Everything To Know About Getting a Job, part 2

A toolkit covering the planning and documentation of a successful job search

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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