Question:
I'm hoping to get some feedback about my cover letters. I know many of you
have been in management, and I'd appreciate any advice you can give.
Ove the past couple of years, I've sent out dozens and dozens of cover
letters. Few get responses. I know that companies these days are swamped
every time they post a job publicly. I think I've done a pretty good job of
honing a good message, but I want to do better. (That always a goal, and
that's why I value editors so much.)
The first couple of paragraphs are essentailly biolerplate, tweaked slightly
for the particular position. The middle paragraphs are crafted to try and
match what I can do for their particular needs (from the informatin in the
job post, and when reasonable, from their web site). The summation is back
to basic boilerplate.
Thanks in advance for your help. Here's one I sent this morning (for a job
documenting a web application):
Hello,
I am writing to offer myself as a candidate for the Technical Writer
position posted on HotJobs.com. I am seeking a long-term, full-time position
such as the one you're looking to fill, and my skills and experience are an
excellent match for your current needs.
I have a B.S. in Technical Communication and more than 11 years of
experience developing print, online, and embedded user assistance for
hardware, software, and web applications. I know how to use
industry-standard tools (including FrameMaker, Dreamweaver, and RoboHelp) to
plan, design, and produce user-centered content for on-time delivery in
multiple formats and over multiple platforms.
Much of my recent experience has been documenting web applications,
applications aimed at a wide variety of users. I know how to learn about and
understand user goals, and then use that knowledge to design information so
that those users get the information they need, when they need it.
I can also use that knowledge to help design the application itself, so the
application can inherently communicate its use as much as possible.
While I've not specifically documented logistics applications before, I have
documented supply chain applications, and the two are closely related.
I have a fundamental understanding of many web technologies, which allows me
to communicate easily with other members of the development team. That
knowledge also allows me to develop content that reaches users most
efficiently.
In short, I have the excellent writing skills, the up-to-date technical
savvy, and the undying passion for what I do that would make me an integral
and productive member of your development team.
My resume should be attached, but you can see it also at [resume URL]. You
can see some writing samples (including some online help for web
applications) at [writing samples URL].
I am available immediately for interviews and to begin work. If you have any
questions, please don't hesitate to contact me. I can be reached by email at
[email address] and by phone at [home phone] and [cell phone].
I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your time and
consideration.
Sincerely,
Answer:
-My (humble) opinion is that your cover letter is way too long. By the time I
get to the words "in short," I think YEAH RIGHT! Save some things to talk
about at an interview. Also, it's good to be enthusiastic, but you don't
want to come across as a better candidate for the posting: WANTED: USED CAR
SALESMAN. Save the enthusiasm for the interview as well.
-When I'm reviewing an applicant's cover letter, I'll read the intro graph,
scan quickly to see if the his or her experience is a match with our
needs, and look for the writing samples. If everything checks out, I'll go
back and read the letter more thoroughly. Based on that, you might want to
move the paragraph mentioning writing samples closer to the top (maybe
merge it in after the part where you say how similar supply chain &
logistics apps are). For brevity, you could trim some of the rah-rah
paragraphs, but I usually skim past such fluff.
