COVER LETTER TYPES

by Darlene Zambruski, ResumeEdge.com Managing Editor, CPRW, SME

There are generally three cover letter types for the jobseeker:

1. Those sent to a specified person (eg: the hiring authority)

2. Those sent in response to a “blind” advertisement (eg: only PO Box or Job Reference # is provided)

3. Those sent to recruiters

Cover Letters Sent to a Specific Person

When you have the hiring manager’s name, always use it in the salutation, no exception. This personalizes the letter and shows attention to detail on your part. In the opening paragraph, state the job for which you’re applying as the hiring manager may have posted for numerous company openings that week. In the body of your cover letter detail what qualifications and skills you have that relate to this new job opening.

Cover Letters Sent in Response to a “Blind” Posting

Often, a job seeker will reply to newspaper ads requesting that a resume and cover letter be sent to a PO Box # with no indication as to the company’s name or the hiring manager’s identity. Online, jobseekers will find Job Reference #’s as the only identification provided. In each of these cases, the cover letter content remains the same – showcase experience and qualifications as it relates to the new position. However, rather than using the outdated “Dear Sir or Madam,” or worse “To Whom It May Concern,” as a salutation, instead drop the salutation altogether and write:

Re: Job Reference # (then include the number in the job posting)

- or –

Re: Assistant Store Manager’s Position

After that reference, drop down one line, then begin the cover letter’s first paragraph.

Cover Letters Sent to Recruiters

Recruiters represent clients in terms of finding the appropriate employee (you) for a company (their client). Because of this, you must be clear in your cover letter as to what your preferred industry and position may be, where you’re willing to work (and travel or relocate, if necessary), and salary considerations (if negotiable, include this information). The remainder of your cover letter will contain the same data as that going to a specified hiring manager or a “blind” posting – that is, you will include your skills and qualifications as they relate to your preferred industry and position. In other words, you will be selling yourself to a recruiter, rather than to a hiring manager.

IF YOUR LAST JOB WAS OVERSEAS

by Darlene Zambruski, ResumeEdge.com Managing Editor, CPRW, SME

Unlike times past where being an American meant knowing only about our country and speaking English exclusively, an increasingly global economy means that additional skills are valued.

To ensure that your overseas work receives the attention and consideration it deserves from American hiring managers, showcase the following:

1. LINGUISTIC CAPABILITIES:

If you worked in a non-English speaking country and are already fluent (or have perfected your skills) in a foreign language, mention that in your cover letter and in the opening summary of your resume. In many American locales (especially the South and Southwest), fluency in a foreign language is desired, and in some instances, required.

2. KNOWLEDGE OF A FOREIGN CULTURE

Again, if you’re applying for positions within a major metropolitan area where there are numerous foreign nationals and immigrants, knowledge of their home country’s culture and mores is indispensable. This would be especially true if your chosen career is in HR or any other discipline in which you’ll need to interact with staff.

3. YOUR ABILITY TO DEAL WITH OVERSEAS CLIENTS, VENDORS, ETC.

This is a valuable skill that you can bring to a prospective employer. Rather than having to guess at what will make the wheels of commerce work, they’ll have an in-house subject matter expert (you) to guide them through the intricacies of dealing with individuals in overseas locations.

4. YOUR ADAPTABILITY IN WORKING WITHIN DIFFERENT CULTURES:

Switching from one country’s set of rules to another can be bewildering and exhausting. However, if you excelled within the social and professional milieus of a foreign country, this provides ample evidence to a hiring manager that you are adaptable to changing environments. This is especially valued as the global economy is ever changing.

5. LIST THOSE SKILLS THAT ARE VALUED BY AMERICAN EMPLOYERS:

Even if your religious or political activities were lauded in your overseas assignment, don’t make the mistake of bringing that cultural preference to this country. If you respect what’s valued in America (while here), just as you respected what was valued in another nation (while there), you’ll do well to impress a hiring manager with your expertise.