Cover letters and thank-you notes [Sept. 2007]

& Cover Letters Thank-you Notes

Whether you send a rsum by mail or e-mail, always include a cover letter. The cover letter is an introduction that describes your qualifications and emphasizes how well you fit the employer's job description.
Change each rsum and cover letter to respond to each job opening. Be sure to use terms and words like those in the job posting. Some companies use an electronic scanner as a screening device to check for specific words or terms associated with the job or industry.
Effective Cover Letters
l Are personalized for a unique position at a specific company
l Explain why you are sending a rsum l Create an interest in reading your rsum l Tell how you learned about the position l Provide requested information l Describe skills, education, or experiences important
to this position l Reflect your personality and uniqueness
Application Cover Letter
An application cover letter, sent with the rsum, responds to an advertised job. Match your qualifications to those requested in the job posting, using key words, industry terms, and descriptions to show how well you meet the job requirements.
Inquiry Cover Letter
When no job is advertised but you are interested in working for a company, you can send an inquiry cover letter asking about job openings. Highlight your skills,

experience, and education, and enclose your rsum. This strategy requires a phone call or personal contact with the employer either before or after you send your information.
Cover Letter Points to Consider
Whenever possible, address the cover letter to a specific person by name and title. This will result in increased interviews. If no contact name is given in the job advertisement, but there is a phone number, call and ask for the Human Resources Manager's name so you can address your letter to a specific person. Research the company by checking the website, library, newspaper articles or talking to employees so you can add details about the company in your letter.
When responding to a "blind ad" where no company name is given, send the letter to the title of the appropriate hiring manager, (e.g. "Production Manager," Maintenance Supervisor," "Office
Have
Questions?
There are 53 Georgia Department of Labor Career Centers. Each office is equipped with high-speed internet.
Go to www.dol.state.ga.us to locate an office near you.
GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
MICHAEL L. THURMOND, COMMISSIONER