posted
There's a posting out there for a job that I would really love to get - nonprofit, better title, diversity of work, five weeks of vacation a year - and I'm applying tonight. I've updated my resume and got my sample portfolio online, and all I have to do now is write the cover letter.
There's a reason I saved it for last. I HATE this part.
Has anyone seen an example of one online that they really liked? I suppose I can write something that will work - paragraph 1 says why I'm perfect, paragraph 2 goes into detail about experience, paragraph 3 highlights skills and how they apply, paragraph is abject begging for an interview. Will that work? Anyone know?
posted
So do I dude. I could write a short story, but I sure as heck can't squeeze out a one page paragraph bragging about myself with exagerations. It's like extracting teeth. Good luck, and see if Monster can help.
Posts: 9942 | Registered: Mar 2003
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posted
I would focus not on listing experience or qualifications, but on showing how those experiences or qualifications are a particular match to this job.
"Writing appeals aimed at different target audiences, including schools, parents, community organizations, and scouts, has given me experience explaining tailoring a non-profit's message to a variety of constituencies."
That's the idea - make it about them - except that I worded it ugly because I rushed it.
posted
I agree with Dag about tailoring it to the specific job. Not only does it show you're the right candidate for the job, but it also shows that you've done research about the place.
Posts: 4077 | Registered: Jun 2003
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posted
Definitely make it about them. If the job posting has a list of requirements and preferences about candidates, make sure you address those - quoting from the posting if necessary.
Posts: 4313 | Registered: Sep 2004
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posted
Their job description could be a job description for the job I have already. I am applying precisely because I fit so well - is it dorky to say that I'm excited by the opportunity? I gave up on sounding suave and falling back on sincere, polished up. If they don't like me now, at least I'll know it's a personal rejection and it means it honestly would not have been a fit.
I think. *nervous*
Thank you for the tip - I have quoted some of their mission statement in saying what I am looking for, and I said that I liked that they work for positive change. Is that enough?
Posts: 26077 | Registered: Mar 2000
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posted
Yes - from what I've heard from HR people, any indication that you actually READ the posting and are responding specifically to their job ad as opposed to mass-mailing an application is brownie points.
I remember the first time I applied for jobs in Seattle - my cover letter was three lines long, and didn't say anything other than that I was interested. I applied to something like 32 positions and heard back from one. The second time around, I did a little bit of personalization, responding generally to what they wanted out of a candidate. I heard back from six or seven places of the forty or so I applied to. This time around, I made sure to specifically address every qualification the employer said they were looking for and explaining why I felt the ones I didn't have either weren't necessary or could be learned. I've only applied to maybe fifteen places, and I've heard back from six or seven.
The quality of the cover letter apparently makes a difference!
Posts: 4313 | Registered: Sep 2004
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posted
I have got to stop writing these personal kinds of communications at the end of the day - I just want to go home, and I tend to drop even more words as the day goes on. I'm going to post what I have - could y'all tell me if there's something I should change?
quote:I am excited by the opportunity to respond to your posting for job #1234 – Senior Technical Writer. My interests, skills, and experience match what All About Hamsters is looking for in a senior technical writer, and I pleased by the change to be a part of informing the public debate.
I have spent most of my career working for nonprofit organizations, and I like being part of an organization that works for positive change. I have a diverse educational background, including minors in chemistry, biology and Latin, that allows me to understand a variety of information, and I enjoy communicating technical and complex subjects to non-experts. My work includes communication on topics from accounting to technology to science.
For the past five years I have worked as a documentation specialist in the IT department at the national office of the Boy Scouts of America. As one of two technical writers, my tasks included creating technical documentation (print and online), designing web and application interfaces, designing and maintaining the internal support site, writing and editing content for web sites, and creating marketing materials for our products. My audience included the BSA national office, all local councils, and BSA volunteers across the country. You can see samples of my work at www.katharina’sportfolio.com.
I am very interested in becoming part of All About Hamsters after reading your history and mission statements on your Web site. I can be reached at any time at 123-555-1306 or at katepilkington@yahoo.com. I look forward to hearing from you.
posted
Double check this sentence: "My interests, skills, and experience match what All About Hamsters is looking for in a senior technical writer, and I pleased by the change to be a part of informing the public debate."
"I look forward to hearing from you." might be better as "Thank you for your time and consideration; I look forward to hearing from you!" But that might just be me.
Posts: 4313 | Registered: Sep 2004
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posted
kat, I ran it by Mom, who says it gets a thumbs up from her. She said as an HR person she would appreciate that you had obviously carefully read the posting, that you had investigated All About Hamsters on your own, and she really liked this sentence:
quote:I have a diverse educational background, including minors in chemistry, biology and Latin, that allows me to understand a variety of information, and I enjoy communicating technical and complex subjects to non-experts.
She said to remind you to make certain your phone number has voice mail, because nothing frustrates an HR person more than having a candidate they're excited about and not being able to get in touch with them.
Just for the record, Mom is an HR executive with 30 years of experience in the field and is a highly paid independent consultant on HR matters. You can usually trust what she says on these things.
posted
*mopes* It's three days - I haven't heard anything. Also, no one has visited my portfolio. Do you think they didn't bother to click, or else they haven't gotten to the e-mail yet?
Posts: 26077 | Registered: Mar 2000
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posted
I had given up hope. I heard nothing for two weeks, moped for two weeks more, and then rallyed and applied to a bunch of other places.
