{"id":3824,"date":"2017-11-27T21:10:05","date_gmt":"2017-11-27T18:10:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.unistoretz.com\/magazine\/?p=3824"},"modified":"2017-11-27T21:12:16","modified_gmt":"2017-11-27T18:12:16","slug":"how-to-write-a-cover-letter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.unistoretz.com\/magazine\/how-to-write-a-cover-letter\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Write A Cover Letter"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>In the business world, interviews are a lot like blind dates.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Employers sit down with potential employees and over the course of the meeting, both parties try to learn enough about each other to decide if working together is<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>good idea or a bad idea\u2026just without the awkward hug\/kiss thing at the end\u2026hopefully.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">See\u2026not so far off from our blind date scenario from earlier\u2026but there is ONE big difference.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">Did you know that companies <i>do<\/i> have those little cheat sheets on potential employees and that they do \u2018pre-screenings\u2019 before the offer to interview is even considered?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>That\u2019s right! They do.<\/strong><br \/>\n<script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display: block; text-align: center;\" data-ad-format=\"fluid\" data-ad-layout=\"in-article\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-4564014896468666\" data-ad-slot=\"3836292876\"><\/ins><br \/>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script><\/p>\n<p>Every single piece of information you send a company you\u2019re applying to is going to be <em>thoroughly<\/em> looked at to determine your potential for compatibility, starting with your cover letter.<\/p>\n<p><strong><em>\u201cBut wait,\u201d you say, \u201cwhat\u2019s a cover letter, and more importantly, why do I need to send one along with my resume?\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Don\u2019t worry, we\u2019re going to explain exactly what it is\u2026and so much more.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">In fact, over the course of this article, we\u2019re going to discuss a number of things you\u2019ll need to know in order to make your cover letter not only right for who you are and what you bring to the table\u2026but tailor it so it\u2019s absolutely perfect for your first blind date\u2026er, we mean\u2026the job you\u2019re applying for<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Before you learn how to write a cover letter, you first need to understand what it is!<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>A professional cover letter is a short, single page letter you should include with every application and\/or resume you send out. <\/strong><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\"><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">It\u2019s a quick way for you to introduce yourself to an employer and gives them a taste of <i>you<\/i>\u2026not just your skills (which they will get by looking at your resume.)<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Not only does it act as an introduction, it will also let whoever is reading it (hiring managers) know exactly why you are sending them your information as well as potentially help open the door to future meetings\u2026and interviews!<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span class=\"s1\">Remember, first impressions count\u2026even when they\u2019re on paper, so let\u2019s make sure yours is as perfect as possible. You should start by downloading our <strong>\u201cPerfect Cover Letter Cheat Sheet\u201d<\/strong>, which will show you how to build your cover letter in quick, step-by-step format. <strong><a class=\"manual-optin-trigger\" href=\"httpsss:\/\/theinterviewguys.com\/how-to-write-a-cover-letter-examples-included\/#\" data-optin-slug=\"ndlv7x6j6jagdlmb18ci\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Click here to download the cheat sheet now.<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"p2\">Here\u2019s A Good Format Template<\/h2>\n<div class=\"feature-box feature-box-2 feature-box-align-center\">\n<div class=\"feature-box-content cf\" data-epicbox-title=\"Feature Box Content\">\n<p class=\"p3\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">Your Name<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">Your Address<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">City, State, Zip<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">Your Best Contact Phone Number<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">Your Professional Email<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong><a href=\"httpsss:\/\/theinterviewguys.com\/personal-website-in-15-minutes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">Your Personal Branding Website<\/a><\/strong><b>\u00a0<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">Date<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">Employer Name<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">Title<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">Company<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">Address<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">City, State, Zip Code<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">Dear Mr.\/Mrs. Last Name:*<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>PARAGRAPH 1:<\/strong><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Because this is your opening paragraph, you want to make sure it\u2019s strong and draws the reader in.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Explain why you are writing.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Describe the job you are applying for, including the position and job title.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>PARAGRAPH 2:<\/strong><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Now we move into the actual text of the letter.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>This is where you get to introduce yourself and tell your potential employer why you are qualified to do the job you are applying for.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>This is your chance to let them know what you have to offer and why your skills and knowledge are perfect for the position.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Don\u2019t forget to tailor based off your research!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>PARAGRAPH 3-4:<\/strong><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>If needed, these are the paragraphs where you can explain away any concerns an employer might have about your ability to do the job. It\u2019s also where you can share accomplishments , success stories, and any other bits of information that will help convince the hiring manager that they have to bring you in for an interview.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>FINAL PARAGRAPH:<\/strong><span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>This is where you wrap up your letter.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Make sure to thank them for considering you for the job and let them know they should feel comfortable reaching out to you with any questions or concerns not addressed in your letter\/resume.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>This is also the paragraph where you let them know how you plan on following up with them. