How to: Overcome common cover letter problems

• 2-minute read •
There’s no covering up a bad cover letter….

Although you might feel like your CV is the centre of attention in a job application, never underestimate the importance of a good cover letter. But how can you make yours stand out from the crowd, and what’s the best way to overcome cover letter difficulties?

We’ve already explained what a cover letter is and highlighted some cover letter lines to avoid, but here are five of the most common cover letter problems (and how you can overcome them):

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Even People Who Hate Writing Can Make Their Cover Letter Stand Out

• 2-minute read •
Remember that course you had to take in college? The one in which the professor outlined an “appropriate” way to write a cover letter? Yes, that class. That weekly lecture that taught you how to use perfect sentence structure, one-inch margins (all the way around) and an incredibly stilted tone because all of that was professional. Appropriate. Correct.

Remember that?

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5 ways your cover letter might be hurting you

• 2-minute read •
These mistakes in your application materials can be serious turnoffs to recruiters.
5 ways your cover letter might be hurting you
Next to online dating profiles, cover letters may just be the scariest things to write. And the stakes are equally high.

“Countless smart job seekers have never heard back because their cover letters sabotaged them,” says Paul Freiberger, a career coach based in San Mateo, California and author of When Can You Start? Ace the Job Interview and Get Hired.

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Asking for a letter of recommendation

Asking for a letter of recommendation can be anxiety inducing. Use this approach, and a glowing appraisal will be in your inbox in no time.
Whether you’re looking for a new job, applying for admission to graduate school or vying for a scholarship, chances are you’re going up against competition—and plenty of it. You need to find a way to stand out. One way to do so is with a strong letter of recommendation.

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Job interview thank you: Is it better to send a letter or email?

Email is timelier, but a handwritten letter is still a nice touch. Here’s how to tell what’s best for your situation.
Job search etiquette is clear on one thing: Every interview should be followed promptly by a thank you note.

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Job interview thank you: Is it better to send a letter or email?

Email is timelier, but a handwritten letter is still a nice touch. Here’s how to tell what’s best for your situation.
Job search etiquette is clear on one thing: Every interview should be followed promptly by a thank you note.
But should your interview thank you come in the form of a typed email or handwritten letter? That’s where things get a bit nebulous.
The most important thing is not whether you follow up with email or handwritten paper, but whether you follow up at all, Missing that opportunity is more of a problem than choosing the medium is.
That said, there are advantages and disadvantages to both. Let these criteria be your guide.

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Top Ten Reasons Why You Need a Cover Letter

Your cover letter presents your intentions, qualifications, and availability to a prospective employer in a succinct, appealing format. It's your first chance to make a great impression, a personalized letter indicates you are serious about your job search. Your resume can give the nitty-gritty of dates, places of employment, and education but your cover letter must entice the reader to take the extra few minutes to consider you when faced with hundreds and thousands of candidates for any one job opening.

1. Do you really need a cover letter?
You bet! Just as you would never just show up unannounced at a prospective employer's door, your resume should Never just appear solo on a decision- maker's desk. Your cover letter is your first opportunity to introduce yourself, present your qualifications, and show the search committee you are a potential candidate for the advertised position.

2. Personalize it to the company.
Anyone can reproduce a "canned" cover letter and hope for the best. Instead, take a few minutes to personalize your letter by showing that you are really serious about working for the companies you are contacting. State the reason that you are interested in working for that particular company. Mention a department, a new project the company is involved in, an acquisition the company has made. Show that you have done your homework. Address the cover letter to a specific individual whenever possible.

3. Why are you sending your resume and cover letter?
Cover letters should be clear and to the point. Include the specific job title, two to three reasons why your experience makes a good fit, and a brief outline of career highlights.

4. Highlight your strengths!
You may be a great person and never call in sick, but prospective employers really want to know why they should consider you for this position. Brag a little! Give a few facts, list relevant skills, and state accomplishments on your present or most recent jobs that will be impressive. Increased overseas sales by 93%? Negotiated new financial leases/loans? Implemented new training programs which reduced staff turnover by 15%?

5. State your intentions and qualifications right up front.
If you expect a senior personnel manager or recruiter to wade through a mish-mash of information on your cover letter before understanding why you are sending your resume, chances are, it will never happen.

