Cover letters, are they actually read? (sample, consulting, apply, interview)

[dhanu86]

I didn't know what cover letters are until I looked at google images and saw a bunch of them, most of which are atleast a couple paragraphs or feel like reading a page out of a book.

It seems people would have to change them a bit to suite which ever company they're interested in.

I haven't worked for years in many positions so my one page resume pretty much tells it all. If I were to make a cover letter it'll be pretty short or maybe useless, only to serve as a cover to my resume. Should I bother? How are they attached when u hand them in person, stapled? Sounds a bit tacky to me. Maybe I should get some clear plastic covers without the binder holes to make it glossy, or a paper cover with one sentence and a photo of something relative to my field, atleast that would be appealing to the eye.

This is a nice cover letter I found with his web address on it, short and sweat, classical:

http://www.thewizardsworks.com/image...k%205-3-05.jpg

I think the objective and experience description on the actual resume should speak for itself.

[gea12345]

Originally Posted by dhanu86

I didn't know what cover letters are until I looked at google images and saw a bunch of them, ...
This is a nice cover letter I found with his web address on it, short and sweat, classical:

http://www.thewizardsworks.com/image...k%205-3-05.jpg

I think the objective and experience description on the actual resume should speak for itself.

Well, a cover letter serves a similiar purpose to an interview. A cover letter highlights areas of expertise and interest not covered in the resume. The interview expands and highlights what was not covered by the resume or the coverletter. And all three together give the interviewer a pretty good idea of who you are and whether your skills and personality would be an asset to her/his company.

cheers!

[sinsativ]

Read my thread on 25 ways to Sabotage your job search, thats one of them.

[dhanu86]

alright thanks

That "25 ways" topic is actually what made me consider making one and then I just re-read it and I think it's a good idea to have one. It may not be long but it's mine.

[gea12345]

Originally Posted by dhanu86

alright thanks

That "25 ways" topic is actually what made me consider making one and then I just re-read it and I think it's a good idea to have one. It may not be long but it's mine.

Sorry, but i just read your sample cover letter, AND that is not a cover letter. Instead, it is short note enclosing your resume.

If I can quickly find a cover letter i will post it for you.

cheers!

[sinsativ]

Dear Mr. Smith:
I am responding to your advertisement in The City Tribune (dated 1/20/00), regarding the Pharmaceutical Representative position. Please find enclosed my resume showing my education, experience, and background.
I have over 7 years experience in the sales and marketing field, and 3 years experience as an LPN staff nurse.
Throughout my sales and marketing career I won top sales awards, and trained other sales representative�s specific sales techniques to increase their sales. I enjoy working with the public, as well, demonstrating products, and educating others in their uses. I believe I would excel in pharmaceutical sales because I truly find sales a challenging and rewarding career; as well, my nursing background offers an advantage in better understanding the products I would sell.
May I arrange an interview to further discuss my qualifications? I am available for an interview at a mutually convenient time.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,

This is one

[sinsativ]

Dear Employer:
In response to your advertisement regarding the safety/loss control position in your organization I am enclosing a resume for your review. Please consider this letter as my formal application presenting my background, education and experience.
I have over 8 years experience in the Health and Safety field; and I am well versed in the areas of Health and Safety issues in conjunction with state and federal guidelines.
I have considerable experience in dealing with insurance claims and litigation; and a thorough knowledge of the process and procedures of the corporate environment. I work well with people and enjoy getting the work at hand completed.
Below is a list of agencies I have extensive consulting experience with:
Virginia Workers Compensation Commission -- Environmental Protection Agency -- Occupational Health and Safety Administration -- Department of Transportation -- Virginia Natural Resources Conservation Commission -- Federal Aviation Administration
May I arrange an interview to further discuss my qualifications? I am available for an interview at a mutually convenient time.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Salary History:
Planned Health Care, Inc. $38,000.00
Jonet Group, Inc. $25,750.00
City of Millington $18,000.00

Sincerely,

and this is another.

[gea12345]

I am writing to apply to the Monseratt Journals Department. Currently, I am a senior at Washington State and will receive my Bachelors degree in English and French in July 1998. I intend to pursue a career in publishing and became particularly interested in working for Monseratt Journal after speaking recently with Joanne Mosely, Copyright Manager for LowBrow Publication, and hearing her enthusiastic account of her experiences in the marketing departments at Elvis Preseley and Botswanna. Her description of the dynamic atmosphere at your organization and the excitement employee’s show for their work impressed me, because they are two key characteristics I am seeking in a company. Ms. Mosley encouraged me to apply, based on my experience and interest in the various areas of publishing, especially editing and marketing. The departments of Long John Silver and Shakespear are of specific interest to me because of their continual success in publishing popular train magazines.

