Cover letter and resume

Steven Graver’s article deals with the mundane rituals of cover letters. I did not find anything really new or striking in his piece. However, I later realized that cover letter is all mundane and is intended to be so. Graver’s article, though seems to be very prescriptive with some strict rules, works as a useful reference to find answers to some common questions about cover letter. It clearly mentions what should be the elements of format and content in a cover letter.
Parts of a cover letter:
Return Address
Date
Inside Address
Salutation
3/4 body paragraphs
Complementary close
Paper and print quality should be good.
Content:
a. Paragraph 1: just mention that you are applying for a certain post.
b. Paragraph 2: show that you qualify
c. Paragraph 3: show how you not only qualify, but also go beyond the qualifications
d. Paragraph 4: Closing
The most important suggestion is “don’t use clichés” and “avoid general statement” and use concrete and specific examples or your accomplishments. Focus on only one or two rather than saying you know this and that.
Burton Jay Nadler
“Your E-Resume”
Nadler advises us to think about the format and content of the resume and focus basically on projecting yourself as a goal-oriented and qualified candidate for the job.
Uploading Your Resume
Choose appropriate file format. Mostly, the companies specify what kind of file format to use. Normally “Microsoft Word,” PDF, and Web page input are used.
Check everything thoroughly before uploading.
• Make sure your resume file can be opened and formatted correctly.
• Name your file correctly.
• If filling in a Web form, take time to carefully enter your information.
Keywords Are Essential
When employers seek candidates for their vacant jobs, the first step is to review resumes by certain software that sorts out resumes in through key word search. So, while preparing resume, we need to be careful to use important key words used in the field we are applying. It’s a good idea to keep an inventory of keywords.
Emailing your E-Resume
a. Email message is your cover letter and attach your resume. Be very direct and short in your email cover letter. Be polite but not stuffy.
E-Mail Etiquette
Proper file format and simple and short.
Make a google search.
Vistas for the E-Job Search
• See state job bank
• Check the websites of companies of your field
• Use a web search engine to find big headhunter sites.
• Check your local newspaper
Reactive and Provocative E-strategies