Page 67 - Carlson School GBCC Career Guide

PROFESSIONAL CORRESPONDENCE
Cover Letters
DOs
DON'Ts
• Send a tailored letter to each employer. Target a specific position.
• Keep your letter to one page – short and sweet. Remember that this is a brief introduction to your resume. Generally, each paragraph should have no more than three to five sentences.
• Always address your letter to the specific hiring manager when possible. Do your research on TalentLink and/or LinkedIn if you’re uncertain as to the correct contact. In the case that you are not able to identify this person, you may open with “Dear Hiring Manager for [name of position]”.
• Keep things simple—using complicated, lengthy sentences will make your letter cumbersome and a difficult read for recruiters.
• Quantify and give examples of your skills and qualifications that prove that you can do what you say you can do.
• Mention the skills and characteristics that are the most impressive — don’t make them search for your best skills.
• Try to answer the question, “Why should I hire this person?” Always mention what makes you better than the other candidates for this same position. Do this by indicating how you can add value.
• Avoid being negative about anything in a cover letter — this includes previous jobs, supervisors, etc.
• Proofread your letter before sending. Always check for misspelling and grammatical errors.
ADDITIONAL TIP
•
• •
• • •
Focus your letter on what the company can do for you. Rather, tell them what you can do for them. Focus on how you can contribute to the success of the organization.
Use a cover letter to apologize for grades, lack of experience, etc. Instead, present all of the positive things you offer.
Send out mass mailings of your cover letter and resume. This has extremely low odds for success in today’s job market. Personalize and individualize each letter.
Send a cover letter that contains any misspellings or grammatical errors. Always double and triple check before you send.
Walk step-by-step through your resume. A recruiter can read your resume. Use your cover letter to highlight the things that you want to call attention to.
Forget to personally sign the letter if sending a hard copy.
YOU
• Skills
• Work experiences
• Passions
• Problems you can solve
THE MATCH
THEM
• Company
• Function
• Skills they need
• Problems they need solved
Based on your job focus, develop a “library” of statements that prove your qualifications. Identify key competencies that are common to the position(s) you are seeking and build several solid bullet points. Depending on the specific qualifications highlighted in a job description, you can then pick and choose which three or four to include in each letter you write. This saves time and allows you to customize your letters to each position.
Show that you have the skills they need, can solve the problems, and bring passion to the industry, company, and role.
65
Carlson School of Management