Covering it Up Real Good: Cover Letters
By Stephen E. Jordan, II
Edited by Jenny Wilson
A friend of mine
just graduated from college. The only work experience he has is as a college
newspaper reporter, and some odd jobs during the summer. He wants a job as a writer. Or, better yet,
as an editor for a newspaper, for a magazine, for a book publisher—it doesn’t
matter. But, he lacks real work
experience.
Like my friend, I
was in this situation. And, unsurprisingly, you were probably in that situation
as well one time or another. Even if you’ve never been in that situation and
simply wanted to change careers, how can you get your foot in the door?
The publishing
industry is a dog-eat-dog world. And,
if you lack real work experience in the publishing industry it’s hell trying to
get your foot in the door for an entry-level position.
Note this typical entry-level job
description:
Assistant Editor
Assistant
Editor really means assist the editor. Assist the editor with
photocopying, assist the editor with coffee, phone calls, meetings, etc. . .
(similar to an administrative assistant (secretary), but, more than likely,
less pay).
Remember, it’s
all about having the title of “Assistant Editor” though you rarely do
anything related to editing, except pick up the Editor’s laundry. But, it’s about getting your foot in the
door, working your way up the ladder.
So, how do you
get your foot in the door? Well, after your resume is composed. Write a cover
letter. Not a generic one either.
This is your
opportunity to show the employers how well you can write, edit, and how
creative you are. A unique idea I found useful on occasions is beginning the
cover letter with a quote from a famous writer who’s speaking on the subject of
writing. Then, I relate the quote to my life and the position in which I am
applying.
Next, you must be
direct. Who knows, the company may have 20 ads for 20 different positions. So, let
them know the position in which you are applying. “I therefore as for you to
take in consideration my employment as {name of position}.”
Your cover letter
permits you to address the ad’s requirements, and match them to your own
experience, point by point. For
instance, the position may require you to proofread galleys, or edit on-screen.
These points may not be in your resume because you have no direct experience
doing that. However, you are familiar with the techniques of proofreading
galleys and editing on-screen. Adding them in your cover letter, will allow the
employer to understand that you know what you’re doing.
Understand your
choice of words in your cover letter.
DON’T SAY:
“I know how to
. . .” OR “When I was in college my
professor liked my writing so much that. . .”
DO SAY:
“I am skillful
at. . .” OR “I am familiar with this
particular program. . .”
If, for some
reason, you do not match some of the requirements, don’t leave that portion
blank. An ad may read: Must possess communication skills, knowledge of APA,
MLA, AMA and Chicago Manual; familiar with MS Office and Windows 2000.
You may
understand APA, MLA, AMA and Chicago, but you truly don’t have a firm grasp on
any of the styles. So, address the fact that you’re a quick learner and how you
can use the texts as a reference when needed, by saying something like, “My
ability to use MLA, AMA handbooks as a reference is quick and on point.”
Truthfully—there’s
no way you can memorize all the style guides.
Re-read your
cover letter and resume. Often times, I’ve seen (sad but true) writers and even
editors who have misspelled words in the resume and cover letter. This, in my
opinion is a BIG no-no. Employers will notice this and will put your resume in
the bottom of the pile.
Finally, end your
cover letter with energy and creativity the same way that you started it. “I have the talent, I have the skills, I
have the knowledge to do well with {name of company}, and may be reached at
{phone number}.”
Don’t use my
example. See what you can come up with. Test your writing skills and your
creativity. Good luck with your job hunting!
Stephen E. Jordan, II is Editor/Publisher of OutStretch Publications;
Financial Editor in Manhattan; and Poet. Article is available for reprint. Please notify
the author. Copyright © 2001. www.OutStretch.net, Editor@OutStretch.net |