6. What makes you different?
Emphasize your skills, talents, and experiences to show how you would be a valuable addition to the team. If you have relevant volunteer or professional experience include it briefly in your cover letter. Example: An accountant who serves as volunteer treasurer for a nonprofit community health organization; an international sales rep who has lived in Europe and Asia and speaks several languages.

7. No negative information!
Never include personality conflicts with previous employers, pending litigation suits, or sarcastic remarks in your cover letter. If you are bad-mouthing your present place of employment, interviewers may fear a repeat performance if they hire you.

8. When should you include salary/relocation information?
The rule of thumb is to always include salary requirements and/or salary history in the cover letter if a prospective employer requests it. For example: My salary requirements are $60,000-$75000 (negotiable). Or: My current salary is $53,000 at XYZ corporation. To eliminate this information from your cover letter may justify your resume getting tossed out. Never include salary and relocation information on your resume, only address this information in your cover letter.

9. Action Steps to Take
Take a proactive approach in your cover letter. State the fact that you are available for a personal interview; give your home, work, e-mail, and/or cell phone numbers where you can be reached; note that you will follow up by phone (where possible) to provide any additional information required.

10. Be direct!
A professionally written cover letter and resume can open the doors to your next position on the corporate ladder, as well as a new career in a different field. A clean, error-free presentation combined with strong phrasing and solid facts will encourage the reader to review the attached resume and call you in for an interview.

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Resignation letter - how to write a resignation letter

So you're handing in your resignation? Well assuming they don't escort you off the premises straight away, they will probably ask you to hand in your resignation letter. Clearly you can't say, "I hated my boss, I was offered more money elsewhere" when writing a letter of resignation! Well, you could, but you would end up burning some bridges.

This article will cover how to write a resignation letter so you don't end up killing your career a few years down the line!

An example of why you need to write a good resignation letter

A hypothetical situation.

You are in a job you hate. Your boss is a tyrant and the pay sucks. So you start looking for another job and after a while of ducking out for interviews, you are made an offer.

Screw the boss. You walk out without a word - you don't leave a resignation letter.

That's fine at the time, but a few years down the line, your new employer has expanded and you have been promoted. You are going for a new contract for the firm which will mean big money (and big commission). You head out to meet your new potential client and who are you faced with? Your old boss, now in charge of a new department / company / whatever.

Many careers these days are built and broken on personal relationships, so by writing a letter of resignation when you leave a job can help protect possible future relationships.

In the short term, writing a letter of resignation can ensure you receive a decent reference from your ex-employer.

How to write a resignation letter

Writing a letter of resignation can be tough. You are handing in your resignation for a reason - either you don't like your job or you have be offered a better one.

So it's going to be tough to try and write an amicable letter that won't anger your boss. A lot of employers do take a personal interest in their staff and can take it as a personal failure if a valued member of staff leaves. Remember, they also have to report to their boss and explain why their team / department / office is a member of staff down.

Your aim when writing a letter of resignation should be to create a document which your boss can hold in his / her hand and feel absolved of any blame or fault over your departure.

It doesn't matter that they were wrong! You need to put your personal feelings behind you - now isn't the time to say what you "really" feel! (that's the Xmas party - joke! :P)

Some areas you should cover when you write your letter of resignation:

• Thank your employer for your time there.

• Explain briefly why you are leaving.

• If your reasons for leaving are going to cause more ill-feeling then make something up!

• If you can't think of anything then just use the catch-all excuse of being offered a better package elsewhere!

• REMEMBER! "Always forgive your enemies....nothing annoys them so much." - Oscar Wilde. As much as you want to shout and scream at that boss who you hated, thanking them, even apologising for your behaviour can be the sweetest revenge! ;) And it doesn't hurt your career!

Example of a resignation letter

It's hard to come up with an example of a resignation letter, because like covering letters and CV or resumes, they are fairly personal documents. But there are some general points you can remember.

• Personal opening. You know your bosses name, so use it. Open your letter with Dear John, etc.

• Get to the point. Your opening sentence (and subject line) should be brief and to the point. Subject: Letter of Resignation

• Briefly state your reasons. Note the points in the previous section about this.

