Authored by Stephanie May, NBR Summer 2009 Intern
In keeping with last week's theme of wondering where in the world I'll end up upon my graduation, I have decided to be an adult and be proactive about the situation. I am embarking on a very long and tedious journey. Ladies and Gentleman, I have begun the job hunt. So far, it's not bad! I'm actually really excited as I come up with plans A to Z for my future. But as I do this, I have realized I'm going to have to face one of my absolute biggest fears -- writing cover letters.
You would think writing cover letters would be a breeze for your Fiscally Fit blogger, but on the contrary, I find them almost impossible. The more I want the position, the more I struggle. What can you possibly say within the confines of an 8x11 piece of paper to make your potential employers realize how absolutely perfect you are for the job? The pressure is unbelievable!
It's probably good that I want to be a broadcast journalist because I find that expressing myself in person is MUCH easier than expressing myself in writing. In person, you have more freedom to explain yourself and to show them why you're so passionate about accounting, or why you'd be the best police officer they've ever had.
But, writing a letter detailing how great you are isn't easy. As you sit down to list your stellar qualities, do you feel like as much of a jerk as I do?
Then there's the problem of how formal or how conversational to be. It's a formal business letter, so clearly you're supposed to edge towards the formal. But as you all know, I write the way that I think...and my thoughts don't really follow a three-paragraph format. One of two things usually happens. I either sound stilted and overly stiff, not allowing any of my personality to shine. Or, I sound gushy and silly, using words like "passionate" and "excited" over and over again. But the problem is that I AM passionate. I AM excited. I really really really want the job! Why can't I just say that?
The worst part about my trouble with cover letters is I have a feeling I'm going to be writing hundreds of them in the next few months. So I have to bite the bullet and figure out a way to make it through. I need to come up with a system -- much like I need to come up with a system for budgeting. I knew facing my cover letter fear wasn't going to be easy, so I sought some help. I consulted my favorite journalism professor, and he shared a pearl of wisdom so epic that I almost fell off my chair.
He Googled "cover letter writing."
The takeaway: Google solves everything!
Here are a few tips I was able to find out from my new BFF, Google:
Unfortunately, you are really supposed to use a three-paragraph format. In the first paragraph, say why you are writing and what position you are hoping to get. Also include a little nugget of information about the company to personalize it. That way they know that you've done your homework, and they know that you didn't just print 100 identical cover letters and tell people all over the world that this is the "one and only job of your dreams."
The tips for the second paragraph really saved me. Look up the job description and then format the second paragraph by telling them how you have each of the attributes they're looking for. Don't forget to back it up with evidence. That way, after reading your cover letter, they know that you have everything they want in a Kindergarten teacher!
Lastly, thank them for considering you, and tell them how you're going to follow up. (In 2 weeks by email?) Sign "respectfully yours," and voila! You're done.
This sounds easy enough. I think the reason I was having such a hard time is because I was looking at the cover letter as my one and only shot to show them who I am. When really the letter is just supposed to introduce your resume. I suppose my desire to include my entire life story in three paragraphs was a bit far fetched.
So now, with a bit of a plan formed, I'm off to conquer the dreaded cover letter. Let me know if you have any other tips!
Fiscally Fit... I'm getting a job!!
Follow me on Twitter @FiscallyFit!
Comments
This is an excellent posting. A lot of experienced adults make the mistake of letting little things overwhelm them. A cover letter is just a small part of your job application, and your job application is just a small part of your life. The fact that you've learned this so early makes you an unusually wise applicant. You're hired!
Hey Stephanie,
I think you are a great writer! What a surprise to hear you began cover letters with fear and trepidation. What great concise instructions you found as well, because you asked.
I don't think I ever have written a cover letter but I did get one "killer" interview tip from my father as I was growing up...(And somehow even without using cover letters I scored pretty high on nailing jobs I wanted.)
Never act too anxious to be hired by the company. Ask questions and have them sell you on why they match what you are looking for. The harder sell you are to them the more they think they want you because you just manipulated them into talking you into working for them. Ha!(I know you will like this because it is simple reverse psychology...daughter of two experts...)
A family friend took my fathers advice when interviewing for a great architect job. Out of at least 200 applicants...she got the job.She gave this idea all the credit as well.
Aloha, Teresa
Great blog post! I've written lots of cover letters -- and gotten lots of them too. I agree that it's great to receive letters that make me feel that the prospective employee or intern is actually writing to *me* and not just blanketing New York City with "I want in" mail. So that's a great tip that you have included above.
Your energy will shine in print or in person so good luck and thanks for sharing!
Stephanie, as I read the beginning of your blog, I thought immediately of Googling the topic. The internet is full of advice about how to write resumes so why not cover letters. I love the advice you got and your realization of why it's so hard for you to do. I am sure that with your determination you will succeed with this plan.
Great tips Stephanie! I absolutely HATE writing cover letters, they do sound so stuffy. Good luck with the job search!