When you are applying to a job, to a school, to anything, you have to present the best cover letter you possibly can. Your cover letter is your first chance to make an impression.
The corporate world is a place where no silly games are allowed, no children are permitted and no tantrums and whines are accepted. It is the world where you transform to be the mature person that you need to become. It is the training ground to the many business battles in your life. It is where you can unleash your intellectual and strategic capabilities. It's the world where decisions, determination laced with fun co-exist with one another.
Looking for your place in the corporate world is easy enough to do if you know what your priorities are. If you have an idea of what your abilities, strengths and aptitude are you can wisely take advantage of them in presenting yourself to the rulers of the corporate world. But before you primp and wear your power-dressing outfit to deliver your weapons to the different companies of your choice, you need to make sure that your resumes and business cover letters appropriately reflect the person wearing the all too professional business suit.
Resumes are the backbone of the jobseeker's achievements and desires. Business cover letters are the foundation of his/her skills and accomplishment. As someone who wants to be a part of the business world, your resume should reflect who you are and who you want to be. The business cover letter, on the other hand, should stress and indicate the qualities that you have to make dreams a reality.
Writing a resume is simple especially if you have a template to follow. Business cover letters are somehow easy to do as well with the different templates you can get ideas to. However, writing a business cover letter can be harder than writing a resume just for the reason that you are in a way merchandising your strengths that shouldn't sound arrogant, too good to be true and egotistic.
If you're writing your business cover letter, here are some tips and tricks that you can follow.
Even if you know how to make one, it's still better to review or check sample business cover letters online or at writing/business books. In these time and age where everything is changed in just a minute, it's wiser to check if you're still up to date.
If and when you follow business cover letter templates, make sure to just get the gist of the template. Sample templates are there as models only. You still need to do your own construction with the basic structure that templates give. The most common mistake of jobseekers that use business cover letters is that they only delete and change the part of the template where their information is needed. And then leave everything as it is. You cannot impress or catch the attention of your potential employer if he/she sees another altered business cover letter template. He/she'll just think of you as someone who can't even write an original cover letter.
Make it a point to outline what you plan and can do for the company. Not just the standard line where jobseekers say that he/she wants to be an asset to the company. You need to be more specific and more driven than that. It will show that you already value the work that you're looking for.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Sample Cover Letter Format
Your address
City, ST Zip
Date
Name of Contact Person
Title
Organization
Street address
City, ST Zip
Dear (contact person),
Opening Paragraph: Why writing? Capture interest!
Strong opening sentences to make the reader want to continue reading.
Name the job for which you are applying. Tell how you learned about it.
Mention the name of a person (if any) who referred you to the organization.
Perhaps pose a question that zeros in on a high-need area for the employer.
Body Paragraph: Critical content section. Convince the reader of your skills.
Acknowledge the skills required by the open position.
State the skills/strengths you will bring to the job and that parallel those needed to fill the position.
Give examples of skills, achievements - and how they will transfer to the job.
Comment on your knowledge of the company (their products, services, or special projects) and why you are interested in working for them.
Closing Paragraph: Ask for interview - identify next step!
Refer to enclosed resume.
Assert yourself by telling the contact person that you will call on a designated date. Alternatively, state that you are available for a personal interview at her/his convenience.
Make it easy for the person to contact you: list your phone number and times you can be reached. Even if it is on the resume, list it here again!
Sincerely, (Respectfully, etc.)
(sign your name)
Your Name Typed
Enclosures: Resume
(Transcript)
More about cover letter format:
City, ST Zip
Date
Name of Contact Person
Title
Organization
Street address
City, ST Zip
Dear (contact person),
Opening Paragraph: Why writing? Capture interest!
Strong opening sentences to make the reader want to continue reading.
Name the job for which you are applying. Tell how you learned about it.
Mention the name of a person (if any) who referred you to the organization.
Perhaps pose a question that zeros in on a high-need area for the employer.
Body Paragraph: Critical content section. Convince the reader of your skills.
Acknowledge the skills required by the open position.
State the skills/strengths you will bring to the job and that parallel those needed to fill the position.
Give examples of skills, achievements - and how they will transfer to the job.
Comment on your knowledge of the company (their products, services, or special projects) and why you are interested in working for them.
Closing Paragraph: Ask for interview - identify next step!
