To Whom It May Concern,
I am responding to your ad on craigslist, regarding the Office Administrator/Coordinator position. I am enclosing my resume at the bottom of this email for your review.
I am currently looking for a permanent position that I can stay with the company long term. You will see in my resume that the past few jobs that I have had were temporary assignments. I did this to learn new skills, while also being a stay at home Mom. I am ready to take on a permanent position to further my experience.
I think I would be a good fit for your company, as I have worked in the painting contractor field before. I am very familiar with Sherwin Williams paints. I have had to order a large amount of paint from your company for various exterior paint jobs. I also have about 3 years experience working in an office environment. Please see my resume for further details.
Thanks so much for your time,
(My Name Here) sounds good. some details are unnecessary i thought. You would normally 'enclose' a resume with a letter, for email use ATTACH instead. Anyways, i suggest a shorter version.
Dear Manager,
I am responding to your announcement for Office Administrator/Coordinator posted on Craigslist on June 8, 2007. My resume is attached to this email.
I believe I would be a good fit for your company. I have experience painting. I am also familiar with Sherwin Williams paints as I purchased from you various exterior paints in the past. I also have experience working in an office environment.
I would appreciate an opportunity to discuss this further with you.
Truly yours,
Your name This sounds pretty good - I mean, I don't really know anything about letters like this, but it sounds good. :) Very nice, but I would leave out the stay at home mom thing. To some employers it sends up a red flag. You won't be able to work certain hours, need time off frequently cause you the child is sick and can't get a baby sitter, etc. Not being sexist, but employers get allot of call in's, "my kid is sick, has pink eye, diarrhea, ear infection, fell and got hurt, oh by the way I can't come in." Nice cover letter. I guess it is!
Good Luck!
I've written several cover letters in my life to publishers, so I think you are ok sending this one.
I Sounds Good, But way too many details, I think. You should really go out of your way and find out who to adress the letter to. And also put the company info at the top of the page
Name of decision maker
Position
company name
address
also, let them know how much you want it.... (and what you have to offer):::
I am very interested in the opportunity. Perhaps after reading this letter and enclosed resume, you will agree we have a mutually beneficial reason to meet. My credentials include:
then list years of experience and qualities you have. words like motivated, loyal, sincere, outstanding, commitment.. sell you better...
aslo, if they have a misssion statement, adress it, and tell them how sincerely you believe it and hope to commit to it.
AND...
.I would appreciate the chance for an interview to discuss your needs and outline my strengths in person.. you can reach me at 123-456-7890
Hope this helps, and good luck on your job search! In response to your ad on Craigslist regarding the Office Administrator/Coordinator position, I have enclosed my resume for your perusal.
I am seeking a permanent position leading to long term employment with a strong company. While my past few jobs were brief, they were temporary positions that provided me invaluable skills while being a stay at home mom. I am now ready for a permanent position.
I know I would be a good fit for your company as I have prior experience working with a painting contractor. I am quite familiar with Sherwin Williams paints, having ordered them on a regular basis for various exterior painting contracts. I feel that this, along with my three years working in an office environment make me an excellent candidate for the position.
Thank you for your consideration,
(My name here) I think your cover letter is too long. Columbus's sample cover letter may be the one you can model after. You still need to refine the verbage of that sample cover letter.
Good Luck! This is a great cover letter! As written, it's just fine, but I wouldn't be me if I didn't make a few suggestions <G>:
1) Your first three sentences start with "I am". A reader might not notice it, but if it's read aloud to someone else in the office, it might jump out at them. You might get a little variety by doing this: "I am responding to your ad...<<snipping for space>>...position. My resume is attached for your review."
2) In the second paragraph, I might wordsmith it a bit: "After XX years of working a part-time schedule, I am now seeking a permanent position. My previous experiences were invaluable in providing opportunities to develop new skills while maintaining my home and family, but I am now looking forward to learning and growing in a long-term position."
Or something like that. (stay-at-home Mom" is a tad informal in this situation. In person, during the interview, its' fine.)
