what is the "cover letter" in a resume for a job?? What should I put? I'm applying for a job at Stanford Uni.

Question

I want to make a good resume so they will hire me on the spot!! PLEASE HELP

Answer 1

A cover letter is a letter that that you send to accompany your CV when you apply for job, whether advertised or when you are sending an unsolicited application. Do not over look this tool as it can be a great asset in your job hunt.

The Job Application Cover Letter page contains specifics and tips on how to write a cover letter.

There are different types of job related letters :

Letter of inquiry: In this type of query you are enquiring about possible job opportunities that fit your skills. You have to give a general area you are interested in working in.

Job Application Cover Letter or Response to an Job Advertisement: Answering a particular job advert. The important thing in the cover letter is to show that your skills match those for the job advert.

Thank You Letter: A thank you letter shows the interest you have in a position you have been interviewed for.

Acceptance Letter: In this letter you state that you are accepting the job offered.

Declination Letter: You inform your employer that you are no longer interested in the position offered.

In all cases make sure you follow the Guide on Writing Job Related Correspondence which gives a plethora of specific tips on writing different types of cover letters.

from http://www.cvtips.com/cover_letter.html

Answer 2

The resume is the "what I did, when, and where" of your job history. The cover letter should fill in the gaps, telling why you're the right person for the job, what you've discovered about Stanford in your research that makes you a good fit (you HAVE done research on Stanford, I'm sure), and just taking a few words to say why the job is really what you want -- and why they really want you. If the resume is your written-down biography, a cover letter is a warm face-to-face chat where the reader finds out he or she has really gotten to know the person behind the facts. Write it that way, like you were talking one to one. Good luck!

Answer 3

A cover letter is a letter that explains to your future employers why they should interview you and how that job you saw is perfect for you. You have to explain in your cover letter why your qualifications is perfect for that job. Hopefully they will call you. Good luck.

Answer 4

A cover letter is a marketing tool. Use it to show how you can help the company in question. Your cover letter is a perfect opportunity to introduce yourself to hiring managers, dazzle them with your credentials and persuade them to read your resume


Sample:
Dear (insert name or "Hiring Manager" if name is unknown):

Your advertisement on (insert where you got the open job) for a (insert job title) fits my experience and qualifications perfectly, and I am writing to express my interest in and enthusiasm for the position. As an accomplished sales leader, I have achieved seven-figure revenue growth, international market penetration and successful product launches for leading global corporations during my career.

In addition to my desire to join your team, you will find I am a dedicated and driven professional whose recent accomplishments include:

* An increase of international sales from 1 percent of the company's total revenue to 75 percent, capturing more than half of the entire European market and one-third of the Latin American market within two years.

* Dramatic expansion of customer base, leading to seven-figure revenue growth rates that far exceed the pace of larger, more established competitors.

* Development of a 75-member dealer network across 30 countries in six continents.

* Attainment of 100 percent customer retention rate through expert relationship-building skills and a commitment to a solution-focused, service-first sales approach.

* Launch of a new London office, expected to double sales revenue by 2003.

* Introduction of three innovative product lines, following comprehensive market research and competitive-intelligence gathering.

Your software products are truly on the cutting edge of technology -- you offer products that can change the way a company conducts business on the Internet. I am excited by this technology and would be able to translate this excitement to a business benefit for your current and future clients. If you agree that my qualifications are a close fit to your needs, I would be delighted to meet with you personally to discuss strategies for expanding (name of company's) market presence.

I will follow up with you in a few days to answer any questions you may have. In the meantime, you may reach me at (phone number) or via email at (email address). I look forward to our conversation.

Sincerely,

your name