Which is of course the day they called me. I got the message when I got home. I've been through two phone interviews, and ten minutes into the second phone interview, they said they wanted to see me in person. Yay!
Except I had to buy a plane ticket (they are a non-profit). But I was going to go to D.C. anyway in late March, so that's okay. I have an interview next Monday, and I'm meeting a whole slew of people. That's promising, right? These are busy people - they must be serious if they are scheduling me in.
I have gotten very little feedback from them, so I don't know what they think, except that they continue to meet with me. It's like being courted by a strong, silent man who is stoic the entire date and then proposes opera for next week on the front steps before abruptly walking away.
Posts: 26077 | Registered: Mar 2000
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posted
OOh, this does sound promising. I'll keep my stitches crossed for you (since it's awfully hard to cross stitch or type with fingers crossed... LOL)
Posts: 4515 | Registered: Jul 2004
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posted
*sad* I don't have an interview. The department liked me, sent their three strongest candidates to the other departments, and they culled the list down to two. I got cut. This is depressing. I'm considering convincing Matt to run away with me to Prague.
Posts: 26077 | Registered: Mar 2000
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posted
((((Katie))) yeah I know that's not very comforting, but I'm still sad. I'm sure Matt would run away with you, but you have to keep the internet!
Posts: 5362 | Registered: Apr 2004
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posted
There's internet in Prague. It could totally work! Hostels are like five dollars a night, and I could a get job somewhere because I speak English. Matt did offer to elope if that would make me feel better. *grin*
I want someone else to get my job for me. I don't mind working, but the job-hunting process completely blows. There are so many rejections, and they are all personal. It's me. They didn't want me. I screwed up somewhere - they didn't like my samples. Oh my stars. Posts: 26077 | Registered: Mar 2000
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posted
I didn't know that, Scott. That's what I am right now - a documentation specialist. I really like it, and I'm looking for the same kind of thing in D.C.
I am not eliminating anyone right now. I would prefer something I could take the metro to. I have a resume and portfolio of samples online. I think I'm a strong candidate - I did make it that far with the Brookings Institute, which is something. I would love it if you have any ideas. *perking up*
posted
Well, I don't know about the Metro thing, and the traffic in DC is a big consideration...
From what it sounds like, you're way ahead of me in the Technical Writing/Documentation Specialist game...
If you're willing to write and edit manuals all day, you can find pretty good work in any one of the government contractors-- here's a link to SAIC's Technical Editor job. I dunno-- you might get bored...
But if it sounds up your alley, you go girl. You may also want to check out Northrop-Grummond and Lockheed Martin.
I mention this with caution-- you seem a very creative type, and I'm afraid that this work might not fit you. But, you know you better than I know you, so good luck.
Posts: 14554 | Registered: Dec 1999
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Bummer not to get an interview, but getting as far as you did with them seems like a real testament to you.
Posts: 1784 | Registered: Jun 2001
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posted
Scott, thank you. I just applied to that job, so we'll see what they say.
Kasie, I think it's worse this way. I'm impressive, but I'm sort of solidly A-. That last little bit takes SO much effort, and at heart I just don't do it. That last little bit is why they rejected me. It's my fault. I screwed up. I'm not what they were looking for. It doesn't matter that I was close.
I feel like Harriet Miers. Technically up for contention, but it never seemed real.
Although sometimes I feel like Kiera Knightly - it was an honor simply to be nominated.
Posts: 26077 | Registered: Mar 2000
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posted
Katie- If you're interested, my dad works with a lot of government contractors. I can ask him if he knows of any that are looking for someone with your skills. I don't know if that's something you'd want to do, though.
Posts: 4655 | Registered: Jan 2002
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posted
blackwolve, if he knows of anything, that would be great. I'm not eliminating anything. I'll put the link to my resume/portfolio on live journal, just in case that would be helpful.
I am creative, but my job right now is mostly technical, and I have other outlets for the creativity. I don't mind working in an entirely technical environment.
Posts: 26077 | Registered: Mar 2000
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quote:That last little bit is why they rejected me. It's my fault. I screwed up. I'm not what they were looking for. It doesn't matter that I was close.
I don't know why I thought of this-- but
quote: From 'The Lone Striker' by Robert Frost
... The factory was very fine; He wished it all the modern speed. Yet, after all, 'twas not divine, That is to say, 'twas not a church, He never would assume that he'd Be any instutuion's need, But he said then and still would say, If there shouild ever come a day When industry seemed like to die Because he lieft it in the lurch, Or even merely seemed to pine For want of his approval, why, Come get him-they know where to search.
Kasie's right, though, getting that far in Brookings is impressive. I know it's hard not to be discouraged, but you've got a great shot at finding a good job in D.C.
Posts: 26071 | Registered: Oct 2003
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posted
Sorry to hear it went poorly. I am also moving to DC soon and looking for a job. It is depressing. I don't even know exactly what I want to do either so that makes it even worse. Best of luck with the next one.
Posts: 416 | Registered: May 2005
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posted
Thank you, everyone. Scott - that's a great poem. Is that one of yours?
Banna: The plane ticket is a whole other story. I can't think about that right now.
I have recovered from moping and am applying all over again. Government jobs are a huge pain to apply for - holy moley. There are some promising possibilities though. All I'm waiting on now is for me to apply for them.
Posts: 26077 | Registered: Mar 2000
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