What’s a ‘Cover Letter’?
Cover letter is document dignifying the resume.
Basically, it is a letter (document) that quantifies, clarifies, and speaks more about you in correspondence to your resume. I had vaguely heard about how one should absolutely have one and send one out attached to the resume in order to make an impression. However, it seems to not be so true. Apparently, not a lot of firms and/or corporations are asking for cover letters. I, personally applied to 20+ jobs in major cities and haven't been asked for to submit a cover letter for even one. When this was brought up in my MGT Written Communication's class . . . Prof. Crane had a similar approach as myself. He summarized that it depends on the company and the industry for the most part. Some prefer to find out for themselves through interviews, whereas some may want to get a better idea before offering the opportunity. Here's a list of crucial pointers I put together to share: 1. Block Format: These letters are always to be written in 'block format'. Which means, everything is indented to left (even the dress). 2. Include 4 major parts: Introduction–Body–Conclusion–Salutations 3. Refer to something from your Resume 4. Try not to begin all sentences with "I" (especially the ones that open the paragraph) 5. Don't fidget to play with font, spacing and visual structure 6. Sign your document: Leave substantial space between "Sincerely" (or whatever you choose to use) and your name. That's where you shall sign and send it. I hope that helped! If it didn't, you should visit the CAREER SERVICES! They got the game going.
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