Are speculative letters useful in finding a job? What are the "rules" of writing a successful letter?
818269
just have to sell yourself
241908
Cover letters states your intention (which job position you are applying for).  You should also state why you are applying and why you would be a good candidate.  You do not need one in every case but you should certainly have one if it is asked for.
1079784
K - I'll probably get boo'd from the 3 people who have already answered this question, but having been in the hiring / recruiting industry for the last 7 years here is my view.\n\nCover letters are only essential is the employer specifically asks for them and then in these cases you will want to take what the qualifications are for that specific job and detail how you have done those duties or how you would go about them.\n\nThe key factor is your resume.  You have 10-15 seconds to make that "first impression" so a well written resume is essential.  Always make sure you put your "Highlights of Qualifications" directly after your contact info so that it will make them want to read further.\n\nDon't get fed up with job searching : ) Unfortunately in today's economy a job search for a full-time job is a full-time job.
169946
Your application letter is one of your most important job-search documents.Preferably, the person you write to should be the individual doing the hiring for the position you're seeking.\n1. Look for this person's name in company publications found at the University Placement Service, the Krannert Business Library, or the Reserve Desk in the Undergraduate Library. If the name is unavailable in these places, phone the organization and ask for the person's name or at least the name of the personnel manager.\n\n2. get your reader's attention, stimulate interest, and be appropriate to the job you are seeking.Make your goal clear.If you're answering an advertisement, name the position stated in the ad and identify the source, for example: "your advertisement for a graphic artist, which appeared in the Chicago Sun Times, May 15, 1998,..." \nIf you're prospecting for a job, try to identify the job title used by the organization. \nIf a specific position title isn't available or if you wish to apply for a line of work that may come under several titles, you may decide to adapt the professional objective stated in your resume. \n\n3. Highlighting Your Qualifications.Be sure to refer to your enclosed resume at the most appropriate point in your letter.Conclude with a clear, courteous request to set up an interview, and suggest a procedure for doing so. Make sure your letter is professional in format, organization, style, grammar, and mechanics.\n\nMake the letter less than 1 1/2 page.
374426
1. Write a detailed description of the things you have done successfully and enjoy doing. \n2. Re-write that description with as much supporting evidence of your success at those skills as possible.\n3. From that description, determine the function that you would play at a new place of work. In business that might be sales, administration, marketing, research, warehouse, trucking etc.\n4. Research the financial health of various industries to see who is hiring currently.\n5. Talk to everyone you know to find a friend of a friend of a friend who works in that industry and can tell you specific needs that someone would pay you to fulfill.\n6. Write a resume directed specifically at that opportunity with a cover letter citing specific experience you have that fulfills their needs and find  apersonal contact to deliver that resume to the decision maker.\n7. Prepare for an interview with a job search caoch (critical!!)\n8. Do something every single day for your job search and make sure that all the while you are taking care of yourself with good eating habits, exercise and fun so that you can keep a positive approach through the difficult days of the search.\n9. Keep a smile on your face -- you will find the perfect job for you:)
541752
The job listing web sites usually also have thank you letters also available.\n\nyou can also search this topic at yahoo.com and the likes of that.\n\nthat is actually still a good idea.  I know that on at least 1 occassion, it actually got me the job.
472532
Be very specific so they know who to give your resume to.  An objective of finding an interesting job goes into the waste basket.  Are you only looking at ads or are you taking out the yellow pages and calling companies in your field and asking if you can fax over a resume and to who's attention. Only 10% of all jobs get advertised. Have you told everyone you know you are looking? 70% of people get their jobs through someone they know.
723974
She may just appreciate your freshness and honesty.  I sure would if you had been interviewing with me.  Don't count it as a lost cause yet.  \n\nIt's a good idea to follow up all interviews, even second and third ones, with a letter.  In your letter, state you enjoyed meeting with her and hope that your attention to detail comes through in your crisp letter writing.  Provide examples of your attention to detail and organizational skills.  Did you create an ad campaign that ran in a paper or magazine?  Include a photocopy sample of the ad, and the contact details for your supervisor on that project.  Reiterate in your letter how you can help them - phrase your abilities from their point of view (sample:  You need a creative individual.  My background in fine arts provides ....)  Avoid saying how much you want the job; the letter itself says that.  They want to know what you've told us:  That you would be perfect for the position.  Close the letter with "I look forward to speaking with you again" and warm wishes.  \n\nDon't forget to proofread the letter for style, grammar, and spelling.
22065
Have an interesting story. It's always best to have good content than an interesting paper color or shape.\n\nKeep in mind that employers/recruiters/hiring managers may not always read. They scan. Keep your cover letter precise, descriptive, and include examples if relevant. You can include URLs to your online portfolio or actual work examples (maybe even miniature screenshots) in the cover letter to draw interest and curiosity.