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s1\">Finally, be sure to direct the hiring manager to your\u00a0<b>Your Personal Branding Website<\/b> so that they are able to get a feel for who you are as a person. \u00a0This simple step can land you way more interviews!<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">Sincerely (or any other closing comment),<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">Signature\/Typed Signature<br \/>\nYour Personal Branding Website<br \/>\n<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>*<\/strong>You want to always try to address your cover letter to someone specific.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Unfortunately that information is not always available.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>If you find yourself writing a letter and unsure of who to address it to, use \u201cDear Hiring Manager,\u201d or \u201cDear Recruiter.\u201d<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>*<\/strong>Don\u2019t use \u201cTo Whom it May Concern\u201d or \u201cDear Sir\/Madam\u201d as those are considered outdated and you run the risk of offending someone.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>You can also call the company directly to ask to whom you should address your letter.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p2\"><span class=\"s1\"><strong>*<\/strong>In some instances you can completely forgo the opening salutation and just start with a subject line, but we suggest at least making an effort to find out who to address it to.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>It makes the letter much more personal and shows your dedication to the position.<\/span><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<hr \/>\n<hr \/>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"httpsss:\/\/theinterviewguys.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/dog.png\" alt=\"dog\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>Zzzzzz. Oh, sorry. Was I napping? Ugh what a snoozer!<\/strong><\/p>\n<h3>\u00a0\u00a0 <img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-1722\" src=\"httpsss:\/\/theinterviewguys.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/03\/Xred1.png\" alt=\"Xred\" width=\"44\" height=\"45\" \/>\u00a0 <strong>EXAMPLE OF A BAD COVER LETTER<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><strong><span class=\"s1\"><i>To Whom It May Concern,<\/i><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><strong><span class=\"s1\"><i>I recently came across your job post looking for a Production Office Coordinator for the educational television series, \u201cWonder Kids.\u201d <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>I think my skills and experience would be a good match for the position and I am submitting my resume to you in the hopes of obtaining an interview.<\/i><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><strong><span class=\"s1\"><i>For the past eight years I have worked as a Production Office Coordinator on a variety of other shows, providing crucial administrative support as well as maintaining and managing the day to day operations of a busy production office.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>I am familiar with all aspects of production including contracts, budgets, proper paperwork distribution, and travel coordination.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>I pride myself on my organizational skills as well as my ability to run an efficient staff of over 10 employees. <span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 \u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><strong><span class=\"s1\"><i>I am attaching my resume which outlines all my past work experiences as well as a detailed listing of my qualifications and skills.<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>I look forward to the possibility of speaking with you about this position.<\/i><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><strong><span class=\"s1\"><i>Sincerely,<\/i><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><strong><span class=\"s1\"><i>Blanche D. <\/i><\/span><span class=\"s2\"><i>Oatmeal<\/i><\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<hr \/>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Although professional, this is a generic cover letter and if you ask me, pretty bland.<\/p>\n<p>It reveals little about Blanche beyond the fact that she thinks she\u2019s qualified for the job and that she\u2019s been in the industry for over 8 years. A letter like this is the bare minimum when applying for a job\u2026and you\u2019re not the bare minimum.<\/p>\n<p>Don\u2019t forget, you\u2019re the perfect candidate, and a good cover letter is a great first way to let potential employers know that!<br \/>\n<script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js\"><\/script><br \/>\n<ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display: block; text-align: center;\" data-ad-layout=\"in-article\" data-ad-format=\"fluid\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-4564014896468666\" data-ad-slot=\"3464335665\"><\/ins><br \/>\n<script>\n     (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({});\n<\/script><\/p>\n<p>Rather than submitting a snooze-worthy letter that will blend into every other letter the hiring manager is going to read, you\u2019re going to tailor your letter and help make sure it really stands out.<\/p>\n<h2><a href=\"httpss:\/\/www.unistoretz.com\/magazine\/how-to-write-a-curriculum-vitae-cv-for-a-job\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>How to Write a Curriculum Vitae (CV) for a Job<\/strong><\/a><\/h2>\n<h3><a href=\"httpss:\/\/www.unistoretz.com\/magazine\/the-cover-letters-that-make-hiring-managers-smile-then-call-you\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>The Cover Letters That Make Hiring Managers Smile (Then Call You)<\/strong><\/a><\/h3>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In the business world, interviews are a lot like blind dates. Employers sit down with potential employees and over the course of the meeting, both parties try to learn enough about each other to decide if working together is\u00a0 good idea or a bad idea\u2026just without the awkward hug\/kiss thing at the end\u2026hopefully. See\u2026not so [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1,33],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-3824","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-uncategorized","7":"category-tzjobs"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unistoretz.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3824","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unistoretz.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unistoretz.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unistoretz.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unistoretz.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3824"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.unistoretz.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3824\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.unistoretz.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3824"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unistoretz.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3824"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.unistoretz.com\/magazine\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3824"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}