The new federal application follows the basic principles
of sales, beginning with the cover letter:
-
Tell them what you are going to tell them (letter of
interest)
-
Tell them (all of the facts and information in the federal
resume)
-
Tell them what you have just told them (more details
in the KSAs)
A cover letter or "Letter of Interest" is not
mandatory for a federal job or private industry application. But the letter gives
you an opportunity to present the best, most relevant experience that you have
to offer on one page. It’s a personal introduction (and a subtle sales pitch).
If it’s not too long, the letter can be very interesting and informative.
The letter is where you can say why you believe you are
qualified for the position. You can also write in a succinct list what you can
do for the new company. It’s a mini-proposal. And you can also say important
things that might compel the hiring manager to understand why you are applying
for this job – even though the job may be across the country.
Hiring managers do want to understand your application.
If you are relocating to be near family or parents, it’s good to say so.
If you went to college and have always wanted to live in Colorado or Alaska, say
so.
Writing a good cover letter is difficult. It’s hard
to know where to start. That’s why we created the cover letter template –
even though when you look at the template, it looks simple. But when you look at
a blank computer screen, it’s even harder.
The cover letter templates
give you fields for writing
your letter. The letter and information you draft in the template may not be the
best letter in the world, but it’s a DRAFT. You can either have the DRAFT
letter emailed to yourself or have our editors improve the letter. If you need
more help with improving the content of the letter – new words, new concepts,
we will rewrite the letter as well.
When you send the email template to The Resume Place, you
can have our administrator send the email letter directly to you, or have one
of our editors review the content, edit, format and make sure the letter is as
good as it can be.
This letter template includes two sections for writing information:
My relevant qualifications include:
In this section,
you should highlight relevant experience and education. Make sure you pay attention
to the classified ad or announcement. If you have the qualifications required
as stated in the advertisement, repeat these qualifications here.
I would be an asset to your organization because:
Be persuasive here. You want a phone call. You want to make it to the best qualified
list. Tell the readers why you would be very well qualified to work in this organization.
Tell them what you know that will be useful.
Here is the anatomy of a compelling letter of interest
that will keep them reading.
Paragraph 1: Reason for the letter.
I am submitting the enclosed resume as application for the
position of Public Health Advisor with the National Safety Council.
My relevant qualifications include:
- Public Health Advisor at the National Institutes
of Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for 12 years where I managed
projects and provided consultation to private organizations, educational institutions
and, through the media, improved information on physical activity and nutrition.
- Expert in physical activity and nutrition issues
including authoring curriculum, classroom text chapters, press releases, newsletter,
grants and training materials, as well as consulting with government, education
and non-profit organizations.
- Successfully directed the first public policy
conference for public health graduate students and national forums on the importance
of physical education on health and well-being.
- My education includes an MS, Health Promotion
and Wellness from American University, and a BS degree in Exercise Science with
a concentration in Health Education from The University of Virginia.
I would be an asset to your organization because:
- I am seeking new opportunities where I can
use my knowledge of physical activity and nutrition issues gained from my years
at the National Institutes of Health. I know that disseminating environmental
and health information into the school systems is vital and challenging.
- I would like to get closer to the students
and teachers in schools by writing, creating and managing educational programs
that will have an impact on environmental health through education.
- I believe that with my research and government
program knowledge I can contribute extensively to the mission of National Safety
Council and the Council's focus on public education programs and environmental
health.
I am available to meet with you to discuss your objectives
and my background. You can contact me at either telephone above. Thank you for
your time and consideration. I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Helen R. Waters
Enclosures:
