Once you have prepared your resume (CV or Curriculum Vitae), which is planning to send your potential employer, it’s time to think about the cover letter (Cover Letter). In most cases, people do not write cover letters, believing that the summary presented enough information. However, many HR managers and HR (Human Resource) managers say in one voice that the cover letter — it’s part of the image of a potential employee, and on how well it is written that letter, depends whether the candidate will be invited for an interview or not. A well crafted cover letter does not guarantee you a job, it is the task of the interview, while the task of the cover letter — help you get to this interview.
A cover letter gives you the ability to:
- his position is brighter than if you simply sent separately;
- give a description of your activities in detail (relating to work experience projects you worked on, why you are interested in this position and others.);
- draw the attention of the reader letters to your strengths;
- stimulate the interest of a potential employer;
- persuade him or her to invite you for an interview.
Cover letter in English
First of all, try to determine the name of the person to whom your letter will be addressed. Perhaps in the job given these data, pay attention to them. Try to avoid sentences of a letter «To whom it may concern» («To Whom it may concern») or «Dear Personnel Director» («Dear HR Director»). Ideally, it would be nice if you sent a letter directly to the person who has the power to hire you.
Try to survive in a business letter style. Select specific skills (abilities), experience (certain experiences), achievements (achievements), relating to the position (relevant to the position), you are applying for. If you answer a job, you should make sure you mention all the requirements that have been specified in the job. And do not hesitate in bold type that is particularly important.
Do’s and Don’ts of Cover Letter
- Always issued in printed form.
- It has a neat and structured content.
- No more than one page of the volume.
- Be professional and brief.
- Focus on what is appropriate for a potential employer.
- Emphasize your achievements and draw attention to your strengths.
- Imagine that you and the company to which you plan to work, benefit from mutual cooperation.
- Start and finish the letter on a positive note. Specify how much you are interested in the opportunity to work for this company.
- Re-read the letter several times to avoid grammatical errors. Give read a letter to his friend.
- You should not make jokes and appear arrogant in the letter.
- Do not use cliché language such as: «I like working with people», «I like working in a team», these phrases sound unnatural and banal.
Parts of the cover letter
The first paragraph. Introduction (Introduction)
This part should indicate how you learned about the job (have you found an ad in the newspaper, whether given you advice specific person that you are sending resume to an unspecified position — one is to designate).
Examples of proposals:
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I am inquiring into the possibility of a part-time job at __________ (company name). — I am working part-time in __________ (name of company).
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I would like to learn about employment opportunities in the marketing area mentioned on your website. Please find attached my resume for your review. — I would like to learn about employment opportunities in the field of marketing, which have been mentioned on your site. I am enclosing my resume for consideration.
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I am writing at the suggestion of my former employer__________ (employer name), who thought that your company might need an intern. — I’m writing at the suggestion of my former employer __________ (name of employer), who found that you may need an intern.
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In response to your advertisement for an English native speaker interpreter which appeared in the June 6 edition of __________ (source name) please find enclosed a copy of my resume for your consideration. — I am writing in response to the announcement, which was published in the edition of __________ (name the source) of 6 June, that requires a native English speaker for interpretation. In the attached document you will find a copy of my resume for your consideration.
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As a recent graduate in International Economics from the __________ (university name) university with trading experience, I feel my profile may be of interest to you. — As a recent graduate of __________ (name of university) University in the field of «International Economics» with experience in the trade, I believe that my profile could be interesting for you.
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I learned about your vacancy at a recent trade fair in __________ (city name). Your advertisement attracted my attention because the goods on display seemed particularly innovative. I have learnt that __________ (company name) is expanding, and would be glad to be part of your team. — I learned about the vacancy at a recent job fair held in __________ (name of town). Your ad caught my attention the fact that the goods at your booth were innovative. I learned that the company __________ (name of company) is expanding, and I would be happy to be a part of your team.
The second paragraph. Main body (main part)
This part should indicate why you are interested in this position, the company, the company’s products and / or services, and what your education, skills and motivation may be beneficial to the employer. To emphasize what skills you possess, it is necessary to briefly describe some specific examples of where your skills come in handy in the work situation.
Examples of proposals:
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With my educational background and a strong interest in business I think I will be a great asset to your company. I speak __________ (languages you know) languages and am at ease in a multicultural environment, having lived in __________ (countries you have been to). My career aim is to work in HR department. — Thanks to my education and a strong interest in the company, I believe that will be very useful to your company. I speak __________ (language he speaks) languages and feel good in a multicultural environment, because he lived in __________ (country visited by) countries. My goal is to work in the personnel department.
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As you may observe from my attached resume, I have experience in teaching both adults and children. I have an enterprising personality and enjoy arranging classroom activities. I also know how to use my knowledge of various cultures in teaching country survey subjects, because I lived in many countries. — As you can see from my resume, I have experience teaching both adults and children. I’m adventurous person and I like to organize various activities in the classroom. I also know how to apply their knowledge of the different cultures in the teaching lingvostranovedcheskih items, because I have lived in many countries.
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I have learnt on your company website that you are looking for dynamic individuals who can adjust quickly to new surroundings. I suppose that my background would make me well suited to a position in __________ (position name). — I found on your website that you are looking for energetic people who can quickly adapt to new surroundings. I believe that my qualifications and experience appropriate to the requirements of the post __________ (name of office).
Third paragraph. Conclusion (Conclusion)
In the final section, focus on your potential employer and why you think that you are well suited to the specified position. Then specify when you’re free for a future interview, and how you can be reached. For example, you can specify that a certain day you will be in the city where the company is and what you’re interested in to schedule an interview, if possible. You can also specify that look forward to the answer.
Examples of proposals:
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I believe that my profile and aspirations make me a good match for a dynamic company such as __________ (company name). I am available for full-time work from April 4. You can contact me by email or by phone __________ (email address and phone number). I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your consideration. — I think that my profile is ideal for a position in a rapidly growing company as __________ (name of company). I am available to work full-time from the 4th of April. You can contact me by email or by phone __________ (email address and phone number). Looking forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your consideration of my candidacy.
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Taking into account my international background, working experience, and strong leadership skills, I am sure that I would make an excellent addition to your team. I am available to visit __________ (company name) for an interview on __________ (available time and date). — Given my training in the international sphere, work experience and strong leadership skills, I am confident that I will be a great addition to your team. I can visit the __________ (name of company) for an interview __________ (free time and date).
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I will be glad to discuss my experiences and training during the job interview with you. If you need any additional information, please contact me __________ (contact information). — I’ll be happy to discuss my experience and education at the interview with you. If you need additional information, please contact me __________ (contact information).
Examples of cover letters in English there are so many, it is advisable to look at the following resources:
- http://jobsearch.about.com
- http://www.cover-letter-now.com
- http://www.wikihow.com
If you will make a successful cover letter, your chances of being invited for an interview increase significantly. Most importantly — never send a resume without a cover letter! After all, the cover letter is to attract the attention of a potential employer your candidacy and will greatly increase your chances of success!
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