cover letter and resume
write a cover letter and resume.
Paragraph 1 – Objective: Clearly identify the position to which you are applying. You should include: (a) the title of the position for which you are applying; (b) who referred you (if applicable); (c) how you found out about position; and (d) in a sentence or two, describe why you are a good fit for this position.
Paragraph 2 & 3 – Objective: Generate interest by identifying specific skills/abilities/experiences that relate specifically to the position you are applying to. Print out the job description and highlight key words. Use these paragraphs to connect the dots between the position details/requirements and your experiences, incorporating some of the key words from the job description. Display in-depth knowledge of the company and/or industry in a non-ingratiating manner. You should include some or all of the following:
- Summarize your skills/abilities/experiences that match the specific requirements of the job. Do not copy statements directly from resume.
- Your Value Proposition; your accomplishments as Action/Result statements.
- Specific industry experience that matches the interests of the employer.
- Specific, well researched, and thought out reasons for your interest in the company and/or industry (this can be a paragraph unto itself if well researched and well written). But, do NOT “flatter” the company with statements such as “I would love to work for the firm with the world’s most brilliant strategic minds.” (quote taken from an actual cover letter).
Paragraph 4 – Objective: Succinct close with a call to action. You should include: (a) request an opportunity to discuss your qualifications and interests in more detail (b) relist your contact information for them to contact you (c) add a line about how you see yourself growing in the profession (d) thank them for their time and attention.
