Cover Letter & Resume Tips

In my PR Practicum class, one of our assignments is to create a resume package. As most everyone knows, many resume packages include a cover letter to briefly describe more than your resumé can include, as well as thank the employer for even reading your resumé. I found many helpful websites that had great information regarding this topic. One of them was from the Virgina Tech Career Services.

The explanation that they gave was in the format of “All cover letters should”… Here is what they suggested to always include in a cover letter, and to never send a resume without a cover letter!

Explain why you are sending a resume:

• Don’t make the reader guess what you are asking for!
• Summer internship opportunity?
• Permanent position at graduation?
• Future employment possibilities?

Tell specifically how you learned about the position or the organization:

• Flyer posted in your department, a web site, a family friend who works at the organization
  • It is proper to mention the name of someone who suggested that you write.

Convince the reader to look at your resumé:

• The cover letter will be seen first!
  • Therefore, it must be very well written and targeted to that employer.

Call attention to elements of your background:

• Eeducation, leadership, experience — that are relevant to a position you are seeking
• Be as specific as possible! (use examples)

Extra things that are great too:

1. Reflect your attitude, personality, motivation, enthusiasm, and communication skills.
2. Provide or refer to any information specifically requested in a job advertisement that might not be covered in your resume, such as availability date, or reference to an attached writing sample.

Indicate what you will do to follow-up:

• In a letter of application — applying for an advertised opening — applicants often say something like “I look forward to hearing from you.” However, if you have further contact info (e.g. phone number) and if the employer hasn’t said “no phone calls,” it’s better to take the initiative to follow-up, saying something like, “I will contact you in the next two weeks to see if you require any additional information regarding my qualifications.”

• In a letter of inquiry — asking about the possibility of an opening — don’t assume the employer will contact you. You should say something like, “I will contact you in two weeks to learn more about upcoming employment opportunities with (name of organization).”  Then mark your calendar to make the call.

I thought that this information was very helpful to someone who would be writing a cover letter and resume, especially a college student. It covered all areas that are typically included in these pieces and also provided examples of cover letter layouts on their website. Thank you VT!