Writing a cover letter
Remind members that a cover letter should accompany a résumé to provide more information and showcase skills. The cover letter also demonstrates writing ability, knowledge of the organization, and what they might bring to the job.
Here are some general guidelines for cover letters:
- Tailor the letter specifically to each job/organization
- Address the letter to a specific person in the organization; BE SURE TO SPELL THE NAME CORRECTLY
- Limit the letter to one page
- Do not repeat the résumé but highlight certain areas and provide more detail
- Do not list salary requirements
- Proofread the letter carefully–another set of eyes is always helpful
The letter should contain the following paragraphs:
- Why I'm interested in this job
- How it fits into my career plans
- My relevant skills and experience
- Some ideas I have for the job
- Why I support the organization's mission and values
- How I can contribute to the organization
- Close with a request for an interview, how to contact you, and the fact that you will follow up within a specific time period (for example, "I will call you next week to see when we can meet to discuss this opportunity")
Send your cover letter and résumé as soon as you learn of a job opportunity (fax or snail mail; e-mail if they specify). Follow up to make sure the materials were received. If you have a contact in the organization, let him/her know you've applied and mention that person in the cover letter. Follow up one more time to find out the timelines for the hiring process.
Check out a sample cover letter.
Conducting an informational interview
Going on an informational interview has many benefits:
- Meet people in the field
- Learn about different organizations, the work they do, and the types of jobs available
- Get advice about career options and paths
- Find out about any potential openings at this organization and others
- Make a good impression to be considered for a job later
- Get referrals of other people to interview
Here are steps in setting up and completing an informational interview:
- E-mail, phone, or write to the organization
- "Name-dropping" helps (for example, "_____referred me to you because you're such a good source in this field")
- Ask for a 20–30 minute meeting: be flexible
- Send a résumé in advance to the person you're meeting
- Prepare questions
- Bring paper and pen
- Dress professionally
- Be on time for your appointment
- Pay if you're meeting at a coffee shop
- Ask if they know of any job openings
- Ask for referrals for other informational interviews
- Send a thank you note immediately after the interview
- Stay in touch
Check out these informational interview handouts.
Interviewing for a job
The next stage in the process is the job interview. Here's how to prepare:
- Research the organization: talk to anyone you know who already works there (or has in the past); look at their website and any printed material; do an Internet search for any news articles pertaining to the organization and/or the field they're in
- Think in advance about what you want the interviewer to know about you: come up with some key "talking points" about yourself
- Anticipate questions they're likely to ask
- Develop questions you want to ask them
- Bring another copy of your résumé and anything else they asked for; if pertinent, bring some samples of your past work
- Bring paper and pen
- Dress professionally
- Arrive early
For a list of typical interview questions, see sample questions. Also, see questions divided by job fields here.
For a list of illegal job questions–and how to handle them–see questions you shouldn't have to answer.
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