LETTERI-1: E-MAIL RESUMIE COVER LETTER-WEB SITE MANAGER From: Barrett Peters Edward J. Shahannon Sent: Monday, October 7, 20XX Attachment: sume for barrett peters doc Subject: Your Opening for a Web Site Manager Pamie sbet lin Greetings, Mr. Shahannon. I hope you will take a moment to read Fredy, af esol the resume I've attached to this note, as Im certain you'll find in it amrg ariosTo the skills and strengths you seek in a Web Site Manager. WImmIt My (rerf As you'll see, I have developed and maintained sizeable Web sites for several Fortune 500 organizations, including Health Forum USA,ASCII te* Costal Petroleum, and Divers Co What's more, your firm will benefit from my unusual combination of experience and personal strengths. Fo Am a disciplined, yet caring manager who can lead teams both large and small Am a proven leader in product development Fatting simulates Communicate effectively with colleagues, clients, and imperatae C-Suite executives Enjoy working in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment i've attached my resume in MS-Word format and will contact you Tdes irititieto shortly to see if we might meet in person. In the meantime, please atat ispet feel free to contact me at any of the numbers Ive listed below Barrett Peters bpeters@bpm.com pordes caplet (123)456-6789home attact irfomtin (098)7654321work (111)222333cell
LETTER 1-1: E-MAIL RESUME COVER LETTER—WEB SITE MANAGER 8 Greetings, Mr. Shahannon. I hope you will take a moment to read the resume I’ve attached to this note, as I’m certain you’ll find in it the skills and strengths you seek in a Web Site Manager. As you’ll see, I have developed and maintained sizeable Web sites for several Fortune 500 organizations, including HealthForum USA, Costal Petroleum, and DiversCo. What’s more, your firm will benefit from my unusual combination of experience and personal strengths. For example, I: * Am a disciplined, yet caring manager who can lead teams both large and small. * Am a proven leader in product development. * Communicate effectively with colleagues, clients, and C-Suite executives. * Enjoy working in a high-pressure, fast-paced environment. I’ve attached my resume in MS-Word format and will contact you shortly to see if we might meet in person. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me at any of the numbers I’ve listed below. Sincerely, Barrett Peters bpeters@bpm.com (123) 456-6789 home (098) 765-4321 work (111) 222-3333 cell ASCII text Formattingsimulates indentations Takesinitiativeto contactrecipient and... ...providescomplete contactinformation Friendly,professional opening avoids “To W hom It May Concern” From: Barrett Peters To: Edward J. Shahannon Sent: Monday, October 7, 20XX Attachment: Subject: Your Opening for a Web Site Manager Resume for Barrett Peters.doc Descriptivesubjectline 02 6/27/03 9:20 AM Page 8
oPtIOn #3: FOLLOWNNG UP WITH HARD COPY In either of the two scenarios described above, you may choose to send your letter also in hard copy via fax or regular mail. This way, your reader can view your letter with the proper, professional formatting that you prefer. In addition to supplying an actual (not virtual) version of your qualifications, this also affords you a second opportunity to present your reader with your skills, strengths, and the benefits you can deliver!
OPTION #3: FOLLOWING UP WITH HARD COPY In either of the two scenarios described above, you may choose to send your letter also in hard copy via fax or regular mail. This way, your reader can view your letter with the proper, professional formatting that you prefer. In addition to supplying an actual (not virtual) version of your qualifications, this also affords you a second opportunity to present your reader with your skills, strengths, and the benefits you can deliver! 9 02 6/27/03 9:20 AM Page 9
Chapter 2 The Top Ten Rules for Writing Killer Cover Letters In the good old days, finding a job generally meant switching jobs. You sent out your resume, went for an interview, and got the job. Why doesn't this work any more? It's because these days, a resume isnt enough In todays job market, a resume doubles as a stop sign that signifies, I need a job. like so many others. thousands of others. In this environment, your re- sume alone cannot possibly accomplish as much as you need to accomplish. Al though your resume reveals vital statistics, it supplies only 20% of the information on which most hiring decisions are based. Your resume reveals whether you meet the minimum requirements for the current opening(appropriate education,com- puter skills, or relevant experience, for example). Your resume also suggests to your prospective boss the level of loyalty and continuity that can be expected of you as demonstrated by the length of time you' ve held previous positions. Final ly, your prospective employer may attempt to reduce the list of candidates to a manageable level. In this case, your resume may actually work against you by pro- viding a single fact or date that serves to eliminate you as a potential employee Furthermore, regardless of how exceptional your resume may be, it general ly reveals none of the remaining 80% of information upon which the hiring deci sion is based. It says nothing of your personality, creativity, or work style. It rarely describes any unusual traits you possess that might make you a sterling candidate or interesting interview material. A letter, on the other hand, can reveal all of this-and more For all of these reasons, the letters you send as part of your job search may be some of the most important letters you'll ever write. To help you create a winning letter, lets begin with the basics. Take a look at a typical employment advertise ment and the typical response it generates 0 Copyright 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Click Here for Terms of Use
