Showing posts with label Cover Letter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Cover Letter. Show all posts

Monday, August 17, 2009

A letter sent

Below is a letter I have sent out to a local company I came across while looking at job postings at CareerBuilders; I'm curious as to what may come about.

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Dear Ms. XXXXXXXXXX:
I am writing you today to explore possible job opportunities with your company. I am a recent transplant to the Wichita area, relocating from north central Pennsylvania. I discovered Xxxxxx while exploring job postings at CareerBuilders. Your recent posting for a Flowmeter Technician (Ref ID: xxxxxxxxx) listed many job specifications that I am qualified to handle. Although I do not meet all the requirements listed for a Flowmeter Technician, I am interested in learning of possible entry level opportunities your company may have that I would be qualified for.

My recent employment with Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxx Xxxxxxxxx has provided me the the training and background that would benefit your company. Over the course of my nine years of employment, I was a molding machine/sintering operator, and a quality control technician.

Attached is a copy of my resume for you; I hope that you have the time to advise me as to whether you may have a position now or sometime in the near future; I can be reached at the contact information above. I look forward to hearing from you.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

XXXX X. XXXXXXXXX

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Tips for writing a cover letter

Some good points to keep in mind for writing a cover letter. Not in any particular order as I noted them as I read numerous articles:
  • If cover letter is e-mailed keep it 2-3 paragraphs in length
  • If written 3-5 paragraphs
  • Start strong--briefly describe how you heard about the position and why you're interested in it; purpose
  • If someone mentioned the job opening to you, be sure to use his or her name in the introduction
  • Don't seem desperate--hire me or else,,,
  • Connect dots between resume to cover letter--The body of the letter should expand the key points in your resume
  • Highlight skills and experiences relevant to the job opening, provide examples of how you can benefit the company
  • Don't focus on what you want, focus on what value you can bring to the employer--what does hiring company want, what are the benefits of hiring you
  • Find out the name of the person who will be reviewing your resume by contacting the company's human resources department
  • What position you are applying for--many companies advertise more than one position at a time
  • Learn as much as you can about the potential employer,,,
  • Demonstrate your knowledge of the company,,,
  • Tailor each cover letter to each specific job/company
  • Be proactive--state when you will contact hiring manager to follow up; reinforces your interest for the job
  • Don't forget to include a phone number or e-mail address where you can be reached
  • thank the hiring manager for time and interest
  • Thoroughly proofread!
  • Thoroughly proofread!!
  • Thoroughly proofread!!!

Wednesday, August 05, 2009

"Cover Letter" or Networking; both?

Below is a copy of a letter I recently e-mailed to a prospective employer in regards to their response to my posted resume. Al-tho it's not a cover letter per se, I am hoping that if I am not a fit for the job posted, it might peek their interest for other possibilities within their company. I think I am looking at this e-mail/letter more as a networking tool. Since I am in a new state/city, I can't overlook any chance of networking. Will have to see how it works out, but I would be foolish not broaden my wings at any chance.

One thought I am trying to keep in mind is that job searching/hunting is a job in itself. I have found that this "old" piece of advice has improved my outlook and mood. I have been trying to keep a few hours a day dedicated to improving my employment status.

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Dear XX XXXXXXX:
I am writing in regards to your inquiry concerning my resume posted at CareerBuilder.com. I wish to thank for taking the time to read and respond to my resume. I look forward to meeting with you at the career fair to be held at your offices on Thursday, August 13.

Your need for motivated individuals with strong communication skills, customer service experience, and positive attitude is a good match for my years of experience within the food service and retail fields. The ability to treat all consumers with genuine interest is important especially during these difficult economic times. Finding the right product to fit consumer needs should always be at the forefront in any consumer industry; something I feel I am able to do.

My time in the manufacturing field accentuated the need to be detailed oriented and able to effectively communicate verbally and in writing deviations from acceptable specification ranges. Hourly monitoring of the production process allowed me to make and note any needed adjustments thereby allowing co-workers to follow suit if needed. Although the testing equipment used during the production process was industry specific, computer use was necessary.

If you have any questions prior to our meeting on August 13, please don't hesitate to contact me at the above contact information. Thank you again for your time.

Sincerely,

XXXX X XXXXXXXXX