Escolar Documentos
Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
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The best resumes, like the best commercials, are short, to the point and get the readers
attention. However, this often requires leaving off valuable details that may differentiate you
from other applicants. The cover letter is the perfect place to expand on your
accomplishments and experiences. Additionally, compelling an employer with your
knowledge of the industry/firm/function is a great way to get an interview. The cover letter
allows you to do this in a way that a resume never will.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE YOU START WRITING
Career advisers can predict, with remarkable reliability, the people who will have the most
difficulty changing careers. You may imagine that it is typically the individuals with work
experience most dissimilar to their target, but this is not the case. It is the individuals who insist
on skipping all or some of the steps below. So, to remind you once again, not completing at least
some rudimentary (the more the better, obviously) Competencies, Interests, and Values Analysis
and Market Research is a sure-fire way to fail.
Competencies, Interests, and Values Analysis
It will be impossible for you to sell an employer on your skills and experience if you do not have a
well considered inventory of your skills and how you have demonstrated them (see Chapter
Three). Without a defined area of interest and a knowledge of how you fit in there, you will find
cover letters extremely difficult to write and letters that compel the reader, almost impossible to
produce.
Market Research
Once you know where you want to work and have defined what you have to offer, the next step
is to research the industry, function, and firm BEFORE you write to them (See Chapter Three).
Knowing a firms structure, new businesses and profit drivers will allow you to determine which
of your skills and experiences you should highlight. It will also show your sincere interest in the
industry or firm. Extra effort really does count here. When applying for a specific position,
obtaining a job description is very helpful, but is often not available. Your assessment efforts
should include research on what skills people in the industry/function/firm have and what kinds of
backgrounds the firm typically seeks.
Outline Your Points Before You Write
Decide what you are going to say before you start writing. After you have finished your Market
Research, structure this information into a list of the characteristics, skills, and experience the firm
to whom you are writing is seeking. Then, for each of these, list an example or two of how you
have demonstrated the skill, characteristic, or experience. Use this list to develop your cover
letter.
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The following provides a description of the sections and a sample layout of a basic cover letter.
Date
Mr. Out of Control
Power Nap Company
Cat Lane, NY 19856
Dear Mr. Control:
Opening Paragraph: The first paragraph should be a short (two-four sentences) introduction to you. You
should identify who you are and indicate why you are writing. It is best to try to be specific in this section
so that the recruiter will know how to treat your application. Simply saying that you are interested in
working for Walt Disney, for example, doesnt give the recruiter much to go on considering the large
number of divisions and positions at the firm. This paragraph is also the appropriate and ideal time to
mention why you are specifically interested in the firm. If your interest was piqued by a recent article you
read or you have been referred to the reader by another person, it should be stated here.
Middle Paragraph: The middle paragraph (sometimes -- but only with discretion-- two paragraphs) is the
bulk of a cover letter. This is the section in which you sell yourself and where you link your past
experiences to your future performance. It is important to not simply repeat the information that you have
on your resume, but to synthesize the information and introduce experiences and skills that make you
qualified for the particular job for which you are applying. Sometimes this means going into detail about
projects which gave you applicable experience but are not detailed enough on your resume to make that
clear. This section can be in paragraph form, in bullet points or presented as a skills summary.
Conclusion: This part of the letter usually reiterates your interest in the firm and indicates the action you
are expecting or that the recruiter should expect. If you are truly interested in a position, you should never
leave the ball in their court. End the letter thanking the recruiter for his or her consideration and indicate
that you will call in a few days to discuss employment opportunities. If you are seeking employment in a
city in which you do not currently live and you are planning a trip there, make sure you mention this here.
Sincerely,
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Does not overuse personal pronouns. Its hard to write a cover letter discussing YOUR
qualifications and YOUR experiences without overusing the words I or my. However, no
more than 50%, and 25% is much better, of your sentences should begin with a personal
pronoun. Fixing this can be as simple as restructuring your sentences.
Better phrasing
While at Ximex Corp., I have increased
the companys client base by 50% as
Manager of Business Development.