Refer to enclosed resume.
Assert yourself by telling the contact person that you will call on a designated date. Alternatively, state that you are available for a personal interview at her/his convenience.
Make it easy for the person to contact you: list your phone number and times you can be reached. Even if it is on the resume, list it here again!
Sincerely, (Respectfully, etc.)
(sign your name)
Your Name Typed
Enclosures: Resume
(Transcript)
More about cover letter format:
Friday, August 21, 2009
How to Write a Cover Letter for Teacher
If there is one thing that worries an individual who want to pursue a teaching career is that their cover letter must sound very good and their writing skills must be perfect. Of course you need to write well but it doesn’t have to be perfect.
Sometimes when we try to write perfectly we tend to put our writing sound odd by using words unknown by most people or we use a style of writing that was used by ancient people.
Do not worry too much about having to write a cover letter just because you are applying for a teaching position because if you can write any cover letter then you can write this one. This is just a cover letter it is no different than any other cover letter with any other job application.
Remember that your focus here is to get that teaching job. Make that your goal and inspiration in writing the cover letter.
Start by knowing whom you are going to address the letter to. Make sure you have their full name, status (Mr./Mrs./Ms/PhD), address and position in the company you are applying to. This is a sign of respect this is a plus point for you.
Be specific. Show them that you are eager to work for that specific school and that their acceptance is the most important thing in the world for you. Write their school name so it sounds more personalized.
If you will be applying in several schools at the same time and want to use a generic cover letter just change the school name in you letter. It is still best if you mention the school.
Do not write like you are trying to show them your lesson plan or that you sound like a professional teacher. Cover letters with a heart gets more YES than those that write like a teacher. If you know of anything interesting in that school include it in your letter. Let them know that you like to work from them. Show them gusto.
After all that emotion of course you need to check the technical part too. Look at your grammar, punctuations and sentence patterns.
Be different. Be creative. Use a different font, use a good paper (don’t be too acquainted with scented paper it doesn’t really show much professionalism) and try a different writing style. Creativity is one major trait that is needed for someone to be a good teacher.
Originality still tops the list in cover letter writing. Available cover letter in the internet is not really much help because it is too generalized and shows no heart. And by any chance the reader of the letter just might have seen it before by someone who used the same template as you did.
The most important thing in all this is that you write everything that is in your heart. Show the school your yearning to work for them and to share knowledge with the kids. Tell them your love and dedication for children and what you hope for them.
By opening up to them and showing them that their school is different from other school, you are opening the doors to that school. Showing them intelligence and heart together will definitely catch their attention.
Sincerity is the key of them all. Be honest and write your heart out.
About the Author: Jimmy Sweeney is the President of CareerJimmy and author of "Amazing Cover Letter Creator".
How to Write a Cover Letter for your Resume
The cover letter is your first, and sometimes your only opportunity to grab an employer's attention and let them know why your resume is worth reading. Since there are many different ways to write a cover letter, depending on the employer and the method of transmission, for example, here are some ways to make yours stand out along with some examples you can tweak to your liking.
A good cover letter should not sound like a re-hash of your resume. It should pull highlights from your resume and tie it gracefully with the job description. Consider it a bridge between your resume and the position you're seeking.
Make your cover letter visually appealing and coordinated with your resume. Use the same personal information block in the heading of your cover letter and your resume. A cohesive resume package is a very attractive selling point. If using paper (i.e., not online), use the same high quality paper for the cover letter as for your resume.
At the same time, do not overdo the style elements. One type font is never wrong (especially if you are in the arts and applying for a job that requires a resume). Choose a font that is simple but elegant. Avoid common decorative fonts (e.g. Comic Sans, Papyrus) unless you wish to send the message "I think I'm original, just like everyone else." Avoid uncommon decorative fonts unless you are applying for a job where being quirky is of greater value than being businesslike AND the people who are doing the hiring are on board with this philosophy.
Be concise. Never use two words when one will do (avoid verbosity). Always strike the word "very" and eliminate as many "that"s as you can.
The more unconventional the employer, the more leeway for creativity you have in writing a cover letter.
You don't have to explain everything. You may leave the employer wishing to learn more about you.
You should use a different cover letter for every job application. It must be specific to the exact role that you are applying for.
You should always request an interview.
Learn more about how to write a cover letter.