3) Nothing much to for me to pick on in your final paragraph. :-) As an alternative: "...Sherwin-Williams paints. In fact, I have ordered extensively from your company in the past...." Note that "Sherwin-Williams" is hyphenated.
4) For your closing, I might formalize it a bit. Leave the "Thanks" sentence as a stand alone final sentence: "Thank you for your time and consideration." Then, down a couple of lines for "Sincerely,"
Hope you get the job! Sounds like your qualifications are in order. Your middle paragraph seems a little apologetic. I would not go there first, if at all, in the cover letter.
I think you would do better to jumping right into how you fit into the company. A cover letter is for one reason and one reason only. To showlight your skills. You must show skills and how it can and will be applied to the position. Talk about the skills you learned and why they will help bring success to the company. Take the whole part about the you buying paint they give a rats behind about that b/c that in no way is part of influences a job. Remember this is your ad to make them want to read your resume and if your coverletter is no good so is your resume.
Here is an example with information:
How to Write a Cover Letter for an Entry Level Advertised Position
This type of cover letter is used when applying to a position that is advertised on places such as a job board, newspaper or a company website. It will allow you to introduce yourself as a qualified applicant, state specific reasons why you are a match to the open position and ask for a time to sit down and interview with the hiring manager.
The cover letter below was created by John Professional. He is interested in a Customer Service Position at XYZ Company, which was found on Monster鈥檚 job board. This sample will show you how John Professional used the job posting to highlight his own experience in Customer Service to obtain an interview.
Here is the position he applied to:
Customer Service Rep
鈥?The successful candidate must have good communication skills, written and verbal, friendly 鈥渇ront office鈥?demeanor.
鈥?Good computer skills, Microsoft Office, including working knowledge of Excel, answer phones; provide friendly and courteous communication to customers and vendors.
鈥?Utilize proprietary web-based load tendering system to communicate with carrier partners.
鈥?General knowledge of internet, necessary for tracking and tracing loads on carrier partner鈥檚 websites.
鈥?Ability to handle 鈥渄ifficult鈥?customers and deal with urgent situations in a calm and professional manner.
鈥?Establish good working relationships with customers and vendors.
鈥?Able to make a decision when necessary in the absence of supervisor, using standard protocol and common sense.
Outline for Sample Cover Letter Below
In the first paragraph, John mentions the name of the position as well as where he found the open position posted. He also writes a brief sentence about his experience in dealing with difficult customers as this skill was specifically mentioned in the advertisement. By immediately relating his skills to the open position, he increases the likelihood that the reader will continue to look at his cover letter and resume.
The second paragraph is where John gives specific examples regarding his experience in Customer Service. As you will notice, he mentions several of the key bullets (Microsoft Office experience and proprietary software applications) in order to relate his background to this job description. The cover letter needs to clearly connect the dots between your background and the position you are applying to.
The last paragraph serves to reiterate the connection between your experience and the position and it is where you can request an interview. In the sample below, John emphasizes his interest in the company and in the position being offered. He then gives the hiring manager a time frame for when he will follow up to schedule an interview. Usually you will want to schedule this time about 5 to 7 days after the person receives your resume, to allow the employer time to review the information. Always remember to contact the manager on the day specified in your cover letter. This will demonstrate your reliability and professionalism and will open the door for you to schedule a time to meet in person.
If this letter is sent by postal mail, it is recommended you sign your name before sending it off. This will add a personal touch to the letter and shows attention to detail.
Please use the sample below as a guide in creating your own cover letter.
468 Adams Street
Smalltown, CA 12345
August 1, 2006
Art McDonald
XYZ Company
222 Ash Street
Smalltown, CA 12345
Dear Art McDonald:
Subject: Customer Service Representative Position
I am interested in the Customer Service Representative Position advertised on Monster.com. My last position was as a Customer Service Rep for a large transportation company where I specialized in handling escalated customer situations where a resolution had not been reached after initial contact. This allowed me to hone my skills in handling difficult situations while thinking on my feet.