10 Chapter 2 The Top Ten Rules for Writing Killer Cover Letters In the good old days, finding a job generally meant switching jobs. You sent out your resume, went for an interview, and got the job. Why doesn’t this work anymore? It’s because these days, a resume isn’t enough. In today’s job market, a resume doubles as a stop sign that signifies, “I need a job...like so many others...thousands of others.” In this environment, your resume alone cannot possibly accomplish as much as you need to accomplish. Although your resume reveals vital statistics, it supplies only 20% of the information on which most hiring decisions are based. Your resume reveals whether you meet the minimum requirements for the current opening (appropriate education, computer skills, or relevant experience, for example). Your resume also suggests to your prospective boss the level of loyalty and continuity that can be expected of you as demonstrated by the length of time you’ve held previous positions. Finally, your prospective employer may attempt to reduce the list of candidates to a manageable level. In this case, your resume may actually work against you by providing a single fact or date that serves to eliminate you as a potential employee. Furthermore, regardless of how exceptional your resume may be, it generally reveals none of the remaining 80% of information upon which the hiring decision is based. It says nothing of your personality, creativity, or work style. It rarely describes any unusual traits you possess that might make you a sterling candidate or interesting interview material. A letter, on the other hand, can reveal all of this—and more. For all of these reasons, the letters you send as part of your job search may be some of the most important letters you’ll ever write. To help you create a winning letter, let’s begin with the basics. Take a look at a typical employment advertisement and the typical response it generates. 03 6/27/03 9:20 AM Page 10 Copyright 2003 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Click Here for Terms of Use
SAMPLE EMIPLOTMIENTT AD ATTENTION SELF-STARTERS! In todays economy, an ad like the one This is your opportunity to build shown here will receive between 300 and success from the ground up. Enjoy 1000 responses! From this pooL, between 6 the full training and technical sup- first screening to a personal meeting. Of and 30 candidates will make it through the port only a major financial ser vices firm such as ours can offer as these, between two and six people will be you help businesses and individu- called for a second interview. Two or three Is plan sound financial futures. will be selected as finalists. One will be Write Terry Muldour, Daily Gazette, Box 34 Who will that be? Certainly not the person who sends in a resume with Letter LETTER 2-1: RESUME COVER LETTER SENT IN RESPONSE TO ADVERTISEMENT (POOR) Deer M. milder In response to your ad in Sundays paper, I have enclosed my resume for your consideration. It is ry bjective to obtain a position in the economic area of your company. recently received mmy M. B.A. after ompleting a B.S. in Economics with a Business minor. I have an extensive background and strong I would be very interested in working for your company due to the fact that it would permit me to utilize my business and economic background. In my six years of study, I have developed mmy knowledge of econometric analysis, price analysis, financial management, strategic marketing and business management. I am currently developing a paper on the treatment of trade tariff across county lines that uses a dynamic process and a flexible functional form to determine the variables affecting treatments among states. Working in a financial firm for several years enabled me to become a more committed leader, a team player, a detail-oriented worker, and better communicator who is not afraid to devise and implement effective strategic management theories. My responsibilities included researching the backgrounds of individuals and companies wishing to open sizeable credit accounts overseas. In addition, I have much additional working experience including being a management trainer and busboy at a major dining establishment in New York Ciry. I am a hard worker and a team player, as you will My resume highlights my education As delineated on my resume, I am fully functional in utilizing a complete range of microcomputing and mainframe operations, including DOS, CPM, Lotus, Dbase ll, Dw370, Cobalt 500, Multimate, HG graphics, EconoMix, and Fin Fax programs Enclosed is a copy of my resume for your consideration. Please don t hesitate to contact me at any time for an interview. I am certain that you'll find it of great interest to meet me due to my natural leadership qualities, vision, and solid experience in your area of business Philip Tucker 11
SAMPLE EMPLOYMENT AD In today’s economy, an ad like the one shown here will receive between 300 and 1000 responses! From this pool, between 6 and 30 candidates will make it through the first screening to a personal meeting. Of these, between two and six people will be called for a second interview. Two or three will be selected as finalists. One will be hired. Who will that be? Certainly not the person who sends in a resume with Letter 2-1. LETTER 2-1: RESUME COVER LETTER SENT IN RESPONSE TO ADVERTISEMENT (POOR) 11 ATTENTION SELF-STARTERS! This is your opportunity to build success from the ground up. Enjoy the full training and technical support only a major financial services firm such as ours can offer as you help businesses and individuals plan sound financial futures. Write Terry Muldour, Daily Gazette, Box 34. Dear Ms. Muldour: In response to your ad in Sunday’s paper, I have enclosed my resume for your consideration. It is my objective to obtain a position in the economic