A Foot in the Door: Writing a Professional Cover Letter
The last time I had to apply for a job was 33 years ago when I applied for a surveillance investigator position with Nick Harris Detectives in Los Angeles. I was 25 years old. I walked in the door, told the Encino branch office manager I had been doing surveillances for three years and he hired me.
I had to research this essay on writing a professional cover letter, because after my 6 years with Nick Harris Detectives, I became self-employed for the next 27 years.
I'm writing literary agents to get one to represent my book, Worlds Apart. My original idea for this piece was to write about the cover letter to agents and publishers. But I began to think about what many writers are going through right now in this George-Barrack-Nancy-Harry economy that keeps getting worse. Most writers have other jobs. And have lost that "other" job. So I turned my attention and research to writing a cover letter to get a job. Marketing myself has never been my forte, so what you're going to read is mostly the expertise and advice of those folks who know how to get that personal interview, peppered with my experience as an employer. And spiked with the common sense God loaned me. As an employer, I rarely received cover letters. Usually a resume, which listed the candidate's jobs but told me virtually nothing about the person.
So why send a cover letter?
It introduces you as a person. It answers the question, "Why should I hire you?" It should tell the employer why you--and not the other applicants--should be contacted for that personal interview.
Okay, let's stop right there. The cover letter is only to get your foot in the door. But if you don't have a personality, can't dress appropriately, and have the social skills of someone with Asperger's, writing a spit-fire cover letter will be as useful as paper in the bottom of the bird cage.
Before I break down the parts of the cover letter, let me first begin with some great tips to make it professional:
1. Research the company and the specifics of the position. I can call the company and talk to their HR department or someone familiar with the position. I wouldn't keep the person on the line too long, just a quick run-down on the position from their perspective. Many companies have Web sites where I can learn all about the jobs they are offering. This research allows me to tailor my letter to the needs of the organization. I want the person reading my cover letter to think, "Hey, this guy knows what I need. He's done his homework."
2. Avoid using too many sentences that start with "I" or writing in the passive voice. I shouldn't write, "The skills I developed at my last position enabled me to..." or "In the first three years at Hellbent Fire Extinguishers, I was responsible for..." I make myself the subject of each sentence (not too difficult for me) and use active descriptions. Something like this: "In this position, I demonstrated problem-solving skills on a daily basis."
3. Do not use contractions. I'd, didn't, it's are too colloquial for a professional cover letter.
4. Spelling, grammar or punctuation mistakes are intolerable. Now, many employers don't know that terminal marks go inside quotes, put commas in the sentence every time they take a breath, and don't know the difference between lie and lay. But many do. And many can "hear" when something doesn't read correctly and assume it's not written skillfully. A cover letter reflects my writing skills. As an employer, I used to have every applicant write a 50-word essay on why they want to work for Probe Investigations. If their writing skills sucked, so would their investigation reports. I need my cover letter to be an example of my best work.
5. Sign the letter in black ink. My signature personalizes the electronically printed letter. It says: "This is me!" My hand created those lines and curves. It's subliminal but punctuates the letter with my humanity.
6. Keep the letter short and simple. I don't want to tell my whole life story. No one gives a damn...yet.
7. Use good quality paper that matches my resume paper and envelopes. As an employer, unmatched paper and envelopes signaled the possibility that the candidate wouldn't know or care about dressing his person any better. It shows an employer that you give attention to presentation. Good presentation is a subtle way of demonstrating respect.
A staple or a paperclip affixed to the top of my cover letter signals the employer that he's going to spend some time reading about the applicant. So, I'm keeping my cover letter to one page. ONE PAGE. There are three paragraphs to this letter, but first, here's how I address and greet the employer:
Today's Date
Mr./Ms. Employer's Name (if I don't know, I find out!)
Title
Company's Name
Address
Dear Mr./Ms. Employer's Name:
First Paragraph: Immediately tells the reason "why I am writing" and the position I want to be considered for. It's 2-3 sentences and covers:
a. Why I am writing and which position I am applying for;
b. It is irrelevant how I heard about the position, unless it is a mutual contact or recruiting program.
c. I show through my research why I am interested in this position or organization. My goal is briefly and specifically to make a connection. That means I make my points with a needle and not a paint roller.
I would like to be considered for the Tip Removal Supervisor position offered at The Circumcision Factory. I learned of this opportunity through the California Rabbinical Consortium.
