Marble Jar Gang Career Counseling: Cover Letter

The basic premise or formula is to recognize that when your skills + traits + behaviors are placed in the right environment the outcome will give you a greater chance of success and happiness in your work. 

The cover letter should be the first page of your resume and is the direct marketing tool in your advertising pitch to a specific company. This is where you get to tell the company how closely you are aligned to the vision and goals of the brand. Use their position description as a guide and also check out their website for the mission and value statements. You can change some words on your resume but be careful to note any modifications as these can be conflicting when you get a recruiter on the phone and they are looking at a different resume!!  

YOUR NAME (SAME AS ON RESUME)

Contact phone                          Contact Email

DATE

Hiring Manager name or recruiter info (title if you have it)

Company info, name and address if in the posting/description

Reference: Job posting- title here

Position Number-XXXXXX if applicable

Dear Human Resources Recruiter, (or name if you have this information 

(see above)

I am applying for your position as the XXXXXXXX located in XXXX. Based on my attached resume, you will see that my experience is aligned to your needs. It is my hope to be able to work at XXXX as my priorities match your company’s core values, team behaviors, and commitment to deliver results XXXX (check out their website for values and mission statements). I sincerely desire to be part of your caring team that puts XXXX first.   (Possibly mention something about their mission statement here.)

I have over XX years of experience in XXXXX (from the job description using hard skills, soft skills and any behaviors they list). Over the XXX (time frame of experience) I have gained hands-on experience in XXXXX (from the job description in the Position Description). OPTIONAL: I have additional experience (or education) in XXXX (from the position description or other information you researched).

I was thrilled to see this position become available. I am a creative achiever who listens and speaks with candor in everything I do and would love the opportunity to work and grow at XXXX. (or another enthusiastic closing sentence that fits you and your industry).

I am looking forward to hearing from you and thank you in advance.

YOUR NAME

Attach as one document with your resume. Save it in what format they require and if no format then provide a pdf. Many companies may ask for a word doc, so check their site.

For a deeper dive check out:  https://www.glassdoor.com>Home>Guide

Your homework is to make a list of keywords that are in job descriptions that fit your skills, traits and behaviors and align with some job descriptions you already see online. One marble in your jar for this assignment.