Something is still not clear to me. I picked out some jobs on monster, newspaper, etc which I would like to apply for. If I"m applying electronically (email, or website), do I still need a cover letter?

Do I simply write a short message in the body, like this:

Dear Mr. Smith,

I saw your advertisement for such and such job on monster. Please consider this my formal application for the job. Attached you will find my resume.

Sincerely,
My name


or, do I put a three paragraph cover letter in the body of the email? Like so:

Dear Mr. Smith:

I am responding to your advertisement on Monster.com (dated whatever), regarding the Network Administrator position. Please find enclosed my resume showing my education, experience, and background.

I have over 3 years experience in the information technology field and I'm able to learn very fast. I am an IT professional with proven experience in system design and implementation, as well as team leadership, administration, training, and basic and advanced troubleshooting. I have observed daily operations at more than a dozen companies and feel that I would be a real asset to your company


May I arrange an interview to further discuss my qualifications? I am available for an interview at a mutually convenient time.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,
My name

 

I always used my email as a cover letter. A cover letter is a big part of keeping their interest so don't make it too short.

 

So the second quick example would be more appropriate, correct?

 

Correct.

 

You're fine. Your experience says everything about your age. Keep looking at it. If I'm not mistaken JonBoy kicks a$$ with the english language. He's a big reader so you've a great proofreader. I think you need to feel the objective out until YOU know its good. It's going to become you employment moto so you need to believe it.

You're going to be just fine. put the final touches on it as you see fit and start sending it out!

 

"May I arrange an interview to further discuss my qualifications?"

I would like to...

Look to be assertive, hard sell if you have to. Always positive.

" Looking forward to interviewing with you... "

You know like you have the job already but not too cocky.

 

That's a good point, and it really is something to keep in mind in all of this. My words may not suit your personality or image. When my wife was looking for work, I wrote all of her cover letters. She would then come behind me and change at least five parts of the letter to suit HER style of speaking and how she projects herself.

I'm an engineer so I know lots of big words to describe simple tasks. I can sometimes overdo it for other people so you will definitely want to be sure that your resume reflects who you are more than who (or what) you want to be.

 

Never, ever mention anything like that, either in a letter or an interview. If asked why you're leaving, always make it a positive:

"Although my current position has provided me with valuable experience, I believe your company would be a much better fit with my overall career objectives."

Or something to that effect

If you bitch about the people at your previous job, no matter how justified you may be, the interviewer will generally take it the wrong way, and assume that you (meaning they) may have the same problem if you come to work for them.

Good luck!

 

What JonBoy wrote is exactly what I was trying to express, just couldn't find the right words for it.

Dave, thanks for the suggestion. I would have made a big mistake there.

 

[QUOTE=DiamondDave2005,Jul 5 2006, 06:21 AM] One other thing. The following section should be adjusted to be all past tense, as that will match the rest of your resume.