• Make sure you have tied up loose ends. If you have work that someone will need to take over, create a separate document to attach to your resignation later which lists important stuff like urgent work or passwords, etc.

• Offer to stay a reasonable amount of time. More often than not, it won't be taken up on, but it is a good parting gesture to make. Offering time to train up a replacement (or hire one) is a good way for your employer to remember you (ie, as oppose to just walking out).

• End professionally. Thank your employer for your time with the company, stating how much you appreciate it.

Your resignation is a fragile period of time. Writing a resignation letter isn't easy - you need to handle it professionally or it could have a serious impact on your career in the future.

Expand your network by sending thank you letters

Sending a thank you or follow-up letter within 24 hours of an interview is not a new idea, but it is still a good idea. A key reason to send a thank you letter is to nurture new and existing relationships. Plan to send a thank you letter to all the people that assist in your job search.


This group includes the people that you meet during an interview; your existing contacts that provide written recommendations, and any friend (or friends of friends) that offer career related leads or information.



Thank you is a good place to start relationships that will greatly contribute to your ability to secure the right job in record time! Unless you have a good reason for sending a card or a handwritten letter to your target reader, plan to send an e-mail that is easy to produce. Use the subject line to note "thank you for the interview". This action demonstrates a respect for their busy schedule and an understanding that they may want to read this e-mail after they have read all their urgent e-mails.



Start every thank you letter by expressing your appreciation for the interest and time that people have invested in your career. Then, when you highlight that you are still interested in securing a new challenge, take this opportunity to feature your most relevant skills. For
example, "My interest in working for (the name of the company or organization) is stronger than ever, and based on your description of the position, I know that my previous experience in (specify) provides the expertise required to make immediate contributions to your team."



End your letter using the "opening the door" technique.


Your closing paragraph for a thank you letter related to an interview should clearly state when you will call to schedule a meeting time. For example, "I would like to meet with you again to discuss this position. If I do not hear from you within the next five days, I will call you to schedule a convenient time to meet. In the meantime, I will be happy to provide any other information you may need to assist in your decision."



When you are writing to someone that has already provided information, your "opening the door" approach will reflect an appreciation for the assistance provided. In this situation, focus on advising your contact that you will provide an update on the progress of your job search. Your update should detail how the information they provided contributed to your success.



Networking after the initial contact is easy when you have something as important as thank you to communicate. Don't miss this opportunity to expand your job search network!

Tips For Writing Thank You Letters

It is proper business etiquette to send thank you letters, but many people overlook this matter of courtesy. A thank you letter can make you stand out from the other candidates competing for jobs, and in this tight job market, it is wise to consider every tool that will give you an advantage.

To be effective, a thank you note should be sent before the hiring decision has been made, so it is best to mail it as soon as possible after the interview. When you send a thank you letter, you give the interviewer a chance to remember you (imagine having interviewed 10-15 candidates for a position, and then trying to distinguish each one after the interviews and trying to remember the specifics about each person). It is your opportunity to mention any important information you forgot to discuss during the interview.

A thank you letter allows you to explain, restate, or clear up any potential misunderstandings. In addition, you can redirect your marketing campaign by focusing on something that you learned during the interview and re-emphasizing your strengths, accomplishments and skills. Sending a thank you letter shows the interviewer that you are a professional who is concerned about details. In the end, the thank you letter is your last chance to leave a good impression!

There are several situations that require a thank you letter:

• After an employment interview
• When someone provides you with job search assistance such as referring you to an employer, providing a network contact, or speaking on your behalf to a prospective employer
• After an informational interview, company visit, or other career exploration activity

Try to follow these hints when writing thank you letters:

• Keep your letters short and simple - usually one page is enough.
• Help the interviewer remember you by referring to specific points discussed in your interview: show that you were listening and mention something that will refresh the interviewer's memory of you
• Be sure your letters are professional, for example: typed, no errors, on quality paper, etc.
• Send your letter within one day - do not put it off!
• Emphasize your qualifications, especially those that are most relevant to the position
• Provide any information that was overlooked during the interview or that which was specifically requested by the interviewer
• Express your continued interest and enthusiasm for the position
• Remember, very few people bother to send thank you letters - this can be your edge!

