Writing the Perfect Cover Letter
Regardless of why you send out a resume, include a letter with it. A cover letter “covers” your resume and explains why you are sending the resume. An approach or prospecting letter is used in direct mail campaigns to introduce yourself.
Your cover letter lets you quickly show off your knowledge of the company to whom it is addressed and express your enthusiasm at the potential of working for them. Every cover letter is unique because every company is unique and every position you apply for is unique. Nothing is more obvious to someone reading cover letters than a “canned” letter.
Would you interview this person?
To whom it may concern;
I am seeking an assistant manager position that matches my qualifications and experience. You advertised a job that probably does that. My resume is attached so you can learn all about my education and experience.
I hope to get called for an interview.
Sincerely,
John Jobseeker
What about this person?
Dear Ms. Smith;
Great Big Hotel is a company I have followed throughout my university studies in hospitality management, so I was very excited to see that you have an opening for an assistant night manager.
From the reports in the press, it is clear your major remodeling has paid off in increased room rentals. While earning my degree in Hotel Management, I worked as a night auditor at Not-So-Big Hotel, where I successfully introduced a new auditing technique that reduced auditing time by nearly 20%. Since graduating Magna Cum Laude in June, I have completed an internship as a banquet manager at Fancy Restaurant, where I managed four wedding receptions of over 200 people each.
Working at Great Big Hotel would give me the opportunity to begin my hospitality career working with an experienced, successful management team in one of the state’s premier commercial hotels.
I would like to meet with you and tell you more about my skills and experience. I will call next Tuesday morning to arrange an interview.
Sincerely,
Jessica Jobseeker
