Before we discuss what your job uiuc self service letter must do in order for the employer to take notice and review your resume, you must first understand the importance of having an application letter and what will make it successful.
The number 1 most commonly made mistake in CV or resume submissions is not including a copy of your application letter. If you are emailing your resume, the application letter can be included in the body of the email, or attached (although employers typically are wary of attachments in email submissions) but make sure first that the employer does accept emailed applications. If you are sending your application by fax or traditional mail, make sure that your application letter comes before the resume and is therefore the first item to be seen.
Omitting an application letter from your job submission will appear highly unprofessional to your potential employer. However, having a well-written, customized application letter allows the employer to get an immediate insight into who you are, the way you communicate and how you present yourself as a candidate for the job.
So when sending your employment application in to the prospective employer, your CV or resume should always be accompanied by a letter of application. These two items then form a complete submission package.
1. Address the letter to the appropriate person by name. The biggest mistake professionals make is not taking the time to address their application letter to the appropriate person, such as the recruiter or the hiring manager. Take the time to address your application letter to the appropriate person; if the job description does not include a person as a contact, take a cue from the text and address the letter to the team listed as the contact. Using generic lines, such as “To whom it may concern,” is not acceptable on a application letter.
2. Know what the goal of your application letter is and express it clearly, and concisely. Sell yourself in the best possible light; make sure that you sound like a confident professional. Concentrate on the positives, and highlight those qualifications that make you a perfect candidate for the job. Even if you feel insecure in your qualifications, or feel that you may be slightly under-qualified for the job, put your best skills forward.
3. Customize your letter to the position you are applying for. It is very important that your application addresses why you are the best person for the job you are seeking. This includes indicating the job title in the application letter.
5. Answer these two questions: why do you want this particular job, and what can you do for the company? These two questions must be addressed in the application letter in order to let your employer know that you are serious about your interest, that you have considered the opportunity and how it fits with your professional goals, and what you are willing to bring to the table in order to benefit the organization you want to work for.
6. Proofread your letter, or better still, get someone else to read it over carefully. They are more likely to spot errors than you are. Errors and misspellings give a very poor impression to the potential employer.
7. Close the application letter by indicating to your potential employer when you intend to follow up your application. Do not end the letter by asking the employer to call you at their convenience. Let the employer know that you want to follow up, when and how you will do so. This confirms your interest in the position, and your professional etiquette. Note, if you say you intend to follow up, then you MUST follow up when and how you indicated in your application letter.
