| Do I send a cover letter with the resume | | | | entice the reader to call you in for an interview, the |
| attachment, or do I send a cover letter email? These | | | | same as you would in a hardcopy cover letters. |
| days, email cover letters are an acceptable way to | | | | 5. Avoid formatting |
| submit a resume for a job application. Here are eight | | | | Formatting is great for a printed document, but a |
| tips to ensure your success. | | | | formatted document in one email program could get |
| 1. Keep your email brief | | | | mangled in another. So, use plain text for your email |
| Your online cover letter shouldn't fill more than one | | | | cover letter. Use short lines, short paragraphs, white |
| screen. Most people reading a screen have a short | | | | space, and asterisks instead of bullets for some visual |
| attention span. | | | | impact. |
| 2. Keep your subject line focused and specific | | | | 6. Use business letter format |
| Avoid being vague with such tags as "looking for | | | | Include your complete contact information, as well as |
| job". Be specific. For example, state the posting | | | | the recipient's full name, position and address. You'll |
| number and the job title. Also, include something that | | | | also need the date, a formal salutation (use North |
| reveals that you're extremely qualified. You can do | | | | American style here --Dear Mr. Smith, Dear John |
| that in just a few words, but think carefully. Here's | | | | Smith, but not Dear Mr. John) and a complimentary |
| one example: RE: Posting #222 Instructor. | | | | closing (yours truly, yours sincerely). |
| Experienced, creative communication instructor | | | | 7. Check with the company about sending email |
| available | | | | attachments |
| 3. Get to the point in the first paragraph | | | | Some companies frown on attachments for security |
| Avoid wasting words. State your name and that your | | | | reasons. If that's the case, you will also have to |
| email is to apply for a posting or to follow up from a | | | | embed your resume further down in the email. |
| conversation, or even to apply for a relevant but | | | | 8. Edit your work |
| unadvertised vacancy. For a cold application be sure | | | | Check and double check your work for spelling, |
| to say where you got the reader's email address. | | | | grammar and punctuation errors. Also, avoid using |
| 4. Use Key Words specific to your profession | | | | acronyms commonly used in the chat room or in an |
| Write in the jargon of your profession or industry to | | | | IM situation ( e.g. "u" "r" "b4") or a casual, sloppy, |
| demonstrate expertise. The body of your letter | | | | slangy style. Some people forget that a business |
| should also promote your candidacy with a bit of | | | | email needs to be formal and professional, especially, |
| detail (include skills, experience and credentials) to | | | | an email cover letter. |