I'm 16 and I've just started job hunting for the first time. And because I have no previous experience, I'm applying to jobs that pay minimum wage. When the ad says send your resume, does that mean to include a cover letter too? Do jobs like that require one?
2006-07-23 08:28:41 · 13 answers · asked by Panada 4 in Business & Finance ➔ Careers & Employment
The cover letter is a good place to show them your personality believe it or not! A good cover letter lets the employer know what you have to offer them. Reading your resume is an indication of what you've done, but you also want to let them know what you can do for them! This is the best place to do it. Especially since you have no professional experience - use the cover letter to let them know what your skills are (are you on the student council at school? If so, state that while being on student council you have gained leadership experience, how to plan and organize events etc) Monster.com has a section that will help you to write a cover letter. It needn't be more than 3 paragraphs long and they should all be targeted to the job you are applying for.
2006-07-23 09:24:55 · answer #1 · answered by wondering in michigan 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A cover letter is always a good idea. You will make a positive impression.
Don't sell yourself short though- don't just apply for the minimum wage jobs. What do you have to lose if you apply for higher paying jobs? Who knows- you might just get one! One of my first jobs paid twice the minimum wage at the time-
On your resume, include practical life experience that applies to the jobs for which you are applying. Don't bring up that you don't have experience working at a job- that will be self apparent-
If you are going to apply for a minimum wage job with a cover letter, you are definately worth more than minimum wage.
2006-07-23 08:37:15 · answer #2 · answered by User 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
For someone with no job experience, a cover letter is a great way to make a connection with your employer. It is an opportunity to show off your amazing organizational skills (using logical, ordered paragraphs), communication skills (writing clearly and concisely), professionalism (use the correct business letter format) and personality. In your cover letter you can expand on why you are a good candidate for the job, in ways that you can't on your resume.
"I believe that I would be an excellent addition to the McDonalds team because I am organized, efficient and love putting smiles on people's faces." You could never put that on your resume, but you can say it in your cover letter.
That being said, a cover letter is no substitute for work experience. The best way to get your foot in the door is to get some volunteer experience- this will provide a concrete example of your professionalism and reliability, and you'll probably get a good letter of reference out of the experience.
2006-07-23 10:18:31 · answer #3 · answered by Jetgirly 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The main thing most truck driving companys look at is your driving record making sure that you don't have any tickets or anything of the sort and your criminal record making sure that you have not been involved in any crimes. I know at most truck stops they give away pamplets showing what trucking companys are hiring if he is going over the road or something like that. As long as he has a valid CDL A and able to pass a drug test I do not believe you realy need a cover letter. You can apply online to which ever company is hiring. Keep in mine if he does not have a CDL A it may be best to go to a truck driving school and try not to get a CDL A through a company mainly because the company will have you on contract for 1-2 years or what ever.
2016-03-27 04:10:39 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, but unless you are asked not to send one, it's always nice to do so. The person then knows exactly what you are applying for, has an idea of your ability to communicate in writing and you can tailor it to each application if you use a generic resume. You may also use it as a "follow-up" if you really want the job and don't hear a response after a reasonable wait.
2006-07-23 08:33:39 · answer #5 · answered by xamayca.com 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is proper etiquette to send a cover letter. Unless it says not to.
For a minimum wage job, I would say just write a short letter.
Explain in it where you saw the advertisement for the job, so they know how you knew about it.
Highlights some key points of why you are good for the job.
Also, say something to show that you KNOW about the company; this is ALWAYS a plus.
Good luck!
2006-07-23 08:32:37 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you send it by email, make sure to include a short message - don't just attach the resume to a blank message. A short message should look something like this:
- where you saw the ad
- a very brief summary of your relevant skills and experience
(one sentence, like "I have been bricklaying for 15 years")
- state that you are available to come in for an interview
- include your phone number and your first/last name (even if
they are already on your resume)
- say that you look forward to speaking with them soon
2006-07-23 08:48:40 · answer #7 · answered by Molly R 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only send cover letters to the jobs you want. If you do not apply yourself in getting the job, you will not apply yourself to the job
2006-07-23 08:31:22 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, but it helps - and also feel out an application if it is so required as some places prefer an application over a resume
2006-07-23 08:33:34 · answer #9 · answered by leo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's not required but it makes it look better. You're only 16 and will start at the bottom, so don't trip.
2006-07-23 08:30:41 · answer #10 · answered by Private Account 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