A good cover letter should not sound like a re-hash of your resume. It should pull highlights from your resume and tie it gracefully with the job description. Consider it a bridge between your resume and the position you're seeking.
Make your cover letter visually appealing and coordinated with your resume. Use the same personal information block in the heading of your cover letter and your resume. A cohesive resume package is a very attractive selling point. If using paper (i.e., not online), use the same high quality paper for the cover letter as for your resume.
At the same time, do not overdo the style elements. One type font is never wrong (especially if you are in the arts and applying for a job that requires a resume). Choose a font that is simple but elegant. Avoid common decorative fonts (e.g. Comic Sans, Papyrus) unless you wish to send the message "I think I'm original, just like everyone else." Avoid uncommon decorative fonts unless you are applying for a job where being quirky is of greater value than being businesslike AND the people who are doing the hiring are on board with this philosophy.
Be concise. Never use two words when one will do (avoid verbosity). Always strike the word "very" and eliminate as many "that"s as you can.
The more unconventional the employer, the more leeway for creativity you have in writing a cover letter.
You don't have to explain everything. You may leave the employer wishing to learn more about you.
You should use a different cover letter for every job application. It must be specific to the exact role that you are applying for.
You should always request an interview.
Learn more about how to write a cover letter.
Resume Writing Services
For those unable to create anything remotely resembling a resume, the best hope for success is to use a resume writing service. A resume writing service can provide anything form helpful tips to actually forming your resume. They offer professional staff members, ones accustomed to catching the attention of employers. These men and women understand how difficult it is to stand out amongst the mass of applicants, so they help you create a resume that is the ideal showcase for your talents.
Resume service is split into distinct categories like professional resume writing, sales resume writing, executive resume writing, IT resume writing, and teacher resume writing. The resume writing services provide resume editing and tailoring services. They carefully analyze the strength and potential of the candidates before compiling a resume. While no two resumes will look the same, there are certain similarities in all good resumes. Every resume should include headings, objectives, education, work experience, other experiences and personal references if applicable.
A professional resume writing services can be a helpful thing; it can also be an expensive one. Rates vary and cost changes from service to service, but the basic principle remains: you are not going to get something worthwhile for a little price. This is business, something you--as one looking to enter the business world--should appreciate.
If you do not have the time, or ability, to keep reworking and rearranging your resume, then this could be the best option for you.
e-resume.net is the leading national resume writing service combining personalized attention with the speed of the Internet to deliver professional resumes. They can help you write a resume which is custom designed and results-oriented. Click here to learn more about e-resume.
Monday, August 3, 2009
Writing a Cover Letter Yourself
Aside from your resume, writing a cover letter is a must as you apply for a job.It’s true that cover letters are the best tools to get you a job interview. A good cover letter can pique the interest of a potential employer, even before they have browsed through your resume.
The primary sections of a cover letter are the heading, body and the closing. The heading includes the date and the salutation. It is necessary that you close your cover letter with your signature.
The most important part of the letter is the body, which is about three spaces below the heading. In this paragraph you should incorporate some highlights from your resume that demonstrate how qualified you are for the position. It's key here to keep in mind that you don't need to write your resume word for word. Only highlight those parts that pertain to the job. This is where you really sell yourself. This is the paragraph where you should dress it up to impress. Put yourself in the employer shoes, and ask yourself if you meet the company's needs and how you meet them. Chances are this will be your longest paragraph but don't get too carried away. There is no need for the employer to know that you volunteer at your local community center every weekend teaching young kids how to play ball. Remember, these employers are looking for that one person who best fits their needs. Use this paragraph to show them that you are exactly what they are looking for.
Be brief but polite. Businesses are very busy, and they have only a few people to sift through thousands of letters every day. Grab attention by being very brief. Introduce yourself in one sentence, state your interest in the job posted in another sentence, and state what you have attached to the cover letter in the third. Brevity is indeed the soul of wit – it can also be the key to that job.
Sign your name above your printed name. This shows that you are not sending out the same letter to thousands of other companies – and it shows that each letter has your personal touch. Remember, a company will not care about who you are and what you know – until it knows that you care about the company first.
Writing the cover letter is a manageable thing. You are not writing for a literary contest. All you need is to know what to highlight and address. With these objectives in mind, you can easily find your way in writing a good cover letter.
