Page 204 - 201 Killer Cover Letters

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STEP 3: INSTRUCT
In many cases, you will benefit from adding a reference to the next step in the hir-
ing process—even if it’s simply that you will wait to be contacted. Putting down
on paper what will happen next, as you understand it, may help avoid misunder-
standings about whose “court the ball is in.”
If the next step will be his or hers, tell the reader what to do. Be sure to pro-
vide a complete address, e-mail address, and telephone number at which you can
be reached, stating whether the phone number is a work or home number. As you
did in your Resume Cover Letter, let your reader know if you prefer to be called
during certain hours and if confidentiality is an issue.
If you will be the one to take the next step, tell the reader what to expect. You
may make a general reference such as, “I’ll call you shortly.” Or you may be spe-
cific about what, when, and how you’ll follow up: by phone, by mail, by e-mail,
by express mail, by messenger. If you know that the hiring process has just begun,
inform the reader that you’ll call to follow up in two weeks, ten days, or whenev-
er you feel it’s appropriate.
Enclosing material with your letter always requires an explanation. Describe
what the enclosure is: a resume, a list of accomplishments, references.
If you will be sending something to the reader, such as a reference, state what
it is and when you will do so.

OPTIONAL STEP 4: CLOSE WARMLY
In a business setting, it is perfectly acceptable to close your letter with a simple,
straightforward “Sincerely.”
On some occasions, however, you
RECRUITER’S TIP
may wish to use a more friendly sign-off.
You might make a personal reference or
THOROUGH mention something about the reader that
FOLLOW-THROUGH
suggests that he is not receiving a form let-
After an interview, follow- ter, but rather a letter written specifically
through on your part is critical. to him. If you are on a first-name basis
The person to whom you’re with your reader, you might add the read-
writing may not scrutinize er’s name to your closing. A warm ending
every word in your Follow-Up to your message makes you seem friendly
Letter, but he or she will surely and approachable, and indicates that you
notice that you’ve sent one— are the kind of person with whom most of
and be impressed that you did! us would prefer to work.
Plus, a good recruiter will Too much warmth for the situation
expect to hear from you on the can sound unprofessional, though. As a
precise day you promised to rule, the degree of warmth you add
follow up—so do. Without fail. should correspond with the number of
times you’ve met your reader—without

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