Job letters – Tutorial
The cover letter should always be included when sending your resume for a possible job interview. This letter of application serves the purpose or introducing you and asking for an interview. It is essentially a sales letter in which you are marketing your skills, abilities, and knowledge. Remember that you may be competing with many other applicants. The immediate objective of the application letter and accompanying resume is to attract the attention of the person who screens and hires job applicants. Your ultimate goal is to obtain an interview.
THE OPENING LINES
Use one of the following to bring yourself to the attention of the reader and make clear what job you are applying for:
Summarize the opening Name the opening Request an opening Question the availability of an opening
THE MIDDLE
Use one of the following in each of your middle paragraphs to provide the reader with plenty of reasons to invite you to an interview:
Education Work experience Ability to work with others and/or alone Interest in your field Interest in the company Responsibilities in previous positions
THE CLOSING LINES
Use the closing paragraph to ensure action on the part of the reader
The last paragraph needs to help ensure that action is taken. You can ask for an interview appointment time, stating that you will be happy to come to the employer's office when convenient. Make it easy for the reader to follow-up by providing your telephone number and email address.
Study the following sample of a letter of application:
Dear Human Resources Director,
I just read an article in the News and Observer about Taylor's new computer center just north of Durham. I would like to apply for a position as an entry-level programmer at the center.
I understand that Taylor produces both in-house and customer documentation. My technical-writing skills, as described in the enclosed resume, are well suited to your company. I am a recent graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology in Atlanta with an Associate's Degree in Computer Science. In addition to having taken a broad range of courses, I served as a computer consultant at the college's computer center where I helped train computer users on new systems.
I will be happy to meet with you at your convenience and discuss how my education and experience match your needs. You can reach me at my home address, at (919) 233-1552, or at hack@hotmail.com.
Sincerely,
Darryl Hack