The primary sections of a cover letter are the heading, body and the closing. The heading includes the date and the salutation. It is necessary that you close your cover letter with your signature.
The most important part of the letter is the body, which is about three spaces below the heading. In this paragraph you should incorporate some highlights from your resume that demonstrate how qualified you are for the position. It's key here to keep in mind that you don't need to write your resume word for word. Only highlight those parts that pertain to the job. This is where you really sell yourself. This is the paragraph where you should dress it up to impress. Put yourself in the employer shoes, and ask yourself if you meet the company's needs and how you meet them. Chances are this will be your longest paragraph but don't get too carried away. There is no need for the employer to know that you volunteer at your local community center every weekend teaching young kids how to play ball. Remember, these employers are looking for that one person who best fits their needs. Use this paragraph to show them that you are exactly what they are looking for.
Be brief but polite. Businesses are very busy, and they have only a few people to sift through thousands of letters every day. Grab attention by being very brief. Introduce yourself in one sentence, state your interest in the job posted in another sentence, and state what you have attached to the cover letter in the third. Brevity is indeed the soul of wit – it can also be the key to that job.
Sign your name above your printed name. This shows that you are not sending out the same letter to thousands of other companies – and it shows that each letter has your personal touch. Remember, a company will not care about who you are and what you know – until it knows that you care about the company first.
Writing the cover letter is a manageable thing. You are not writing for a literary contest. All you need is to know what to highlight and address. With these objectives in mind, you can easily find your way in writing a good cover letter.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
A Sample Teacher Cover Letter
This sample resume cover letter for teachers will help you in creating a winning cover letter for your job search. Be sure to accompany this with a killer resume and you'll soon see your job hunting efforts start to pay-off.
May 30, 2008
Jon Smith, Principal
Jefferson Junior High
123 Beech Street
Smalltown, PA 19566
Dear Mr. Smith,
I learned about a job opening that you have at Jefferson Junior High through a friend of mine who works in your administration office. Please let me explain to you why I am right for the job, and why the job is right for me.
I've been teaching at the elementary level in the United States for almost four years. Before that, I was doing volunteer work teaching English to young children in Iran. My experiences at both of these jobs have given me insight into who I am as a teacher and what children need to learn effectively. These situations have proven that I can perform in a variety of educational settings.
I also try to teach my students that there is more to living than school. Once a week, I try to take my classes outside and do something fun. The students have learned that being healthy and fit goes a long way in being successful in school.
The sense of being a part of a team is also a valuable lesson that I have learned through my years of teaching. I know that without my administrators, fellow teachers, and parents, my job would be much harder.
I hope you will accept this letter and consider me for employment at Jefferson Junior High. If I am chosen, I promise to bring fitness and life back into the classroom, while still maintaining a high level of academic excellence.
If you are interested in learning more about me, please do not hesitate to call. Thank you for taking the time to read this and the attached resume. I look forward to hearing from you again soon.
Sincerely,
Thomas French
Enclosed: Resume
Lean more about how to write a cover letter for teacher.
May 30, 2008
Jon Smith, Principal
Jefferson Junior High
123 Beech Street
Smalltown, PA 19566
Dear Mr. Smith,
I learned about a job opening that you have at Jefferson Junior High through a friend of mine who works in your administration office. Please let me explain to you why I am right for the job, and why the job is right for me.
I've been teaching at the elementary level in the United States for almost four years. Before that, I was doing volunteer work teaching English to young children in Iran. My experiences at both of these jobs have given me insight into who I am as a teacher and what children need to learn effectively. These situations have proven that I can perform in a variety of educational settings.
I also try to teach my students that there is more to living than school. Once a week, I try to take my classes outside and do something fun. The students have learned that being healthy and fit goes a long way in being successful in school.
The sense of being a part of a team is also a valuable lesson that I have learned through my years of teaching. I know that without my administrators, fellow teachers, and parents, my job would be much harder.
I hope you will accept this letter and consider me for employment at Jefferson Junior High. If I am chosen, I promise to bring fitness and life back into the classroom, while still maintaining a high level of academic excellence.
If you are interested in learning more about me, please do not hesitate to call. Thank you for taking the time to read this and the attached resume. I look forward to hearing from you again soon.
Sincerely,
Thomas French
Enclosed: Resume
Lean more about how to write a cover letter for teacher.
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