A cover letter often accompanies the resume. Make your letter professional, concise and personal. The goal is to convince hiring managers to pick up your resume over the stacks and stacks that pour in through mail, email and fax.
Explain WHO you are, WHAT you have to offer, WHY what you have to offer is valuable to THEM and HOW you will gain from the position.
Conclude your letter with a promise of action, "I will follow up with you in a few days to discuss the possibility of an interview. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me at ________________."
Persistence pays off. Learn from your successes as well as your failures and doors will open.
Paragraph 1: Explain yourself.
Example:
As a highly motivated and conscientious project manager, I am confident that I can be the ideal candidate for the Construction Manager position at ABC Properties. Over the past 8 years, I have successfully managed capital improvements on several major Bay Area commercial properties, including scope indentification, tracking, quality control, coordination and contract negotiation. I feel that I would bring the same level of integrity and profecssionalism to your organization.
Paragraph 2: Address your skills.
Example:
My background working in a team setting, analyzing, defining and documenting requirements for data and workflow processes as well as installing and testing programs, provided me with a broad knowledge of Unix-based systems and MFG Pro. In addition, my experience with Progress development and MS Access means that I could hit the ground running at ABC company.
Paragraph 3: Wrap things up.
Example:
The accompanying resume provides a snap shot of my skills and achievements. I look forward to meeting with you face-to-face, learning more about your objectives and offering useful suggestions as to how I can be of service.
Paragraph 4: Follow Up and Close.
Example:
I will contact your office next week to arrange a time when we might speak by phone. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me at ________________ . I look forward to speaking with you and appreciate your consideration.
Sincerely,
Jay Smith
Explain WHO you are, WHAT you have to offer, WHY what you have to offer is valuable to THEM and HOW you will gain from the position.
Conclude your letter with a promise of action, "I will follow up with you in a few days to discuss the possibility of an interview. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me at ________________."
Persistence pays off. Learn from your successes as well as your failures and doors will open.
Paragraph 1: Explain yourself.
Example:
As a highly motivated and conscientious project manager, I am confident that I can be the ideal candidate for the Construction Manager position at ABC Properties. Over the past 8 years, I have successfully managed capital improvements on several major Bay Area commercial properties, including scope indentification, tracking, quality control, coordination and contract negotiation. I feel that I would bring the same level of integrity and profecssionalism to your organization.
Paragraph 2: Address your skills.
Example:
My background working in a team setting, analyzing, defining and documenting requirements for data and workflow processes as well as installing and testing programs, provided me with a broad knowledge of Unix-based systems and MFG Pro. In addition, my experience with Progress development and MS Access means that I could hit the ground running at ABC company.
Paragraph 3: Wrap things up.
Example:
The accompanying resume provides a snap shot of my skills and achievements. I look forward to meeting with you face-to-face, learning more about your objectives and offering useful suggestions as to how I can be of service.
Paragraph 4: Follow Up and Close.
Example:
I will contact your office next week to arrange a time when we might speak by phone. In the meantime, please feel free to contact me at ________________ . I look forward to speaking with you and appreciate your consideration.
Sincerely,
Jay Smith