area of your company. I recently received my M.B.A. after completing a B.S. in Economics with a Business minor. I have an extensive background and strong working experience. I would be very interested in working for your company due to the fact that it would permit me to utilize my business and economic background. In my six years of study, I have developed my knowledge of econometric analysis, price analysis, financial management, strategic marketing, and business management. I am currently developing a paper on the treatment of trade tariff across county lines that uses a dynamic process and a flexible functional form to determine the variables affecting treatments among states. Working in a financial firm for several years enabled me to become a more committed leader, a team player, a detail-oriented worker, and better communicator who is not afraid to devise and implement effective strategic management theories. My responsibilities included researching the backgrounds of individuals and companies wishing to open sizeable credit accounts overseas. In addition, I have much additional working experience including being a management trainer and busboy at a major dining establishment in New York City. I am a hard worker and a team player, as you will see when you interview me. My resume highlights my educational and business background. As delineated on my resume, I am fully functional in utilizing a complete range of microcomputing and mainframe operations, including DOS, CPM, Lotus, Dbase III, DW370, Cobalt 500, Multimate, HG graphics, EconoMix, and FinFax programs. Enclosed is a copy of my resume for your consideration. Please don’t hesitate to contact me at any time for an interview. I am certain that you’ll find it of great interest to meet me due to my natural leadership qualities, vision, and solid experience in your area of business. Sincerely, Philip Tucker Philip Tucker 03 6/27/03 9:20 AM Page 11
Because the majority of the people responding to this ad will not include a letter at all, simply sending this letter gives Mr. Tucker an advantage over the competition. The advantage is all but wasted, however, by sending a letter as weak and unappealing as this one As you read Letter 2-2, the following stronger version of the same letter, ou'll see the differences-and the improvements they make in the effectiveness of the letter LETTER 2-2: RESUMIE COVER LETTTER SENT IN RESPONSE TO ADVERTISEMENT BETTERJ RE: Your ad in the Daily Gazette Daily Gazette Sunday, March 3, 20XX for a City, State Zip self-starter to help with financial planning Dear Terry Muldour: You're looking for a self-starter to work in the financial field --I'm a self-starter with financial expertise and experience My resume, which is enclosed, details my background; let me provide you with the highlights Thorough educational background: I recently received my M.B.A. after completing a B.s. in economics with a business minor Firm grasp of finance: In my six years of study, I developed expertise in econometric and price analysis as well as marketing, financial, and A proven self-starter: I am currently writing a postgraduate paper on various trade tariffs in the regional Northeast, for which I created my own unique research methods and models Financial work experience: By investigating individuals and companies wishing to open sizeable credit accounts overseas for Prudential Bache i became a dedicated leader, a detail-oriented worker, and better am a hard worker and a team player. I have the knowledge, skill, and desire to enhance the success of today 's financial company. If you will contact me at(555) 456-7890 during the day or evening, I will make myself available at your convenience for an interview Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to meeting you Sincerely, Philip Tucker (555)456-7890 12
Because the majority of the people responding to this ad will not include a letter at all, simply sending this letter gives Mr. Tucker an advantage over the competition. The advantage is all but wasted, however, by sending a letter as weak and unappealing as this one. As you read Letter 2-2, the following stronger version of the same letter, you’ll see the differences—and the improvements they make in the effectiveness of the letter. LETTER 2-2: RESUME COVER LETTER SENT IN RESPONSE TO ADVERTISEMENT (BETTER) 12 Terry Muldour Box 34 RE: Your ad in the Daily Gazette Daily Gazette Sunday, March 3, 20XX for a City, State Zip self-starter to help with financial planning Dear Terry Muldour: You’re looking for a self-starter to work in the financial field -- I’m a self-starter with financial expertise and experience! My resume, which is enclosed, details my background; let me provide you with the highlights: Thorough educational background: I recently received my M.B.A. after completing a B.S. in Economics with a Business minor. Firm grasp of finance: In my six years of study, I developed expertise in econometric and price analysis as well as marketing, financial, and business management. A proven self-starter: I am currently writing a postgraduate paper on various trade tariffs in the regional Northeast, for which I created my own unique research methods and models. Financial work experience: By investigating individuals and companies wishing to open sizeable credit accounts overseas for Prudential Bache, I became a dedicated leader, a detail-oriented worker, and better communicator. I am a hard worker and a team player. I have the knowledge, skill, and desire to enhance the success of today’s financial company. If you will contact me at (555) 456-7890 during the day or evening, I will make myself available at your convenience for an interview. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to meeting you. Sincerely, Philip Tucker Philip Tucker (555) 456-7890 03 6/27/03 9:20 AM Page 12