506572
I am recruiter and we do not need a covert letter..\n\n\n\nfind that job you will love!\nWhatever you believe will happen!\n\n\n\nTips for a job hunt. There is more hiring happening!\n\n� "Forget what's available out there" and go for the job you want the most.\n\n� Change the message on your answering machine: Put the kind of work you're looking for in your greeting. "Hi this is Heather. I'm busy right now looking for a job in the finance department at a startup company. I recently saw a candidate wearing a t-shirt with a brief summary of their skills. Now that is marketing yourself!\n\n� Write the phrase "Pay no attention to whether there is an opening (vacancy)" on a piece of paper, paste it on your bathroom mirror and memorize it and repeat it to yourself every morning. It will speed up your job search and you'll keep a positive outlook. Use the web and library (ask the reference librarian) to get ideas on companies you should target.\n\n� Concentrate the majority of your search on companies with fewer than 100 employees. Just because the larger firms are having layoffs doesn't mean the smaller companies aren't hiring. The recovery is already underway at smaller companies.\n\n� Get out of the house. Knock on doors. Do research online or at the library about the places you'd like to work. Then stop in and ask if they are hiring anyone with your skills. Your physical presence will make an impression on the hiring authority. Or tell them "I already e-mailed my resume and\nI would like to put a face with the resume I sent (have a hard copy in your hand). Tell the receptionist that you need her help. At one company where I worked an applicant showed up in a bunny suit, skip that bunny suit idea.\n\n� Be willing to look at different kinds of jobs: full-time, part-time, short term contracts, temporary jobs etc. Consider these jobs as a bridge.\n\n� Join a job seeking support group to get you going and to sustain your momentum. This is so crucial. You are not alone out there. Don't miss an opportunity to network. My hairstylist and Doctor have referred many great candidates to me. I heard about someone who told their Doctor they needed work, they had a job the next day. Join your alumni! Network at your church. Keep seeking new ways to market yourself.\n\n� Make a simple business card with the job you are looking for along with your contact info and e-mail address. The office supply stores sell the business cards stock so you can print them at home and save a bundle. I added a postage stamp sized photo to my business card. I saw a minature resume on one side of biz card.\n\n� Don't be wearied by rejection. The more noes you get out of the way, the closer you are to a yes.\n\n� Dont' just e-mail your resume. Try Faxing and snail ( U.S.) mailing your resume & cover letter. Companies are overwhelmed by e-mailed resumes. I know someone who got an interview and job at Kaiser by faxing her resume, her e-mailed resume didn't get noticed because of the volume of resumes they receive. If a company requests no faxed resumes honor their request and snail ( U.S.) mail it instead. If you know an employee at the company ask them to submit your resume. Your chances for an interview go up dramatically by using these techniques. After you submitted your resume call and follow up.\n\n� Your resume needs to be a marketing brochure on you. List your accomplishments and the results. A great resume is just the ticket to the interview, a mediocre resume is ignored. Check out the resume tips link listed below.\n\n� Got goals? Write down a list of ten realistic and specific goals. Create them as if you already achieved them. For example "I earn $75,000 a year" or "I am the Manager of Product Development". Then list everything you can do to achieve each goal, act on specific item now. Goals give you a tremendous sense of control, a real sen
117568
rkrill,\n\nOne should not APPLY (note correct spelling) for jobs that one is NOT qualified to perform.\n\nAnyone STUPID enough to freely GIVE you a spell-checked, grammatically correct portion of a cover letter for a job you aren't qualified to have doesn't know enough to be embarrassed...therefore, your reply would be worthless.\n\nProblem is rkrill...how would you know?
102771
There are two kinds of these letter - one for employment and one for education. Since this question is in the employment area, I am asssuming this is the one you want.\n\nSource link has several sample letters.
281007
If you are getting interviews, then your resume and cover letter are fine.  If you aren't even getting interviews, then your resume and cover letter need attention.\n\nFind out how to write a resume that gets the employer's attention by speaking directly to the needs of the job you are applying for.\n\nFollow the links below:
708479
Dear >person<\n\nThank you for attending the your recent interview fo rthe position of >job titile<. However, I regret to inform you that I will not be able to offer you this position at this time.\n\nThank you for your interest in our company, if you agree we can keep your details on our files if another opportunity comes up in the future.\n\n\n\n(i've had loads of these sent to me!!! no need to be too fishy or slushy, i guess the people will have had the same. no need to give reasons or anything. )
348513
It is always more appropriate to put such a thing in writing.  And don't forget to keep a copy for yourself, in case there is ever a question about you wrote.  I'm not sure if you're leaving happily or not, but remember it can be best to not burn bridges - at worst, keep the letter neutral and to the point (I hereby give my resignation, effective on -date- - sign and date it), and at best use it as an opportunity to let them know what you appreciated most about working there, what good things you'll walk away with.  \n\nYou really never know what doors this might re-open in the future somewhere, somehow.  Even if you don't plan on going back there, supervisors move on, too, and you never know where or how you'll run in to someone.  \n\nHey, good luck in whatever you're doing next.
353575
Your cover letter should be personalized to the employer and position, and should have specific information about you and your skills.  Generic cover letters won't get your resume attention.  Employers want to see results of your skills:  fundamental knowledge won't get you a job...but if you were able to decrease time to fill by 3 days at a past job (example) then you might be noticed.  btw please use spell checker...i throw resumes for professional jobs in the bin if they have poor spelling and grammar!
787298
A strongly-worded letter has always worked well for me. Far better than phone calls. Make sure you address it to the head of the company. If I'm not mistaken, that would be Brian Roberts, CEO of Comcast. Things have a way of magically getting done when you write to the big cheese.