The multiple projects that I have led
included P&L responsibility as well
as managing up to twenty people.
Additionally, several of the projects
I worked on at my previous employer
involved implementing accounting
systems, which I understand from Ms.
Dilbert, your department is about to
undergo.
Emphasizes your strengths. It does not point out your weaknesses. Job descriptions are
written for ideal candidates who rarely, if ever, actually exist. Dont get hung up on the
qualifications you dont have, and for goodness sake, dont point them out!
Emphasizing the weakness
Although I do not have any consumer
products marketing experience, I have
many of the other qualifications you
seek. Through completion of a two year
field sales training program I gained
first-hand knowledge of ..
Is tailored to your reader. One of the most important rules in creating an effective
marketing campaign is "know your audience". The cover letter is no exception. The more
evident it is that you know about the firm, the job and the industry, the more seriously you
will be taken as a candidate. Additionally, the more you know, the easier it will be able to
determine which parts of your experience you should highlight.
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Does not tell the reader what he or she already knows. Be careful of tone in cover letters.
Often writers, in an attempt to show knowledge about an area, come across as know-it-alls or
preaching to the choir. Use the knowledge you have to convince the reader of your fit with
the firm rather than trying to display your knowledge through factoids. By all means avoid
ending a paragraph with .'and this is why I feel I am a good fit with the firm'. Let the reader
decide that.
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situation, a well placed "thank you" e-mail immediately following the interview can make a
difference.
Timely and personal "thank-you" letters indicate your enthusiasm for the position and say
something about your ability to follow-up. While this is unlikely to be enough to convince
someone to hire you if your interview didnt go well, it can differentiate you if you are one of the
top few candidates.
COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT JOB SEARCH LETTERS
Below is a list of the most common questions about cover letters and recommendations on how to
handle them. The list is provided in hopes of easing some of your nagging concerns. Please keep
in mind, however, that many of these questions are the result of putting an emphasis on the wrong
piece of the cover letter campaign. It is easy to obsess over the color of the paper or the format
of the cover letter instead of putting time into the research and writing that make a cover letter
truly effective. It is hoped that these responses to some of the more common issues will help you
spend more time on creating a quality written document. Additionally, there is a fine line between
appropriateness and expressing personal style. Just like most things in life, cover letters are open
to interpretation and for every person you find that believes you should do something one way,
you will find another who believes the opposite. The most important factor is that you know
what is acceptable within the industries to which you are applying and that you feel comfortable
with your presentation.
What type of paper should I use? You should use a high quality paper that fits into your
budget and that you find appealing. Watermarked paper is not necessary - in fact, keep in mind
the capability of your printer when you are choosing the thickness of the paper. Matching
envelopes, resume, and cover letter paper make a professional presentation. It is almost always a
good idea to err on the conservative side and use white, cream, or a light gray stationery.
If presentation is so important, doesnt it make sense for me to send my resume in an 8.5 x
11 envelope so it doesnt arrive with creases? You may do this if you wish. However, hiring
managers are used to receiving correspondence in a traditional letter envelope, and it is unlikely
that creases will be a differentiating factor.
If my printer doesnt do envelopes, is it OK if I hand-write the address on the envelope?
Typed is always better as this is standard operating business practice. However, it is likely that
the person to whom you addressed your letter will not be the person who opens the envelope. If
you REALLY have no way to access a printer that will print on envelopes (most copy shops
could probably help you out) then print out the address on a paper that is the same color as the
envelope and tape it neatly to the envelope.
In what format should my cover letter be? A quick look at any cover letter manual will show
you that there is a diversity of acceptable styles and formats. Business letter format is typically
block rather than indented paragraph, and unless you are writing a letter to a personal contact, it
is better to stick with business letter format. In the last decade or so it has become acceptable to
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put your return address on the bottom underneath your name or as a header as you would on your
resume. Some people prefer to have all address information on the left, some on the right. Pick a
format you are most comfortable with and stick to it. It is appropriate to indicate that you have
included other documents with the letter by printing Enclosure at the bottom of the cover letter
underneath your name.
