TIPS AND TRICKS FOR WRITING SUCCESS - PART 6 of 7
This Free mini-course is sponsored by:
http://www.WritingHelpTools.com
http://www.WritingHelp-Central.com
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Hello Affiliate,
We're now on the final stretch of your mini-course on writing
tips and tricks. Here's Part 6.
In the previous session we reviewed how to write a winning
resume. Now in Part 6, we are going to review what is arguably,
even more important than the resume itself - the resume cover
letter! At least at first.
The reason the cover letter is so important is that, if it
doesn't do the job no one will ever see your masterpiece
resume! It may be short but it's critical.
Part 6 tells you how to write a great resume cover letter...
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How To Write Resume Cover Letters That Work
Copyright © Shaun Fawcett
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Sometimes there is confusion about the exact meaning of the
term "cover letter".
That's because when most people use that term, they don't
realize that there are two main types of cover letters. There
are "document transmittal cover letters", and there are "resume
cover letters".
DOCUMENT COVER LETTERS
A document cover letter is a letter of transmittal that
explains and conveys an attached document to a second party.
The types of documents that this type of cover letter is used
for typically include: reports, plans, legal papers,
applications, manuscripts, contracts, travel documents,
booklets, manuals, brochures, product samples, photos, artwork,
etc.
A document cover letter is normally a short one-page business
letter that very briefly explains the attached or enclosed
document(s) that is being sent. It only contains the essential
information such as why the document(s) is being sent, what
the recipient is expected to do with it, and any applicable
deadlines.
RESUME COVER LETTERS
When most people use or hear the term "cover letter" they are
thinking of resume cover letters.
Resume cover letters are used for one purpose only; to convey
a resume or curriculum vitae to a prospective employer.
A resume cover letter is normally a concise one-pager that
introduces you, explains why you're writing, summarizes your
key skills, abilities and experience, and asks the recipient
to get back to you. Its main purpose is to capture the
attention of the recipient enough to get that person to look
at the attached resume with interest.
Of the two types of cover letters, by far the most commonly
requested at my Writing Help Central Web site is the cover letter
for a resume or curriculum vitae.
RESUME COVER LETTER WRITING TIPS
When drafting a cover letter for a resume or c.v., there are
a number of important rules of thumb to follow. The following
list is an adapted summary of a similar list in my eBook
"Instant Home Writing Kit".
ADDRESS IT TO A SPECIFIC PERSON
Even when sending an unsolicited resume to a company you
should take the time to find out the name of the appropriate
person and write the letter to that person. At least it will
reach their office. Resumes sent to "Dear Human Resources
Manager" are almost always a waste of time. Name someone
specifically and it will at least make it into an in-basket.
KEEP IT SHORT AND FOCUSED
Remember, your resume already says it all. Keep the letter
short and focused and don't repeat what is already in the
attached resume or c.v. Never exceed one page in a cover letter.
BE ENTHUSIASTIC
Express your interest in the job and the new company with
enthusiasm. Show that you really want the job, and that you
would really like to work for that particular company.
FOCUS ON NEEDS OF THE EMPLOYER
Throughout your cover letter make it clear that you are
interested in the needs of the employer. You are there to help
them. You are part of the solution. Try to make this the
subliminal message of your entire letter.
SHOW THAT YOU'VE DONE YOUR HOMEWORK
Demonstrate a good knowledge of the company and industry for
which you are applying. A one-liner, or a phrase or two in the
appropriate place in your letter that shows you are interested,
and understand the company's problems, will give you instant
credibility (i.e. do some simple Internet research).
USE THE APPROPRIATE "BUZZWORDS"
Every organization has its own ways of doing things and its own
lingo. Look through key documents such as annual reports,
corporate Web sites, etc. Try to spot key words, terms, and
phrases that are often repeated. Every company has them. Use
as many of these "hot buttons" as you can in your cover letter
- where appropriate, of course. For example, if the "Message
From the CEO" in the annual report mentions the phrase "action
plan for the future" three times, make sure you work that term
into your cover letter. Don't overdo it, of course.
SUMMARIZE YOUR SKILLS AND ABILITIES
If possible, without making the letter too long, summarize
your overall skills and abilities in bullet-point form. This
can make them stand out in a way that they wouldn't, buried
in the resume or c.v.
PROMISE TO FOLLOW UP
In the final paragraph, clearly state that you will be
following up by telephone in a few days to see if you can
answer any questions. Make sure you do this. Industry experts
say that over 80% of people never do this crucial follow-up
and just wait for the phone to ring.
The challenge of course, is to try to address all of these
points in a three or four paragraph letter. It can be done!
To see a fully-formatted "real-life template" of a resume cover
letter, click on the following link:
http://www.writinghelp-central.com/cover-letter.html
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Affiliate, that's it for Part 6 of your mini-course.
If you would like to learn more about resume cover letters,
resume writing, and/or other types of writing, plus have
access to over 70 downloadable "real-life templates" on
various subjects, follow the link below:
http://instanthomewritingkit.com
If you need to know more about letters of recommendation, don't
forget to check out my best-selling eBook at:
http://www.instantrecommendationletterkit.com
All the best,
Shaun Fawcett, M.B.A.
P.S.
An owner of "Instant Home Writing Kit" recently shared about
how it helped him overcome writer's block.
"I wanted your Kit for cover letters re: employment and it gave
me many good ideas. You are quite right about writer's block.
I have developed six(6) cover letters from your one suggestion."
--- Peter Rutherford, Perth, Australia
http://instanthomewritingkit.com
ONE MORE SESSION TO GO:
Part 7: 7 Secrets For Beating Writer's Block
Your final course instalment will arrive on Jul. 17, 2008.
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Copyright (c) Shaun R. Fawcett, All Rights Reserved.
mailto:shaun@writinghelp-central.com
http://www.WritingHelpTools.com
http://www.WritingHelp-Central.com
http://www.instantHomeWritingkit.com
http://www.instantRecommendationLetterkit.com
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