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Thread: URGENT: Cover Letter Tips!

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    Search URGENT: Cover Letter Tips!

    Can anyone help me write a kick ass cover letter? There are so many samples/examples out there but they all seem really drab & dull. I'm applying for a summer internship at a major company. It's BIG. It's the 4th largest and 3rd oldest in the world... I can't divulge too much more than that.

    I can say that it's really important to me.

    Can you share any links to sites that offer great advice on writing a cover letter that makes a candidate stand out?
    Quote Originally Posted by Jay12 View Post
    ^What Sophia said.
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    Default Re: URGENT: Cover Letter Tips!

    I'm pretty good with cover letters so I don't mind working with you to put one together. Do you have a rough draft started yet?

    I think it's important to open with a bit of information about yourself that stands out (in a way that's applicable to the position), go into what you can do for the company (don't just summarize your CV though), and finish off with why you want to work for the company. I think a lot of people don't focus enough on the last section, but if you can show how strongly your interests/views align with the company's mission statement/culture, it can really demonstrate how good of a fit you would be with the rest of their employees, far deeper than just meeting their job requirements in terms of education and experience.

    As for a helpful link, check this one out. This blog is super informative with general work type stuff, and there's other posts about cover letters on there that could be useful as well.

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    God/dess Sophia_Starina's Avatar
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    Default Re: URGENT: Cover Letter Tips!

    Mine pretty much looks like this: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/0..._n_865569.html
    Quote Originally Posted by Jay12 View Post
    ^What Sophia said.
    Quote Originally Posted by yoda57us View Post
    I wish there was an "auto-like" setting that I could just have applied to all of your posts Sophia....

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    God/dess Sophia_Starina's Avatar
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    Default Re: URGENT: Cover Letter Tips!

    But seriously, for all of the research I've been doing I get the feeling that everything is massively incongruous...

    Meaning the books/about.coms/resume consultants/generic-advice preach formality & professionalism... and then other sources scream bloody murder that a lack of personality is the most venomous kiss of death for a candidate.

    That's where I get bogged down. Damned if you don't damned if you do.
    Quote Originally Posted by Jay12 View Post
    ^What Sophia said.
    Quote Originally Posted by yoda57us View Post
    I wish there was an "auto-like" setting that I could just have applied to all of your posts Sophia....

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    Default Re: URGENT: Cover Letter Tips!

    Yeah, there's so much conflicting advice and it doesn't help that recruiters all have different taste. I think the best thing to do is keep your cover letter professional and let your relevant hobbies/interests showcase your personality. A lot of people just summarize their CV, and I think that totally defeats the purpose of the cover letter. That's where the closing paragraph about why you want to work for the company comes in handy as well, because it showcases your personality rather than just your skills and experience.

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    God/dess Sophia_Starina's Avatar
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    Default Re: URGENT: Cover Letter Tips!

    Wanna LOL? Here is my first draft (pressure got to me & I lost my mind):


    XXX:
    I am interested in applying for the Summer Internship Program XXX. I am committed to joining your illustrious organization and dedicating every fiber of my being to achieving… nay!... surpassing any and all things expected of me.

    XXX, recommended that I contact you regarding the summer internships at COMPANY. Based on my prior experience and current coursework I feel that I have a great deal to offer and I am committed to achieving everything –your- heart desires. I know that any experience with COMPANY will grant tremendous insight into the XXX field and will allow me to pursue my XXX dreams.

    Currently, I am enrolled in the XXX program in XXX. I’ve worked diligently on several assignments and projects relating to X,Y, Z. Previously, as an undergraduate, I have worked extensively in A,B,C. I am proficient in planning, scheduling, details, art installations, guerilla tactics, and all things Avant Garde. I have promotional experience dealing with varied brands, events, and products. My exceptional academic record attests to the fact that I will never… NEVER!!!…. settle for anything less than excellence! Ever. I mean it.

    My enclosed resume outlines my experience. Can you imagine the level of work I can do for you? Fugghettaboutit…

    I am at your service. When is orientation?
    Sincerely,
    XXX
    No less than Success!
    Quote Originally Posted by Jay12 View Post
    ^What Sophia said.
    Quote Originally Posted by yoda57us View Post
    I wish there was an "auto-like" setting that I could just have applied to all of your posts Sophia....

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    God/dess Sophia_Starina's Avatar
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    Default Re: URGENT: Cover Letter Tips!

    Shanna, I think your advice is the best that I have come across on the net thus far.
    Quote Originally Posted by Jay12 View Post
    ^What Sophia said.
    Quote Originally Posted by yoda57us View Post
    I wish there was an "auto-like" setting that I could just have applied to all of your posts Sophia....

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    Default Re: URGENT: Cover Letter Tips!

    The cover letter should be about how you can help the company. In other words, what do you bring to the table that nobody else does?

    You have about 3 seconds of their attention and the impression you are going for is "we really need this person."

    If you are interested, I can re-write (actually, re-direct) your drafts so they will be more effective.

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    God/dess Sophia_Starina's Avatar
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    Default Re: URGENT: Cover Letter Tips!