As you can see in my enclosed resume, I have been in Customer Service for 3 years. I have enjoyed providing assistance to customers by answering their questions and by resolving any outstanding issues they may have. My previous position allowed me to use Microsoft applications such as Word, Outlook, Access and Excel as well as proprietary software applications specific to the organization. Due to my proven critical thinking skills and ability to assist with customer challenges, I was also asked to step in as team leader when management was unavailable.
I would like an opportunity to schedule a time to discuss with you how my previous experience in customer service can contribute to your company鈥檚 success. I have enclosed my resume for your review. If I have not heard from you by the end of next week, I will contact you to schedule a time for an interview. If you have any questions before then, please contact me at (555) 555-5555. I look forward to meeting with you.
Thank you,
John Professional Dear Hiring Manager,
I am very interested in applying for the Office Administrator/Coordinator position that was posted June 11,2007 on the Craig list website.
The Office Administrator/Coordinator position will offer daily challenges and allow me to be a productive part of the team and contribute to the overall success of the organization. I would be proud to be a part of an organization that provides a work environment that enables their employees to achieve their personal and career goals and make a difference to their customers. One that conducts business with integrity and trust.
As you can see from my attached resume, I have a solid background in all aspects of painting contractor field. I am very familiar with Sherwin Williams paints. I have had to order a large amount of paint from your company for various exterior paint jobs. I am searching for an exciting career, where I can utilize my friendly, warm and caring personality along with my business background.
If agreeable, I would appreciate the opportunity of meeting with you to
present my qualifications in more detail.
I thank you in advance for your time. Have a wonderful day.
Sincerely,
Your Signature
Your typed name
phone number
email First of all, do not put the resume at the bottom of the email. Insert it as an attachment (this is more professional). Also, when you are speaking about craigslist, you should probably refer to it as www.craigslist.com. This is the complete address and although they know where they posted, this also looks more professional. The last paragraph should be a little more rounded on the definite reasons why they should hire you. Something like, "I think I would be an excellent candidate for your position. Please see my resume attached to this email for further information." Or something like that. But, overall it is a good cover letter. Make sure that there is NOTHING misspelled on your cover letter or resume. This was a throw away point for my boss and I when we were looking for additional help in my office.
Also, some additional tips about interviews.
1. Make sure that when someone calls your phone, they do not hear music or hear some offensive on your voice mail message. Change it now and change it back when you get a job. THIS IS VERY PROFESSIONAL.
2. Make sure if you have an additional phone number to contact you at, you list it on your resume and on your phone message for the employer to call you at. This allows for easy access to speak with you.
3. If anyone calls you back, be sure to smile when you are speaking with the person. No matter if this is a secretary or an executive for the company. People talk and anyone will ask that person what you sounded like on the phone.
Okay, well I hope this helps. GOOD LUCK! First let me say writing a cover letter can be difficult and you have the general idea just some minor dont's
You should address the employer as to whom it may concern this shows the employer that you did not even take time to see who the person is that is doing the hiring or did no research on the company. If you find it diffcult to get the name then you should adress the employer by Dear hiring Manger or Dear Human Resourse Manger.
When telling why you are writting be more creative you do not want to be like every Jane and Doe that applies to this very same position. You can easly do this by researching the company and going on thier web site to see what type of employer they need even try reading their qualifications and using thier very same words in your own way.
Agreeing with other people that answered you stay away from mentioning that you were a stay at home mom at better way of mentioning this is by saying a care taker it is not lying it is better phrasing and this should only be included if it has something to do with the position you are applying for such: as a child care provider, house keeper.
You should rewrite your cover letter following some of these guidelines:
your first paragraph should state why your are writing. also remember to include the date that you have seen this posting.
Your second paragraph should state what your qualifications are and do this breifly in three to four senteces.
Your third paragraph should state why you have intrest for this positon also do this very breifly three to four sentece.
Your fourth pargarph should be your closing
( I would welcome the opportunity to become a part of your team. When would be the most convenient time for us to schedule a meeting to discuss this possibility? I also would be pleased to provide you with any additional information you may need in a personal interview. You may contact me at your earliest convenience at (555) 555-5555 or via email at youremailadress@yahoo.com. |
