English 421Y: Technical Writing Online

Q1: Does it seem like including the same header as my resume takes up too much space on the top of the page?

Q2:I think the conclusion could use a little more work, although I'm not sure what to add. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Question 1: Do I use too much detail? Should my paragraphs be more concise?

Question 2: Do I use good supporting information and examples?

1. I wanted to have a semi-friendly tone but didn't want to cross over the line. Should I consider trying to be a little more friendly?
2. Did I suggest my potential for the company's goals effectively?

Two things:
1) Does the letter seem too redundant?
2) Should I include the address at the top even though it is on my resume already?

I did not know much about a cover letter before this employment project. I did not think a cover letter was very important, nor did I ever feel like writing one. After completing this weeks readings, I have realized that the cover letter is a lot more important that I thought, but that still doesn’t mean I want to write one.

One of the major differences between resume’s and cover letters is that cover letters are in essay style. They are not a collection of bulleted items which are optimized to be scanned, but instead cover letters are meant to be read from beginning to end. This offers the candidate additional techniques for presenting themselves. As mentioned in instructor blog #3, unlike a resume, a cover letter has a tone. Instead of simply conveying a series of facts, the candidate can tell a story which paints a mental picture of the candidate in the eyes of employer. They can also argue why they are a good fit for the position advertised.

After getting through this week’s readings, it has become clear that most of the same rules for resumes apply to cover letters. Most importantly, know who your audience is, and tailor make your cover letter to their eyes. It is a little harder to do this for a cover letter compared to a resume, however. A resume is quantified and concise, displaying the black and whites of who you are and what you have accomplished. A cover letter is, in a sense, the lead-in the conversation that is your job interview.

Before this class I had never written a cover letter. I wasn’t very sure what I was trying to accomplish. After reading these readings I have a much better understanding of what I am trying to do. I have a better understanding of how make this cover letter. I now realize that your cover letter is to expand on what you talk about in your resume. This is where you can really sell yourself with more details about how you’re qualified for the job. I feel that it is important to make sure to focus the cover letter to your employer and position.

I would like to be upfront with everyone who happens to read this response. I have never written a cover letter in my life. In classes before this one I have spent an unbelievable amount of time drafting resumes and participating in things that "enhance" my resume. This is because I have always known who I am applying for a job with. Today, I find myself living in a different state from where I grew up and away from the people I know. For me it is more important that ever that I know how to construct a cover letter.