    Quote Originally Posted by All Good Things View Post
    The cover letter should be about how you can help the company. In other words, what do you bring to the table that nobody else does?

    You have about 3 seconds of their attention and the impression you are going for is "we really need this person."

    If you are interested, I can re-write (actually, re-direct) your drafts so they will be more effective.



    Working on another draft now. Blehhhh.....


    How do I find out what the company needs at their table? How would I know what others are bringing to the table? How can I know that what I am bringing to the table is unique?

    I'm a student... I'm not exactly a consultant. I don't have the gall to tell them they need me.... I need them way, way more.


    Sad but true.
    Quote Originally Posted by Jay12 View Post
    ^What Sophia said.
    Quote Originally Posted by yoda57us View Post
    I wish there was an "auto-like" setting that I could just have applied to all of your posts Sophia....

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    Default Re: URGENT: Cover Letter Tips!

    Bahahaha your draft definitely shows personality!

    Definitely include the recommendation of your friend/acquaintance in your actual cover letter though. Perhaps even preface it by outlining how you know them - only if it's not just a friendship but there's a work/school context to it though. Also, go on the company website and find their mission statement. Use some of their words and phrases when you explain why you'd be a good fit! Also, when you mention your promotional experience, give an example. They'll gather from your CV that you have this kind of experience, so give some more detail. Did you work in a team? Did you lead/supervize a group of people? Was the event/product a success partially due to you? Concrete examples show how awesome you are much better than you just saying you are!

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    Default Re: URGENT: Cover Letter Tips!

    Quote Originally Posted by shanna dior View Post
    Did you lead/supervize a group of people? Was the event/product a success partially due to you? Concrete examples show how awesome you are much better than you just saying you are!
    Sadly I have no concrete examples. All my promo experience had to do with my club, sports events, and liquor promos. It was unpaid, and never really had feedback. Don't get me wrong, I was awesome... but I can't take credit, nor can I cite statistics.
    Quote Originally Posted by Jay12 View Post
    ^What Sophia said.
    Quote Originally Posted by yoda57us View Post
    I wish there was an "auto-like" setting that I could just have applied to all of your posts Sophia....

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    Default Re: URGENT: Cover Letter Tips!

    Quote Originally Posted by Sophia_Starina View Post
    How do I find out what the company needs at their table? How would I know what others are bringing to the table? How can I know that what I am bringing to the table is unique?
    Is there a posting about the internship? I find it helps to use the key words and phrases the company used to describe what they're looking for, and use your experience to back up how you meet them. If they don't say anything specific but just want a promotions intern, highlight your strengths in that domain, along with any other skills that may not be directly relevant but that are incredibly helpful (like, if you're really artsy, throw that in there and say that you can participate in all aspects of a promotional campaign, including the design process).

    There's no way of knowing what other people are writing in their cover letters, so all you can do is make yourself stand out as much as possible and highlight your strengths and talents.

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    Default Re: URGENT: Cover Letter Tips!

    ^ I agree with all this, but would caution that you need to be brief. Three short paragraphs in a logical sequence.

    The cover letter needs to "all about them," not all about you. Slight exaggeration, but not by much.

    The same is true of your resume, but I suppose that's another thread.

    I recognize that you may not have specific companies in mind. If not, what industries/fields are you targeting?

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    Default Re: URGENT: Cover Letter Tips!

    Can I just send a photo of me in a bikini?
    Quote Originally Posted by Jay12 View Post
    ^What Sophia said.
    Quote Originally Posted by yoda57us View Post
    I wish there was an "auto-like" setting that I could just have applied to all of your posts Sophia....

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    Default Re: URGENT: Cover Letter Tips!

    Seriously though....... I am struggling to find a balance betwixt professionalism and personality. It's an internship I guess they know I don't have much to offer by virtue of that.

    I worry that if I adhere to the formulaic format that I will be discounted. I worry that if I write too flippantly that they will consider me nutz-o.

    I am great at making copies and getting coffee. Heh. (I really am!) can I incorporate that anywhere? (kidding...)
    Quote Originally Posted by Jay12 View Post
    ^What Sophia said.
    Quote Originally Posted by yoda57us View Post
    I wish there was an "auto-like" setting that I could just have applied to all of your posts Sophia....

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    Default Re: URGENT: Cover Letter Tips!

    Quote Originally Posted by All Good Things View Post
    ^ I agree with all this, but would caution that you need to be brief. Three short paragraphs in a logical sequence.

    The cover letter needs to "all about them," not all about you. Slight exaggeration, but not by much.

    I recognize that you may not have specific companies in mind. If not, what industries/fields are you targeting?
    How do I make it all about them without sounding like a slimy weasel of a kiss-ass?

    I'm lucky enough in one respect.... I know exactly the field, company, location, and position I'm going for.... it is an internship.... and it's general... but it's more specific than what other folks have.
    Quote Originally Posted by Jay12 View Post
    ^What Sophia said.
    Quote Originally Posted by yoda57us View Post
    I wish there was an "auto-like" setting that I could just have applied to all of your posts Sophia....

