By Leahcim Semaj, Ph.D. Change Agent, ContributorAT THE JobBank we see our share of bad and useless cover letters. We believe that most people waste this important resource and an important opportunity to additionally influence the light in which your resume will be perceived. This article represents the general guidelines we believe will best help to push a good resume to the top of the pile.
Most people have limited writing experience. Writing is often limited to letters to friends or classroom assignments. Usually, the only formal instruction in writing that important cover letter is given in class one day in the final year at school.
The cover letter that accompanies your resume is really your self-promotion on the page. It sets the stage for your resume and, depending on how it looks and what it says, an employer will read it and call you in for an interview. If that first impression does not sell you in the best possible light, that's it no interview, no job.
WHAT TO INCLUDE
If you are responding to an advertisement, make sure to read the advertisement carefully. As you read, highlight the items that seem to be particularly important. Identify the skills, abilities and training that are essential to the employer and that you, the applicant, possess. The cover letter should draw information from your resume to directly address points raised in the advertisement.
So, let's say the advertisement is for a Customer Service Representative, and you have identified five years experience, computer skills and accounts as the essentials. In the cover letter you should state your years of experience, your computer training/proficiency and accounting experience. If the advertisement asks for "An Experienced Draughtsman", your letter should state that you are an experienced draughtsman with 12 years of experience. State the name of the company where you work(ed) if it is a leader in the trade, or name a project you worked on if it was very
successful.
Statements about your experience and long-term career objectives belong in your cover letter.
GET TO THE POINT
Do not put too much information in your cover letter, your readers have limited time and will not wade through several pages. Keep it brief and the tone businesslike.
USE PROPER ENGLISH
In Jamaica, people are admired for their ability to use the "Queen's English". Good grammar is never out of style and will give the reader a favourable impression of you. Your sentence structure, spelling, and the adjectives you use to describe yourself are vital in the creation of a good cover letter. The language you use gives insight into your personality and your professional profile. Make a habit of reading widely, new words will come into your vocabulary, and these will serve you well in your professional life.
PAY ATTENTION TO DETAIL
Take the time to get the name and the title of the addressee. All names must be spelt accurately, misspellings cast you in a poor light.
If communication skills are a major component of the job you are applying for, a cover letter that has grammatical errors or clumsy phrasing closes the door for you.
APPEARANCES
As we continue in the 21st century and become fully computerised, hand-written documents will become unacceptable in the workplace. Poor handwriting does not cut it. If your handwriting has been compared with "crab toe", ensure that your cover letter and the envelope are typed or printed. If the employer has difficulty reading what you have written, your correspondence will be dumped. Poor typing is another no-no.
MAKE SURE YOUR LETTER
MEASURES UP
Applying for an executive position or one with a high tech organisation? Explore the layout, font and type size options that a computer and laser printer can offer.
The paper your cover letter is done on is important. The standard 8 1/2 x 11 white or cream coloured sheet is appropriate. Do not use ruled sheets this is formal correspondence. Also, use one side only. Use the correct size envelope and make sure it arrives as clean as possible.
We Welcome New Travellers
If you are joining this weekly quest for the first time, you can easily catch up on the past instalments by logging on to www.jobbank-ja.com. On the Download Page, you will find all the back articles. You may also leave your comments or questions on the message board at the same site or E-mail me at lsemaj@jobbank-ja.com. You are also invited to join us on Mondays on Nationwide (HOT102FM) 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. to continue this discussion. Each week we will take you deeper into understanding your personality profile and how to use this knowledge to take charge of your personal and professional life.