As my resume indicates, I have a solid background in publishing and am familiar with many aspects of
the publication process. Currently, I am working at Tepee Press, where I was promoted from intern to editorial assistant last fall for my ability to complete my work carefully and efficiently.
There, I have worked on a series of projects. A particularly challenging one was Woe is Me Cookbooks by Johnathan Swift to be published this coming fall, for which I was responsible for correcting, completely reformatting and typesetting the two-hundred-page file for copyediting, as well as creating chronologies and a glossary for the book. This required diligence and attention to detail, and I finished it ahead of schedule while developing a solid understanding of the overall editing and production processes.

I gained experience in marketing and business while interning for the Lower Manhattan Girl Scouts, where I developed promotional materials and organized events designed to better suit members’ needs. This gave me a greater appreciation for business and management. These experiences, combined with my work at Johnathan Swifts Press have taught me how to initiate and pursue projects, meet strict deadlines, and successfully communicate with colleagues in various positions and levels at an organization.

I am hardworking, motivated, learn quickly, and approach problems with a positive attitude. I am willing to take responsibility and lead as well. Thus, I believe I am a good fit for Monseratt Journals and would welcome the chance to contribute my skills as well as learn more about the various aspects of publishing with Monseratt Journals.

Thank you in advance for considering my application. I can be contacted by phone at (202) xxx-1212 or
via email at csnow@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

[Woof Woof Woof!]

Originally Posted by gea12345

I am writing to apply to the Monseratt Journals Department. Currently, I am a senior at Washington State and will receive my Bachelors degree in English and French in July 1998. I intend to pursue a career in publishing and became particularly interested in working for Monseratt Journal after speaking recently with Joanne Mosely, Copyright Manager for LowBrow Publication, and hearing her enthusiastic account of her experiences in the marketing departments at Elvis Preseley and Botswanna. Her description of the dynamic atmosphere at your organization and the excitement employee’s show for their work impressed me, because they are two key characteristics I am seeking in a company. Ms. Mosley encouraged me to apply, based on my experience and interest in the various areas of publishing, especially editing and marketing. The departments of Long John Silver and Shakespear are of specific interest to me because of their continual success in publishing popular train magazines.

As my resume indicates, I have a solid background in publishing and am familiar with many aspects of
the publication process. Currently, I am working at Tepee Press, where I was promoted from intern to editorial assistant last fall for my ability to complete my work carefully and efficiently.
There, I have worked on a series of projects. A particularly challenging one was Woe is Me Cookbooks by Johnathan Swift to be published this coming fall, for which I was responsible for correcting, completely reformatting and typesetting the two-hundred-page file for copyediting, as well as creating chronologies and a glossary for the book. This required diligence and attention to detail, and I finished it ahead of schedule while developing a solid understanding of the overall editing and production processes.

I gained experience in marketing and business while interning for the Lower Manhattan Girl Scouts, where I developed promotional materials and organized events designed to better suit members’ needs. This gave me a greater appreciation for business and management. These experiences, combined with my work at Johnathan Swifts Press have taught me how to initiate and pursue projects, meet strict deadlines, and successfully communicate with colleagues in various positions and levels at an organization.

I am hardworking, motivated, learn quickly, and approach problems with a positive attitude. I am willing to take responsibility and lead as well. Thus, I believe I am a good fit for Monseratt Journals and would welcome the chance to contribute my skills as well as learn more about the various aspects of publishing with Monseratt Journals.

Thank you in advance for considering my application. I can be contacted by phone at (202) xxx-1212 or
via email at csnow@gmail.com. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Sincerely,

Gea,

This is too long.

A cover letter should be short and sweet. It should not be a repeat of what's on the resume.

People are busy. They are lots of resumes to go through.

W.

[gea12345]

Originally Posted by Woof Woof Woof!

Gea,

This is too long.

A cover letter should be short and sweet. It should not be a repeat of what's on the resume.

People are busy. They are lots of resumes to go through.

W.

lol!! It is not mine!!! It is taken from Cornell University Career Website.

I changed the Companys, so as not to violate (C)!

hahahahaha!

p.s. i purposely used one of the top schools in the country, since I know the people on here prefer to comment, instead of to contribute like sinsativ and i did.! Even though I did not request the commentary.

I just love it! But if you feel that your background is equal or better, please contact Cornell and let them know that their career site cover leter samples are too verbose, please ;-))!!