Professional cover letter shows that
you're ready to go, ready to fulfill the
job duties on day one. The question that
you need to answer for them is, Do you
generate more--whether that be in income,
value, or service--than you cost?
For preparation, identify key experiences and
beliefs, but realize that cover letters
emerge from a process of writing them, so
these elements will emerge as you write,
which is why there's value in writing
cover letters for jobs that you're not
necessarily that super interested in.
Through this process, you will develop
modular paragraphs and sections that you
can use and reuse--you'll reuse parts, but
the order and the specific content will
be tailored for each letter. Tailor each
letter to each position follow the
prompt include the key words; even if
you're describing what they're asking
for, if you don't use their key words,
they might miss it. Identity and story
are the key. Identity is a label, or a
term, or a name, so they can identify and
remember you. Imagine a committee sitting
around a table reviewing applications. If
they say, "Oh, let's look at one of those
three people from Brown," you have not
created an identity. On the other hand, if
they say, "Let's talk about the Housing
First woman," that means that your
experience working on the Housing First
approach to homelessness has come
through to them, and they can define and
remember you, which gives you an edge on
the competition. Story is before, during,
and after. Before, is what got you to this
point--motivations, skills, experience,
which should match the key words.
During, is what you're going to accomplish on
the job--how your abilities and
personality fit the position, showing that
you're ready to start on day one.
After, if it's a time-limited position, is what
you're going to go on to. They will want
you to serve as an ambassador
representative and possibly a source of
business or referrals and future
applicants.
Finally, proofreading. If there are a lot
of applicants who are essentially
equally qualified, then they have to sort
150 down to 20, down to 10, and down to 3,
so anything--even a typo or a misused
word--that can put you in the reject pile
can hurt you. The important takeaway,
don't do this alone. Take advantage of
the school's resources, like the Career
Services and the Communication Lab.
Remember, our services are not free,
they're included in your tuition, so we
are here for you.