Second Paragraph: This is the "why I'm qualified" paragraph. I highlight some of my most relevant (key word!) experiences and qualities as they relate to the position for which I am applying. I'll choose 2-3 points to make. This paragraph will change, depending upon the job/employer, and it's usually the longest paragraph of the letter. If it looks too long, I'll break the paragraph into two. Here are some points I need to consider:
a. The first sentence has to be a real hook--an attention-grabber. It is accomplishment-driven and directed at the skills and qualifications needed for the job/industry.
b. The body of the paragraph provides evidence to back up what I've just claimed. I cite specific jobs/internships/activities/projects and accomplishments associated with those experiences. I won't reiterate sections of my resume word for word, but I will use my resume to detail specifics.
c. Summarize what I've discussed above in the final sentence. I will mention the position title and company name to bring the reader back to the specific job in question.
My high level of concentration and hand-eye coordination have helped me achieve a strong Bris Mila record working with Rabbi Mozes which reflects my diligence and commitment to success. Rigorous studies in penis-envy and the study of Separation from G-d have provided me with a first rate writing ability as well as a sharp analytical, problem-solving and research skills. In my urological courses, I have written papers involving in-depth research and analysis in order to prove a specific thesis: foreskins get in the way of so many things. I have also developed unique foreskin disposal methods, involving gloves and basketball hoops. In addition, my studying in Israel has greatly expanded my appreciation for the Torah and the Jewish culture, allowing me the benefits of relating to the parents of the boys during their once-in-a-lifetime operation.
Final Paragraph: This is a short 2-4 sentence paragraph where I refer to the enclosed resume, request an interview and let the reader know what will happen next. It is vital that I thank the reader for his time and consideration.
My resume, letters of recommendation, and some donated samples of my handiwork are enclosed for your evaluation. (The large tip was from an adult who wanted to show his appreciation for my work on his 8-day-old son.) I will contact you in the week of February 10 to schedule a time in which I may further discuss my qualification for the Tip Removal Supervisor position. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Then:
Sincerely,
Samuel T. Eubanks, III
Samuel T. Eubanks, III
Enclosures
Now all we need is for the lazy, self-serving bastards in Washington, D.C., and our state capitals to get off their butts and do what needs to be done to create jobs. If you want somewhere to put your foot in the door, vote November 2.
And remember: I'll work for $10 an hour plus tips.
I had to research this essay on writing a professional cover letter, because after my 6 years with Nick Harris Detectives, I became self-employed for the next 27 years.
I'm writing literary agents to get one to represent my book, Worlds Apart. My original idea for this piece was to write about the cover letter to agents and publishers. But I began to think about what many writers are going through right now in this George-Barrack-Nancy-Harry economy that keeps getting worse. Most writers have other jobs. And have lost that "other" job. So I turned my attention and research to writing a cover letter to get a job. Marketing myself has never been my forte, so what you're going to read is mostly the expertise and advice of those folks who know how to get that personal interview, peppered with my experience as an employer. And spiked with the common sense God loaned me. As an employer, I rarely received cover letters. Usually a resume, which listed the candidate's jobs but told me virtually nothing about the person.
So why send a cover letter?
It introduces you as a person. It answers the question, "Why should I hire you?" It should tell the employer why you--and not the other applicants--should be contacted for that personal interview.
Okay, let's stop right there. The cover letter is only to get your foot in the door. But if you don't have a personality, can't dress appropriately, and have the social skills of someone with Asperger's, writing a spit-fire cover letter will be as useful as paper in the bottom of the bird cage.
Before I break down the parts of the cover letter, let me first begin with some great tips to make it professional:
1. Research the company and the specifics of the position. I can call the company and talk to their HR department or someone familiar with the position. I wouldn't keep the person on the line too long, just a quick run-down on the position from their perspective. Many companies have Web sites where I can learn all about the jobs they are offering. This research allows me to tailor my letter to the needs of the organization. I want the person reading my cover letter to think, "Hey, this guy knows what I need. He's done his homework."
2. Avoid using too many sentences that start with "I" or writing in the passive voice. I shouldn't write, "The skills I developed at my last position enabled me to..." or "In the first three years at Hellbent Fire Extinguishers, I was responsible for..." I make myself the subject of each sentence (not too difficult for me) and use active descriptions. Something like this: "In this position, I demonstrated problem-solving skills on a daily basis."