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    Default Re: URGENT: Cover Letter Tips!

    Quote Originally Posted by Sophia_Starina View Post
    I worry that if I adhere to the formulaic format that I will be discounted. I worry that if I write too flippantly that they will consider me nutz-o.
    I don't think a cover letter is a place for lots of jokes, sarcasm, or silly comments. Companies generally want to see that you're taking the position seriously, and that does entail following the standard format of explaining your skills/education/experience, why they should hire you, and why you want to work for them. I think a recruiter is more likely to toss away a cover letter that has too much personality and not enough substance, than one that is "too" formal, so when in doubt, err on the side of formality.

    How about you put together something that is professional, and I can look it over and help you inject some more personality into it?

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    Default Re: URGENT: Cover Letter Tips!

    I've written a model cover letter using Apple as an example. You can modify this if you like, or I can write something more specific for you:

    XXX:

    Please accept this letter and resume as application for your Summer Internship Program XXX.

    By market valuation, Apple is the largest technology company in the world. My experience and training make me a perfect fit for working with your team and advancing the Apple mission. My solid grounding in mobile apps, technology and marketing blend well with the Apple philosophy of making technology fit people.

    Please refer to the attached resume for details on my training, experience, education and expertise.

    I am eager to meet with you at your earliest available date to discuss this internship opportunity. You can reach me at XXXX.

    I hope to have the opportunity to work with you and your team in the near future.

    XXX

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    Senior Member etru's Avatar
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    Default Re: URGENT: Cover Letter Tips!

    I agree with this. That first draft was way too much. Based upon your description of the company, I have a vague idea of who it is. If they are as old as you say, they most likely have a buttoned-up culture. Tone it down. These wacky cover letters come fairly often. All Good Things has the right idea. In an ideal world a bikini picture would be great. This is not an ideal world.

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    Default Re: URGENT: Cover Letter Tips!

    Here's mine and I took it from a cover letter I got in a class and adapted it to fit my needs. I change it and add things as needed for the job.

    Kellydancer
    123 Anywhere Drive, Big Boy Ville, 66666
    [email protected]
    (obviously this is all fake but giving an example)


    Dear Human Resource Manager,

    My name is Kelly Dancer, and I am contacting you about the(insert job title) position at xyz. With a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications with a minor in marketing from School A, and Master’s Degree from School B in Communications and Instructional Design, I believe that my educational background and work experience would make me an ideal candidate. I recently completed online courses in Human Resource Management, Technical Writing, Project Management, and Internet Marketing.

    As a trainer for Former Employer, I gained expertise in the development of workforce training programs. I also trained employees to learn computer literacy on various software programs, including accounts payable. I possess strong computer skills in computer programs such as website design, Adobe Suite, and Microsoft Office. Currently, I am doing freelance website design, marketing (including market research and public relations) and training at (my company). Samples of my work are available at (I insert website here).

    I was a promotions coordinator at radio station in Chicago where I created several successful promotions, wrote press releases, and targeted the promotions to the correct demographic. I previously worked at Major Pr Firm where I created several successful music events, including a concert for a certain former Chicago Bulll, where I worked with the budget among my other duties. (I obviously left out the actual companies as well as the name of the Chicago Bull I did an event for).

    Because of my education and experience, I am confident I would be an asset to your company. I have enclosed my resume for your review. I look forward to showing you my portfolio, which includes samples of all my work, at your earliest convenience. I can be reached at (666) 666-6666, or [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you. (many times I list what I've made and what I am looking to make but other times I leave it out).


    Sincerely,

    Kellydancer


    Now this is the template but I often make changes as needed. or instance for pure training jobs I leave out all the pr info.

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    Default Re: URGENT: Cover Letter Tips!

    ^ I really like all the detail! But IMHO it's far too long for a cover letter.

    A short cover letter conveys the idea that you value the reader's time. This is critical, because the reader is the one you are trying to convince to hire you. Also, your letter is the 85th of the 493 cover letters that person is going to read that day. Short = interview. You will have more time to talk in person.

    The same holds for resumes, BTW. A one-page kick-ass resume is vastly superior to a 3-page one that drones on (sorry) all about you. To use an SC analogy, a customer has to pay a dancer to listen to him go on and on about his life. If you want these people to pay you, it better be all about them.

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    Default Re: URGENT: Cover Letter Tips!

    Oh I delete it as needed, I don't include all of it in cover letters. If I am applying for a marketing job I remove the training things and the training jobs I remove the marketing.

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    Default Re: URGENT: Cover Letter Tips!

    Sounds good. At half the length I think it simply works better.

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    Default Re: URGENT: Cover Letter Tips!

    ^See, I think the cover letter you posted is WAY too brief, like it doesn't really go into any additional detail than the CV offers.

    Definitely don't go over a page for the cover letter (same with the resume unless absolutely necessary), ideally around 2/3 of a page, I'd say. There's respect for the reader's time and there's not providing anything substantial.

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    Default Re: URGENT: Cover Letter Tips!

    Like I said that's just my template so I delete as needed. Depending on the job I may include more and others less.

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