| Including a cover letter with your | | | | looking computer generated label on the face of the |
| résumé is an essential part of the | | | | envelope with your return address displayed in the |
| application process. In effect, your cover letter allows | | | | appropriate place. If you must write on the label |
| for your résumé to gain access to | | | | [meaning, you do not have access to a computer or to |
| those with hiring authority thereby preventing it from | | | | a printer] then carefully print your information; be legible |
| being relegated to some dead file drawer or summarily | | | | and avoid cursive. You not only want the post office |
| tossed altogether. Before you even begin to write | | | | to get the envelope to the correct company, but once |
| your cover letter there are some things you must | | | | it has arrived at that company you will want their |
| know first. Let's take a look at those foundational | | | | mailroom department to have the ability to direct it to |
| essentials that can make or break your quest toward | | | | the correct department. |
| finding work: | | | | If you choose to email your personal information |
| The paper you use for your résumé | | | | determine in advance that attachments are permissible. |
| must match the paper you use for your cover letter. | | | | If they are not, make sure that you avoid sending |
| White with white is preferable with business paper | | | | attachments. A tip: following directions, especially |
| recommended. Paper containing 100% cotton has the | | | | seemingly inconsequential details, is a large part of the |
| right texture and the correct look for any cover letter | | | | screening process. Take care that you follow every |
| and résumé. Photo copy paper is not | | | | detail precisely. Alternately, submit your information |
| advised as it sends a signal to recruiters that you pay | | | | within the body of an email message where you can |
| little attention to detail! | | | | write your cover letter [a brief introduction] and then |
| Use a matching business envelope; a #10 size | | | | cut and paste your resume. To ensure that the |
| envelope is acceptable. Tri-fold your copies separately; | | | | company receives your information, you can follow up |
| when you set the cover letter within the envelope, | | | | and mail over professional copies if an address has |
| make certain that the letter is displayed on top [as | | | | been supplied. |
| when the flap of the envelope is raised up] followed | | | | So, there you have it. All the procedural steps toward |
| by your résumé. Fold it so that your | | | | preparing and sending your cover letter were listed |
| name and contact information is the first bit of | | | | herein. As for the details of what goes on your cover |
| information that the recruiter sees. If you elect to go | | | | letter, I will save that information for another article. In |
| with a heavy-duty kraft-type envelope please make | | | | the meantime, please follow these instructions to a "t" |
| sure that it is no smaller than 9x12 [too tight] or any | | | | to ensure that your cover letter is received as a |
| larger than 10x13 [too bulky]. Include an attractive | | | | valuable complement to your résumé. |