Could you give me some cover letter tips? What areas should I emphasize and how long should it be?
Definitely write them. And customize each one.
In a survey we conducted titled “Resume Survey Report,” we only asked one question about cover letters: “Should applicant include a cover letter with resume?”
Not only did only 1% say “No;” it was the lowest negative answer we received for any of the questions we asked.
What to emphasize? What they need that you can do. NOT, notice, what you can do in general. Customize your letter around them, not you. That is, match your skills and abilities to their needs (in the ad your responding to and/or from research you’ve done on the employer).
Other tips: a strong opening and a strong closing sentence. Examples of closes: “Please call if you have questions or if I can provide additional information.” (ad response letter) “To follow-up, I’ll call in a few days to see if a brief introductory discussion is appropriate. I look forward to speaking with you.” (direct contact letter).
As to length, generally about _ to 2/3 of a page. Get to the point quickly; say why you are writing then transition to highlighting skills and experience that match their needs.
Should I always include a reference page with my cover letter and resume?
Not unless they ask for it. If you send your references out unsolicited you have no idea who may be calling them or why.
Always have a printed list of your references at interviews so if asked you have it or you can offer it. Asking for references is a sign you’re being seriously considered. Each time you give the list out call the references listed and let them know who you gave it to, what the position is and the key things the employer is stressing about the position. Call your references back a week later if they haven’t called you to see if they’ve been called.
If there is a company I really want to work for but there are no current openings what tips do you have for “getting in the door” or even getting a job?
As mentioned in the answer about cover letters above, the hiring process is about the employer’s needs and your ability to match them. It’s now about you and your abilities in general. So research target organizations you really want to work for. Do all the research you can on them using their website, their sales literature, articles in the press and personal contacts to refer you to people others know in the organization.
In an earlier version of What Color is your Parachute?, Richard Bolles outlined “The Creative Minority’s Prescription.”
Bolles states that, “You must research the organizations that interest you at great length, and then approach the one individual in each organization who has the power to hire you for the job that you have decided you want to do.”
That’s what successful people do to win positions in firms and organizations they are most interested in.
Have a question you would like to have Tom answer? Send us your questions via email to rcjobs@rollcal.com. Be sure to put "Question for Tom" in the subject line of your email.
Tom Morris, internationally certified as a Career Management Fellow, has coached thousands of individuals going through career development and transitions, and has consulted with hundreds of firms and organizations experiencing change and reorganization. He has worked successfully in the private, government and non-profit sectors coaching managers, executives and professionals engaged in career development and transition. He is a past president of the DC Area Chapter of the Association of Career Professionals International and served for two years on the governing Board of the Institute of Career Certification International. A sought-after speaker and writer, Tom has written or been quoted in articles for local and national websites, newspapers and magazines. His new book, Career Mechanics I – Solutions to Common Career and Employment Issues: Advice on Career Development, Recruitment and Retention, Changing Jobs, Career Assessment, Resumes, Networking, Interviewing and Negotiation, will be published this month. For more information see www.morrisdc.com/careermechanics.
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