What do I do if an advertisement requests salary requirements? There is a calculated risk
you take with either option to this dilemma. Until you have had the opportunity to ask specific
questions about the position, it is unlikely that you have enough information to know the market
value of the job or how much your experience is worth to the firm. Unless you are absolutely
unwilling to entertain an employment offer that is less than a certain salary, it is not a good idea to
provide employers with salary requirements at this stage. In some cases, however, you might be
pulled from consideration if you do not provide the requested information. You have to decide
what the safer risk is: taking yourself out of the running by pricing yourself out of the job or lowballing yourself, or not providing the information and being omitted from consideration. The
more experience you have that is directly related to the job, the more likely you are to get away
with not providing the information. Another option for handling this issue is to reiterate your
strong interest in the position and indicating that salary is negotiable. If you feel compelled to at
least partially comply, provide a salary range and make it a wide one.
CONCLUSION
The time commitment involved in developing tailored, thoughtful cover letters is significant, but it really
does pay off. Good resumes, cover letters, and follow-through are bound to get results -- interviews.
The next chapter will provide an in-depth look at the interview process.
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SAMPLE LETTERS
The following letters have been provided to you as a guide. They are especially helpful in
providing a sense of appropriate flow and tone. Obviously, borrowing liberally from the text of
any of these letters is counter-productive and inappropriate. Additionally, tone and form in cover
letters are highly related to your own personal style. A number of samples have been provided to
get you started, but these are not meant to be taken as the way to approach cover letter writing.
There are myriad of other resources in which you can find letters suited to your particular job
search situation. Additional resources are listed at the end of this section.
Please note that the cover letters provided here represent the American style of cover letter
writing. It would be impossible to provide examples of letters representing the norm for all the
cultures in which Wharton students and alumni seek jobs. Knowing what is appropriate for the
culture in which you are seeking a job is an imperative part of your Market Research efforts.
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Date
Joe Knows
Enclosure
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Date
Ms. Diane Recruiter
10 Palm Lane
India, FL 78652
Dear Ms. Recruiter:
After nine years of experience in the real estate industry, I have come to appreciate the essential
role financing plays in each stage of a complete business cycle, and the tremendous opportunities
that are available to those with access to capital. I plan to work for a firm that has the resources
to take advantage of these opportunities. I believe that BNK is one of these firms.
I will bring the following skills to your company:
I am eager to discuss my interest in your firm with you and will call your assistant early next week
to determine a convenient time for me to call you. I look forward to our discussion.
Sincerely,
Lou Talles
Enclosure
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Date
Ms. Diane Sharp
Fluke Investments
Domestic Equity Services
82 Devon Street
Boston, MA 02109
Dear Ms. Sharp:
I have a tremendous passion for equity markets. In the past, I have invested in First Investments
because it is the most renowned mutual fund organization in the world with the finest managed
portfolio funds. Now, I would like to join the best and am confident that I can convince you that
I can make an immediate contribution to Fluke.
My refined analytical and communication skills and enthusiasm for and fascination with the
market make me an ideal candidate for this position. At Blook Bank, I analyzed the mortgage
industry and valued our competitors business to convince management to further invest in the
division. In my previous experience at Priceless Water, I developed numerous client presentations
and regularly interacted with client management. Since I began actively investing in my own
portfolio, I have been intrigued by the stock market. Through these activities I have confirmed
that I want to make a career out of what has been a serious hobby.
With my distinct interest in equity research and related experience, I am certain that I can make an
immediate impact at Fluke. I would appreciate the opportunity to further discuss my
qualifications with you. I will be in Boston at the end of the month and would most appreciate a
short meeting. I will call you next week to schedule a time that is convenient for you.
Sincerely,
Jake Nook
Enclosure
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Date
Mr. Hector Fahrquarson
Dewey, Cheatum and Howe
123 45th Street
New York, NY 10001
Dear Mr. Fahrquarson:
I am a First Year MBA student at The Wharton School who would like to be considered for your
Investment Trading interview schedule on February 2, 2000. Having had the chance to learn
more about DC&H through your presentations and 'brown bag' lunches this semester really
piqued my interest in the firm. Your growing presence in the emerging debt equity market is
exciting to me because it is a field in which I would like to work.
