Monday, January 3, 2011

Technical Resumes: Part 4 (Cover Letter)

In the previous post I completed the description of the advice I typically give when I'm asked to review a resume.  In this post, I cover a related topic: the cover letter.  I was going to cover LinkedIn as well but that's a larger topic that deserves it's own space.

Cover Letter

Some people spend considerable effort writing their cover letter.  Having read thousands of resumes (many with cover letters attached) I'm less convinced of their value.  If you've done your homework writing a concise resume with relevant content and a good Overview then a long cover letter is unnecessary.  Many resume reviewers don't even open the cover letter or they shuffle it behind the resume.  That said, there can be some value in a cover letter but just don't agonize over it.  Spend your time on your resume and customizing the Overview.

Like the resume itself, the format of your cover letter is a matter of personal style.  As always, I'm a fan of "less is more" and prefer a simple, traditional business letter layout.  Let your word processing package help you with a format that appeals to you.  I often use a separate font and colour for my name and contact information but everything else is in a simple, sans serif font in black "ink".

I stick to a three paragraph format.  The first and last paragraphs are extremely short.  The first simply states that position or positions I am applying for.  The last paragraph thanks the reader for taking the time to review my qualifications and offers to meet with them to explore the possibility of a mutual fit (don't forget that you're looking for a good employer as much as they are looking for a good employee).

The middle paragraph is a little longer but I still try to keep it to maybe three sentences.  I use this paragraph to draw links between the advertised position(s) and the my experience.  My goal is to peak interest in my experience and maybe offer a hint at my personality.  Unlike the resume, the cover letter gives you an opportunity to put on a personal face.  Address the reader by name (if you know the name of the hiring manager).  Use pronouns like "I".  Express your excitement at the opportunity.

Finally, if you are sending a paper cover letter then always sign the paper with your signature.  I prefer blue ink to set the signature apart from the black text.

8 comments:

Bose said...

The blog is a great find, you clarified my doubts on Cover Letters! thanks

Anonymous said...

I'm extremely impressed with your writing skills as neatly as with the layout in your weblog. Is this a paid subject matter or did you customize it your self? Anyway keep up the excellent high quality writing, it is uncommon to see a nice weblog like this one these days..
My homepage - bootsausrustung

Anonymous said...

Can I simply just say what a comfort to uncover a person that truly
knows what they are talking about on the internet.
You actually realize how to bring an issue to light and make it important.

A lot more people really need to read this and understand this
side of your story. I can't believe you aren't more popular because you certainly have the gift.


Also visit my blog; dnest CDL

Anonymous said...

I just like the helpful information you supply on your articles.
I will bookmark your weblog and take a look at once more here frequently.
I am somewhat sure I'll be informed many new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!

Feel free to surf to my site; waterpik oral

Anonymous said...

It's a shame you don't have a donate button! I'd definitely donate to this superb blog! I suppose for now i'll settle
for book-marking and adding your RSS feed to
my Google account. I look forward to fresh updates
and will share this website with my Facebook group.
Chat soon!

Also visit my blog :: company website

Anonymous said...

I write a leave a response whenever I like a
article on a site or if I have something to add
to the conversation. Usually it's triggered by the fire communicated in the post I looked at. And on this article "Technical Resumes: Part 4 (Cover Letter)". I was actually moved enough to drop a thought ;) I do have 2 questions for you if it's okay.
Is it just me or does it look like a few of these responses come across as if they are coming from brain dead
individuals? :-P And, if you are posting at other social sites, I would like to keep up with you.
Would you list the complete urls of your shared pages
like your twitter feed, Facebook page or linkedin profile?


my weblog ... xxx-fuck.net

Anonymous said...

It's very effortless to find out any matter on net as compared to books, as I found this paragraph at this site.

my homepage ... sexy girls videos

Anonymous said...

I'm impressed, I must say. Rarely do I come across a blog that's both
educative and interesting, and let me tell you, you've hit the nail on the head. The problem is something too few men and women are speaking intelligently about. Now i'm very
happy I found this during my hunt for something concerning this.


Feel free to surf to my web-site: http://www.
nude-teensex.com/ :: http://www.gapetube.com ::