More on Cover Letters

For this example, I am going to use the same veterinary customer service position I used on the targeting resume page. The techniques are the same whether we are discussing entry-level or advanced positions whether it be vet-related, public policy, management, management or another area. 

Addressing the cover letter:

• The protocol for including addresses in cover letters has evolved depending on whether the letter is sent via snail mail or electronically. In a traditional snail-mailed cover letter, your home address and the employer's would be at the top (yours first). Your address would also include your phone number and email address and could include your LinkedIn address.

• These days, cover letters are usually sent electronically. You could then start with "Dear"and list your email address and phone (and LinkedIn profile if you like and if you have one) under your name at the bottom. There is more than one way to do this.

• Address the cover letter to the contact name listed in the job ad if there is one. If not, you could send it to the head of the practice)--or phone and ask to whom to direct the cover letter (they may or may not tell you).

 

First paragraph:

• Opening with a one line summary of your qualifications works well UNLESS you know someone who works at that employer and he/she recommended you. If so, start with that; for example, "Dana Smith suggested that I apply for the position of customer service representative." I do not recommend opening that you love pets. Why? Most people will do that and you want to differentiate yourself and start strongly that you have the skills for the job. In my experience, you can say it later in the letter--if you elaborate on it in a serious way--just don't open with i

 

Second paragraph (which can be divided into two paragraphs):

• There are several ways to write this. A common way: Think about two or three examples of the qualities and experiences you want to tell an employer. For example, you could write (if accurate) that you have excellent customer service skills or "I have the skills you seek." Next, you could give an example--"For example..." and briefly relay something you are proud of having done.

• At the end of this section, you can also add other relevant criteria that set you apart. "In addition, I am fluent in Spanish," for example. Suppose you created a special manual or implemented a new policy at an old job--you can put that in.

 

Last paragraph:

• If you didn't summarize your background in the first paragraph, you can do so in the last. For example,"In summary, I offer you excellent customer service, veterinary assistance, computer and team skills. I welcome the opportunity to interview for the position." Or, "I would greatly welcome the opportunity to join your organization and look forward to hearing from you." As I wrote earlier, other books may advise you to be more aggressive in your last paragraph. For example, "I will phone you in two weeks..." In my experience that has not made any difference. Do what you are comfortable with. 

• End it with "Sincerely," and your name. Add your email address and phone if you did not do that at the top.

 

Summary 

I hope you find this page helpful. I have worked with students, PhDs, executives, career changers, job-seekers, public policy managers and just about everyone else. There are guidelines that apply to writing resumes and cover letters, but everyone will have special circumstances. There are also different techniques. I encourage you to read more about resumes and cover letters and find what works for you. I hope this page gives you the skills and confidence to trust your judgment and write a resume that is genuinely you and that sets you apart from other candidates.