or four major strengths. Avoid putting in a laundry-list of skills and experiences. Your resume provides the details, your letter introduces your strengths.

Examples:

  • '' My strengths are sales management, exports development in both general and project cargo, leading and motivating a team of sales professionals and strategic market planning...''

  • '' I have over 8 years in global logistics and supply-chain management together with a solid grounding in intermodal freight services and related customs procedures...''

  • '' For the past ten years I have held positions of increasing responsibility in air and ocean imports, including successfully building an imports dept., achieving ISO 9002 status and training a competent team of import agents...''

The best way to gain the reader's support is to respect and acknowledge the fact that you are asking for their time and attention. A courteous tone goes a long way towards gaining active support. Influential people have many demands made on their time.

Examples:

  • '' I'll be happy to make myself available for a meeting at a time that is convenient for you...''

  • '' I would appreciate a short meeting with you at your convenience...''

  • '' It would be very helpful if I could speak with you for a few minutes to discuss my qualifications...''

It is important to retain control over the follow-up. State clearly your intentions and if possible exactly when you are going to call the reader so that the person can be better prepared to receive your call. Otherwise, you risk losing the opportunity of connecting successfully.

Examples:

  • '' I'll call you next Tuesday at 1030 a.m. to see what comments you may have...''

  • I'll contact you in the next few days to see if you have received this letter...''

Hiring managers often receive unsolicited resumes and requests for their time, attention or guidance and direction. By keeping your letter concise and your intentions clear and respecting their time, you increase the likelihood of being guided to the career opportunity which you are seeking. Proofread your letter and show it to other business friends for their input and suggestions. Make sure it is error-free and sign it in blue ink.

Thank-you letters are less common nowadays than they used to be but they are still nice to receive and leave a lasting positive impression. When someone has gone out of their way to extend their time to assist you in your job-search, it shows good manners to thank them for their efforts. It also increases the chance of your being referred onwards to those who can also be in a position to help you achieve your goal.

 


Articles


Job Search


Education


Websites


 Positions


Employers