3. Do not use contractions. I'd, didn't, it's are too colloquial for a professional cover letter.
4. Spelling, grammar or punctuation mistakes are intolerable. Now, many employers don't know that terminal marks go inside quotes, put commas in the sentence every time they take a breath, and don't know the difference between lie and lay. But many do. And many can "hear" when something doesn't read correctly and assume it's not written skillfully. A cover letter reflects my writing skills. As an employer, I used to have every applicant write a 50-word essay on why they want to work for Probe Investigations. If their writing skills sucked, so would their investigation reports. I need my cover letter to be an example of my best work.
5. Sign the letter in black ink. My signature personalizes the electronically printed letter. It says: "This is me!" My hand created those lines and curves. It's subliminal but punctuates the letter with my humanity.
6. Keep the letter short and simple. I don't want to tell my whole life story. No one gives a damn...yet.
7. Use good quality paper that matches my resume paper and envelopes. As an employer, unmatched paper and envelopes signaled the possibility that the candidate wouldn't know or care about dressing his person any better. It shows an employer that you give attention to presentation. Good presentation is a subtle way of demonstrating respect.
A staple or a paperclip affixed to the top of my cover letter signals the employer that he's going to spend some time reading about the applicant. So, I'm keeping my cover letter to one page. ONE PAGE. There are three paragraphs to this letter, but first, here's how I address and greet the employer:
Today's Date
Mr./Ms. Employer's Name (if I don't know, I find out!)
Title
Company's Name
Address
Dear Mr./Ms. Employer's Name:
First Paragraph: Immediately tells the reason "why I am writing" and the position I want to be considered for. It's 2-3 sentences and covers:
a. Why I am writing and which position I am applying for;
b. It is irrelevant how I heard about the position, unless it is a mutual contact or recruiting program.
c. I show through my research why I am interested in this position or organization. My goal is briefly and specifically to make a connection. That means I make my points with a needle and not a paint roller.
I would like to be considered for the Tip Removal Supervisor position offered at The Circumcision Factory. I learned of this opportunity through the California Rabbinical Consortium.
Second Paragraph: This is the "why I'm qualified" paragraph. I highlight some of my most relevant (key word!) experiences and qualities as they relate to the position for which I am applying. I'll choose 2-3 points to make. This paragraph will change, depending upon the job/employer, and it's usually the longest paragraph of the letter. If it looks too long, I'll break the paragraph into two. Here are some points I need to consider:
a. The first sentence has to be a real hook--an attention-grabber. It is accomplishment-driven and directed at the skills and qualifications needed for the job/industry.
b. The body of the paragraph provides evidence to back up what I've just claimed. I cite specific jobs/internships/activities/projects and accomplishments associated with those experiences. I won't reiterate sections of my resume word for word, but I will use my resume to detail specifics.
c. Summarize what I've discussed above in the final sentence. I will mention the position title and company name to bring the reader back to the specific job in question.
My high level of concentration and hand-eye coordination have helped me achieve a strong Bris Mila record working with Rabbi Mozes which reflects my diligence and commitment to success. Rigorous studies in penis-envy and the study of Separation from G-d have provided me with a first rate writing ability as well as a sharp analytical, problem-solving and research skills. In my urological courses, I have written papers involving in-depth research and analysis in order to prove a specific thesis: foreskins get in the way of so many things. I have also developed unique foreskin disposal methods, involving gloves and basketball hoops. In addition, my studying in Israel has greatly expanded my appreciation for the Torah and the Jewish culture, allowing me the benefits of relating to the parents of the boys during their once-in-a-lifetime operation.
Final Paragraph: This is a short 2-4 sentence paragraph where I refer to the enclosed resume, request an interview and let the reader know what will happen next. It is vital that I thank the reader for his time and consideration.
My resume, letters of recommendation, and some donated samples of my handiwork are enclosed for your evaluation. (The large tip was from an adult who wanted to show his appreciation for my work on his 8-day-old son.) I will contact you in the week of February 10 to schedule a time in which I may further discuss my qualification for the Tip Removal Supervisor position. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Then:
Sincerely,
Samuel T. Eubanks, III
Samuel T. Eubanks, III
Enclosures
Now all we need is for the lazy, self-serving bastards in Washington, D.C., and our state capitals to get off their butts and do what needs to be done to create jobs. If you want somewhere to put your foot in the door, vote November 2.
And remember: I'll work for $10 an hour plus tips.
Posted by Tom Eubanks at 10/6/2010 9:03 AM 
Categories: Marketing Yourself
Tags: Working It Vital Resource
Categories: Marketing Yourself
Tags: Working It Vital Resource
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