Generally, your thank you letters should include the following information:

First paragraph:

• Thank the interviewer for taking the time to meet with you (mention the date). Remind him/her of the position for which you interviewed.

Second paragraph:

• Restate your interest in the position and the company/school/organization. Mention something you learned from the interview or comment on something of importance that you discussed. Again, emphasize your strengths, experiences, skills, accomplishments and slant them towards the points that the interviewer considered the most important for the position.

Third paragraph:

• Once again, thank the interviewer for his/her time and consideration. If appropriate, close with a suggestion for further action (if a second interview is a possibility), or mention that you will follow up with a phone call in a few days. Provide your phone number and the hours you can best be reached.

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THANK YOU LETTER - Example
(Modified Block Format)

100 Pine Street
Albany, NY 12200
October 8, 1996

Ms. Janet Jones
Director of Research and Development
ACME Computer Company
1234 Central Avenue
Albany, NY 12204

Dear Ms. Jones:

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you for interviewing me for the position of Senior Programmer in your Research and Development department. I enjoyed meeting with you and I learned a great deal about the ACME Computer Company.

This position sounds very interesting and I am confident that my education and experience have provided me with the qualifications necessary to work effectively with your team. I am especially pleased to know that you use the Quadrini programming language, since I completed two courses in it and I have used it extensively during my internship at General Electric.

Once again, thank you for the opportunity to interview for a position with your company. I am excited about the prospect of working with such a dedicated team of professionals. If you request any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,
Sign your name
Type your name

The Resignation Letter

Your resignation letter should contain three components:

• - The effective date of your resignation.
• - An explanation for your resignation.
• - A brief mention of the positive aspects of working for your current employer.

One of the most important things to remember when creating your letter is that it may be kept on file for future reference. For example, it may be used when future employers request references, or in evaluating past performance if you re-apply for a job with a previous employer in a different position. Therefore, regardless of your reasons for resignation, NEVER make negative statements about your company, coworkers, supervisors, bosses, owners, or policies within this letter. This letter needs to remain professional and, if not positive, at least polite. It should act as bridge builder, not a bridge burner.

Sample leading statements for a resignation letter include:

• It is with great reluctance I submit my resignation, effective ________.
• It is with regret and anticipation that I submit this letter of resignation, effective __________.
• Circumstances require that I resign my position as _______, effective ___________.

Note: It is normal protocol to allow at least two weeks notice prior to your date of resignation, but check your company's policies and whatever you agreed to when you were hired. Some companies will terminate an employee immediately upon resignation (regardless of what you offer), so be prepared for this.

EXAMPLE LETTER:

December 5, 2008
John Doe, CEO of ABC Company
123 North Someplace
Anywhere, USA

Note: include a formal address even if you're hand-delivering this letter.

Dear Mr. Doe:

It is with both regret and anticipation that I submit this letter of resignation, effective December 29, 2008. I have accepted a position with CDE Company, an opportunity to further my current career goals and achieve growth within the new company through a supervisory role.

It has been my genuine pleasure to work for ABC Company during these last four years. I have enjoyed working with ABC Company's fine staff of professionals and colleagues, and will miss my associations here. I wish you and ABC Company continued success in all your endeavors.

Note: If this company is one you may need again, whether in continued work or networking, or you desire continued allegiance, consider offering help in interviewing, hiring, or training of your replacement. For example:

If I may be of any assistance in the hiring process or training of my replacement, please know that I will gladly make myself available to this effort during the next four weeks.

Note: If you're leaving this employment for reasons other than accepting a new position, you may be honest in your response, but, again, avoid negative statements. Always refer to the positive things you are moving toward rather than the negative things you're leaving behind.

Other examples for cause of resignation include:

• I have decided to take this time to evaluate my current goals and investigate new opportunities....
• I have decided to further my education in pursuit of (degree or future position)....
• I have decided to change the course of my current career goals and will be pursuing a new direction in _______....

End your letter without closing the door on the future:

• Thank you for allowing me to serve ABC Company.
• Again, I wish ABC Company continued

Sincerely,
Your Name