Career and Jobs Tips

1. Use the same header that you used for your resume. Keeping the look consistent sends a message that you pay attention to details and that you’re consistent in your efforts. It shows the recipient that you care about how you present yourself and they can assume that you care about how you do the work that represents you.

2. Take the time to find the name of a person for your cover letter and resume. Troll the internet for information about the company. Look for press releases. Follow the company on LinkedIn. Enter the date and specific contact information.

3. While you were looking for information about the company, you found things you liked or you wouldn’t still be interested. Enter a first paragraph that says why you want to work for that company and how you believe you can contribute to their continued success.

4. If you’re responding to a posting or an ad that shows requirements, in a second paragraph address each one and show how you fit that requirement. A “T” format works well for this. Sequence the table in the same order that the employer used.

5. Enter a final paragraph that, in your own words, says that you’re looking forward to the opportunity to discuss the position in more detail and that you will call on a specified date. Record the date that you chose on your calendar and follow up as promised.

6. End with Respectfully or Sincerely. And, if you’re emailing, add your name right below the Respectfully or Sincerely. If you’re snail mailing, leave three lines between the Respectfully or Sincerely and your name for your signature, sized to match the content of your resume and cover letter.

7. Deliver the package. Spell check and save the file. If you’re emailing, save the file again as a PDF. If you’re snail mailing, load some 100% cotton paper for the cover letter and resume and print them. Send your resume and cover letter package.