Writing for the Workplace: Business Communication for Professionals
Cover Letters for Solicited Positions
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| Cover Letters for Solicited Positions The purpose of the cover letter for solicited jobs is to introduce the candidate’s strongest qualifications and convince the reader to move to the resume. Job ads, whether found on a job board, an organization’s website, or through other means, contain the minimum requirements and duties the job searcher needs to meet to be considered for the position. Your cover letter should convince the reader that you meet those requirements. Although many times job ads do not contain a contact name, it behooves the job searcher to do a bit of research and locate the individual who will actually read the letter and resume. Always try to address the letter to an actual human being rather than to a generic To Whom It May Concern or Dear Human Resources. Such industriousness will payoff by showing you to be eager and resourceful. Letters for solicited jobs use the direct strategy and contain the following elements. Opening If you have been referred to the job or if you know someone highly regarded by the organization, begin your cover letter by using that person’s name. If not, begin by stating your interest in the position and how you heard about it. Include a statement of your strongest selling points for the position. Never write about how the job will benefit you instead, provide evidence of how your skills and abilities will be of value to the company. Malcolm Esteban, a recruiter I met at Ohio State University’s Career Day last month, suggested that I apply for the marketing internship at BC Industries. My experience with fundraising combined with my strong interpersonal skills and desire to enter the marketing field make me well suited for the summer internship. Your posting for an associate actuary on CareerBuilder.com interests me greatly. My degree in actuarial science and past experience working in risk assessment will be assets to Indiana Life. EmPLOYmENT COmmUNICATION 95 Body The body of the cover letter illustrates your suitability for the position in one or two paragraphs. Start body paragraphs with clear topic sentences, and provide actual examples rather than vague statements. For instance, if one of the job requirements is experience in customer relations, a good topic sentence might begin as follows My two years experience as a customer relations representative at a busy department store has allowed me to use my positive attitude and tact in many challenging situations. More details could readily follow. The body can also be a chance to highlight personal characteristics that may not be evident on a resume. It might refer to information you have learned through researching the organization. Always use actual words and phrases directly from the job posting to tip off the reader that you possess the qualifications necessary for the job. Doing so will encourage the reader to examine the attached resume. Because the cover letter is a prelude to the resume, it should not rehash its contents. Do, however, mention that the resume is attached in a body paragraph or the closing. Closing The final paragraph of the cover letter must accomplish several things. First, it must ask for an interview. Second, it must provide the best way to contact you for an interview. Avoid sounding too demanding when requesting an interview (Call meat XXX-XXXX to setup an interview.) Couch the request in respectful and gracious phrasing. (I would be grateful for the opportunity to discuss how my skills and experience could benefit Indiana Insurance in an interview I am best reached after 3 PM at XXX-XXX-XXXX or anytime via email at yourname@aol�com.) Download 3.09 Mb. Share with your friends:
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