My experience in sales strengthened my powers of observation and communication, as well as
teaching me the value of anticipation and decisiveness. These are all attributes I have learned that
a good Investment Trader possesses. I feel that I am honing my quantitative and analytical skills
in the coursework at Wharton. I find it challenging and most enjoyable. I look forward to a long
career as an Investment Trader.
I would appreciate the opportunity to contribute to the team at Dewey, Cheatum and Howe next
summer. I look forward to speaking with you or your representative on February 2. In the
interim, please feel free to call me with any questions.
Sincerely,
Lester L. Price
Enclosure
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Zeek Drambuie
19 Oak Lane
Cincinnati, OH 34543
Date
Ms. Pat Stilles
Partner
HC Consulting
21 Yells Dr.
Chicago, IL 23453
Dear Ms. Stilles:
I was given your name by Charles Schrabner, an acquaintance of mine, who suggested I write to
you regarding my interest in the healthcare consulting division of your firm. During my four years
providing and managing health care delivery, I have gained insights into how hospitals, like many
businesses, attempt to deal with changes, such as adverse regulation, increasing costs, and
consolidation pressures. I would like to use this expertise in a consultants role. I am attracted to
consulting because I thrive on problem solving, insist on new challenges on a regular basis, love to
travel and have a true passion for helping multiple healthcare organizations run more efficiently. I
am specifically interested in your firm because of its sterling reputation in the healthcare industry.
I have the analytic, creative problem solving talents, and interpersonal skills essential to an
effective consultant. For example, as a team leader of several health care research teams, I
creatively enhanced research efficacy by improving accuracy (20% percent increase) through
implementation of new administrative procedures and written guidelines. I managed a great deal
of change within my department while establishing productive and satisfying relationships with
department heads, as well as with peers and technicians. I have a broad based healthcare
background that would allow me to contribute immediately to your clients projects.
I am sincerely interested in becoming a member of your team. I will call you on Wednesday to
arrange a time when it would be convenient for us to further discuss my qualifications.
Sincerely,
Zeek Drambuie
Enclosure
Sample Cover Letter - Following Up After Meeting
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2 Bark Lane
Embarcadaro, CA 19874
Date
Mr. Dean Fells
Senior Vice President
Deffo Company
234 High Street
San Francisco, CA 19876
Dear Mr. Fells:
I enjoyed meeting you at the National Marketing Association Conference and
discussing our views concerning the people skills required to successfully handle
clients and address their needs. We spoke about challenging opportunities offered in
your Marketing Division, and I would like to reiterate my interest in working for you.
As a founder of the Marketing and Client Service Department for Deffo Company, I
created a marketing strategy for the firm, directed administrative procedures, and
designed new services for our customers. In carrying out these activities, I
demonstrated the innovativeness which exemplifies Deffo. Furthermore, these
responsibilities sharpened my skills in dealing with clientsneeds, personalities, and
specific demands. I understand the vital role sensitivity to the marketplace has played
in Deffos ability to acquire and maintain its leadership position in its Middle Market and
I feel my background displays the skills you are looking for.
May I take you up on your kind offer to visit you? I would welcome the opportunity to
further discuss my interest and experience in greater detail. I will call you at the end of
the week to determine when a meeting would be most convenient for you.
Sincerely,
Anita Jobs
Enclosure
Cover Letter - Responding to an Advertisement / Job Posting
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Date
Ms. Gabriele Greene
Vice President, Investment Banking
FBS Corporation
Park Plaza
New York, NY 1055
Dear Ms. Greene:
I read with great interest your advertisement for a new member of your investment
banking team in the December 1, xxxx Wall Street Journal. I am impressed with FBS
Corporations leadership position in the Global Investment Banking industry and would
like to pursue a career with your organization.
