Your opinion on the opening to my cover letter?

Question

I recently applied online for a job with a large company. I'm a perfect fit for this job and I meet or exceed all their requirements. I'd like to take an additional step in order to make sure that they carefully consider me for this job. I'm thinking of snail mailing an additional copy of my resume. I've done some research online and have found the name and address of the company's recruiting managers in the local office.

My problem is that I'm not sure what to say in the cover letter to explain why I'm sending a paper copy of my resume to her. Below is the opening to the cover letter. Please keep in mind that I have several more paragraphs that go into detail regarding my qualifications.

"I recently applied online for the XYZ position within the XYZ group. I am sending you my resume and cover letter because I am a strong candidate for the position and I want to make sure that my qualifications are given careful consideration."

What do you think?

Answer 1

I don't like 'to make sure that my qualifications are given careful consideration.'

I've done the same (sent hard copy) and just referred to it as 'follow-up' due to the possibility of my email being lost or misrouted, stressing that I was very interested in the position.

Answer 2

The cover letter is not a repeat of your resume, it is your invitation to the employer to read your resume. This is all about the employer, and what you can do for them, why are you a good fit. What has your research told you about the company and its needs? You need to address these needs, what's in it for them. You are selling, they are buying. Also, a cover shoud be 3 paragraphs, short and to the point. Be enthusiastic but not pedantic. Hope this helps, check out quintcareers for more tips. Good luck!

Answer 3

Sounds good. You should go on to outline exactly why you want the job and what all of your qualifications are in addition to having them on your resume. That way you can highlight the things you want them to pay attention to.

Answer 4

*Be specific about the title of the position you're applying for
*Tell specifically how you learned about the position or the organization — a flyer posted in your department, a web site, a family friend who works at the organization. It is appropriate to mention the name of someone who suggested that you write.

*Convince the reader to look at your resume:
*Call attention to elements of your background — education, leadership, experience — that are relevant to a position you are seeking. Be as specific as possible, using examples.
*Reflect your attitude, personality, motivation, enthusiasm, and communication skills.
*Provide or refer to any information specifically requested in a job advertisement that might not be covered in your resume, such as availability date, or reference to an attached writing sample.
*Indicate what you will do to follow-up: You can say something like "I look forward to hearing from you." However, if you have further contact info (e.g. phone number) and if the employer hasn't said "no phone calls," it's better to take the initiative to follow-up, saying something like, "I will contact you in the next two weeks to see if you require any additional information regarding my qualifications."

Here's a sample:

1000 Terrace View Apts.
Blacksburg, VA 24060
[phone]
[e-mail]

December 25, 2006

Mr. John Wilson
Personnel Director
Anderson Construction Company
3507 Rockville Pike
Rockville, MD 20895

Dear Mr. Wilson:

I read in the December 15th Washington Post classified section of your need for a Civil Engineer or Building Construction graduate for one of your Washington, DC, area sites. I will be returning to the Washington area after graduation in May and believe that I have the necessary credentials for the project.

I have worked at various levels in the construction industry every summer since the 8th grade. As you can see from my resume, I worked several summers as a general laborer, gradually moved up to a carpenter, and last summer I worked as assistant construction manager on a 100 million dollar job.

In addition to this practical experience, I will complete requirements for my Building Construction degree in May. As you may know, Virginia Tech in one of the few universities in the country that offers such a specialized degree for the construction industry. I am confident that my Building Construction degree, along with my years of construction industry experience, make me an excellent candidate for your job.

The Anderson Construction Company projects are familiar to me, and my aspiration is to work for a company that has your excellent reputation. I would welcome the opportunity to interview with you. I will be in the Washington area during the week of April 12th and would be available to speak with you at that time. In the next week to ten days I will contact you to answer any questions you may have.

Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

(handwritten signature)

Steve Mason

Enclosure:Resume

Good luck!