As you’re applying for jobs/internships, the cover letter (or should we call it cover email?) can be considered the most important part of your submission. Meant to grab the attention of the employer, it should leave them intrigued enough to open your resume. Yesterday, we received a tweet from @tracey_c asking for tips and tricks. Since it’s hard to sum up in 140 characters, I wanted to post some of the necessary basics. For full disclosure, I’m not an HR representative, but I do know after sending countless job applications upon graduation what does (and doesn’t) work.
First, the opening should include the purpose of your email. “Hope all is well. I’m inquiring about the open X position at X I found on X.” Stating the purpose before you jump into your personal pitch is key. You want the person reading to know right off the bat why you are emailing them.
Second, provide a snapshot of your relevant experience. Relevant meaning your job as a waiter during college is not as relevant as the internship you had in public relations last summer. Also, tie your past experience to the position you are applying for and the agencies specialities. As @JamesBurgePR stresses, customize the email displaying you have done your homework and aren’t just sending the same email to every HR rep.
Third, justify why you’re the best fit for this position. Whether it’s because of your past experience or it aligns with your immediate interests. Describe what skills you can bring to the table that not everyone can. Nowadays, think social media!
Last, thank them for their consideration and make a proactive statement that you will be following up with them shortly. And then most importantly, follow-up using your discretion if you do not hear back (maybe four to six days later). Show that you are really interested in this company and position.
Tip: In your signature, include links to your social media channels. Trust me, they’ll be looking anyways so you might as well save them the Google search.
Overall, your cover letter should be concise, personalized and to the point. Reread it three, four or five times because grammar mistakes are a one way ticket into “deleted items”.
Are there any tricks you used in the past that have worked?
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It’s all about what YOU can do for them not what they can do for you. The the most valuable advice I learned when it comes to writing cover letters – trust me, I wrote plenty of them!
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Hey Girls!
I just think all these tips are great but I have a question.
I found an internship posting online through the companies website. I know in a cover letter you always address the person at the beginning. Eg. “Dear John Smith,” but what if you don’t have a name? How would you start the letter, “Dear Employer,” ? Would this reflect badly or does it work because a specific name wasn’t given.
Thanks!
Great question! Try your best to find a name, even if it means calling the company and asking who to address the cover letter to. It will impress the employer as well if you take the time to make the cover letter personal. If after Google searches and phone calls you still can’t find a name, “To Whom It May Concern” could work.
Hope this help, and good luck Xx
Thanks! I’ll most definitely try my best!
Good tips!
Here’s something I would add:
It very much depends on WHO you are emailing. You will treat an HR rep VERY differently from a person actually holding the position.
Emailing an HR rep should be more formal, dry, and can be longer.
Emailing a PR person should be timed properly and should be very brief, to show your understanding of their often hectic schedule and entirely-too-full inbox.
I have had people email me about jobs during fashion week. This shows me they obviously have no clue about the nature of the business.
hope that helps