Write
to someone in particular.
NEVER send a cover letter "To whom it may concern" or use
some other impersonal opening. We all get enough junk mail and if
you don't send your letter to someone by name, it will be treated
like junk mail. Make absolutely
no errors.
One way to offend people quickly is to misspell their name or use
an incorrect title. If there is any question, call and verify the
correct spelling of the name and other details before you send the
letter. Also review your letters carefully to be sure that they
do not contain any typographical, grammatical, or other errors.
Personalize your content.
I've never been impressed by form letters of any kind and you should
not use them. Those computer-generated letters that automatically
insert your name never fool anyone and I find cover letters done
this way a bit offensive. While I know that some resume and cover
letter books recommend that you send out lots of these "broadcast
letters" to people you don't know, I suggest that doing so
is a waste of time and money. If you can't personalize your letter
in some way, don't send it.
Present a good appearance.
Your contacts with prospective employers should always be professional.
Buy good quality stationery and matching envelopes. The standard
8 1/2-by-ll-inch paper size is typically used but you can also use
the smaller "Monarch" size paper with matching envelopes,
too. Use only good quality paper—I prefer white, ivory, or
light beige-colored paper. A typewriter with excellent type quality
or a word processor with letter quality or laser output (not poor
quality dot-matrix) is a must in most cases.
Use an appropriate format.
Any standard business correspondence format is acceptable.
Provide a friendly opening.
Begin your letter with a reminder of any prior contacts and the
reason for your correspondence now.
Target your skills and experiences.
To do this well, you must know something about the organization
or person with whom you are dealing. Present any relevant background
that may be of particular interest to the person you are writing.
Define the next step.
Don't close your letter without clearly identifying what you will
do next. I do not recommend that you simply leave it up to the employer
to contact you, since that really doesn't guarantee a response.
Close on a positive note and let them know you desire further contact
with them and their organization. |