As a business engineer who has been fascinated with and involved in advising clients
and structuring financial solutions that satisfy their needs, an organization such as FBS
would provide a rich and fertile environment for my diverse skills. My various
professional and academic experiences have prepared me well for an active role in an
Investment Banking team. My engineering background provided me with strong
quantitative and analytical skills. By founding a company, I have honed my
entrepreneurial skills and have gotten sound and concrete experience in risk analysis.
I am intrigued by the many innovative financial solutions that continue to drive the
industry, and am excited about being involved in tackling challenging projects in a team
environment.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my experience and interest in FBS in
greater detail. I plan to be in New York City in January. I will call you at the beginning
of the month to arrange a meeting. I wish you a pleasant and healthy holiday season
and a Happy New Year. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Estelle Star
Enclosure
Cover Letter - Responding to an Advertisement / Job Posting
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Date
Mr. Allan Driek
Vice President
Dake Company
112 Lake Street
Detroit, MI 23453
Dear Mr. Driek:
I am replying to your advertisement for a Senior Consultant in your transportation
practice. As the following highlights, my experience matches this positions
requirements:
YOUR REQUIREMENTS
MY QUALIFICATIONS
4 years experience at
the second largest shipping
company in the U.S.
I have greatly enjoyed my years at FBS Shipping but find the idea of using what I have
learned about this dynamic industry in an ever-changing client environment appealing.
The enclosed resume outlines my experience to date. I believe that there is a terrific
match between my qualifications and your needs. Id like to take the opportunity to
discuss this with you in person and will call you in a few days to set up a meeting.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Enclosure
Sample Cover Letter - Requesting an Informational Interview
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Date
Mr. Smith
Title
Address
Dear Mr. Smith:
During my research about the effectiveness of direct mailing I came across your name as a leader in
assisting companies with direct mail marketing. Currently I work at a small cosmetics firm. One of
my recent projects was assisting in the development of a direct mail system to potential customers.
This project piqued my interest in direct mail and I would like to apply my previous marketing
experience to helping firms better utilize this dynamic marketing tool.
As I begin my job search in this area, I am gathering as much information and advice, as possible
and I know I could greatly benefit from your experience and knowledge. I will be in Connecticut in
the next two weeks; perhaps we could meet briefly. I would value any advice you can give me on
resume development and firms that might be interested in my qualifications and appreciate any
amount of time you can give me. I will call your office next week to see if there is a convenient
time for us to meet.
Sincerely,
Joan Carter
Enclosure
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Date
Ms. Executive Recruiter
Spindel, Way and Likey
Address
Dear Ms. Recruiter:
I am seeking a senior management level position in finance. I understand that your firm
specializes in placing executives in the financial arena. Perhaps one of your clients has a need for
an executive with the following to offer:
Twelve years experience in finance, with expertise in acquisition analysis, corporate
accounting, financial reporting systems and broad-based financial management
Eight years of management experience, leading groups of up to 45 and supervising up to 30
employees
Experience in the financial management of down-sizing and mergers
An MBA in finance from the Wharton School
I currently report to the CFO at DFR Corporation and there is little upward movement. I enjoy
working for DFR but I am ready for new challenges and am prepared to be a CFO or the
equivalent. If one of your current or future clients has a need for someone with my experience it
would be my pleasure to hear from you. I can be reached confidentially through my voice mail at
(222) 111-1111.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
Jill Waters
Enclosure
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Date
Mr. Bill Bob
BYOB Company
1234 Nob Rd.
Joan Tell
Enclosure
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RESOURCES
Job Search Letters That Get Results, Ronald and Caryl Krannich. 1995
Cover Letters That Knock em Dead, Martin Yate. 1992
Knock em Dead: The Ultimate Job Seekers Handbook, Martin Yate. 1995
The Perfect Cover Letter, Richard Beatty. 1989
Cover Letters That Will Get You the Job You Want, Stan Wynett, 1993
201 Killer Cover Letters, Sandra Podesta & Andrea Paxton, 1996
http://www.golden.net/~archeus/covlet.htm#Guide Archeus Cover Letter Resources. On-line
advice and sample cover letters.
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