Chapter 3

Phrases to Use When Contacting Targeted Employers

THESE PROACTIVE COVER LETTERS ARE SELF-INITIATED, meaning you're not sending them in response to a specific job listing. While review of web-based information or printed materials may spark interest, nothing has fueled the flames of reactive efforts. In this section, sample phrases are divided between two types of cover letters:

1. Cold contact letters. When making cold contact in the form of a cover letter, you are not responding to a posting or contacting someone at the advice of others. These cover letters can be effective. The more focused they are, and the more you reveal knowledge of the job and employer, the better. In these cover letters, company-specific information must be changed letter to letter.

2. Broadcast letters. These are distributed to many employers, and they are less focused. Their format may appear similar to other letters, and it is most important to have the company name appear prominently early. While less company-specific information is contained, you must still show readers that you know the organization's name and the nature of the business. Broadcast letters can be good first efforts and momentum builders if you maintain appropriate expectations and follow up effectively.

When broadcasting your availability, share with readers potential titles and functional areas of interest. They must be dynamic Here I am, here is what I do best, and let's talk about how I can succeed letters.

Cold Contact Letters: Phrases for Introductory Paragraphs

When you contact a potential employer without responding to a specific job posting, it's important to begin your cover letter by clearly stating your intentions. The phrases that follow contain examples of how individuals have expressed their interest in working for the companies they've contacted. Notice how many examples show that the candidates possess some knowledge of each company's present or future business plans.

illustration Administrative Assistant

Upon review of Any Corporation's website, I am motivated to share my availability for an Administrative Assistant position. While no specific opportunities were posted, I want to express my strong desire to meet with you to share motivations and qualifications and to seek consideration for current or anticipated openings.

illustration Admissions Counselor

Now, through this letter, I seek consideration for a position within your office.

illustration Advertising Sales Associate

Given past sales achievements and a desire for a future career in advertising, I would like to explore opportunities at Any Station.

illustration Associate Editor

Ideally, you will find my background strong enough to warrant consideration for an editorial post at Any Publishing. Specifically, I am seeking a position as an Associate Editor, Project Editor, or equivalent in new book or journal development.

illustration Audiovisual Specialist

To initiate consideration for audiovisual opportunities with your company, attached is a resume for your review.

illustration Chef

As Any Hotel completes its renovations and will soon expand wedding-planning efforts, I seek to join your team and, as your mission statement cites, “blend customer service and culinary excellence with profitability.”.

illustration Computer Software Designer

I do hope Any Corporation is now recruiting or will do so in the near future. I understand you and your colleagues are now working on major government contracts for specialized applications, next generations of your popular and profitable Any Software programs, and numerous research and development projects.

illustration Editorial Assistant

I would like to interview for an assistant position or an internship in the editorial department at Any Magazine. It would be wonderful if I could utilize existing skills and knowledge within the context of my goal to work for a music- and lifestyle-related publication.

illustration Elementary School Teacher

It is with great enthusiasm for, and commitment to, elementary education that I inquire about teaching positions at Any Private School.

illustration Financial Analyst

Now, as I seek to relocate to the St. Louis area, it is with great excitement that I wish to discuss my potential to contribute to the finance area of Any Corporation.

illustration Marketing Director

It would be with continued professional pride, ambition, and goal-direction that I would serve as a Marketing Director, Brand Manager, or related title at Any Corporation. Please grant me the opportunity to discuss my hopes for the future, as well as your goals for your organization during an interview.

illustration Mutual Funds Broker

Described with pride and in detail on the enclosed resume, I have over a decade of experience within the financial services area. Now, as I look ahead to future challenges and, of course, rewards, I seek to focus on a specialized area of expertise — mutual funds. Therefore, it is with great confidence gained from a history of success and the enthusiasm of seeking new opportunities that I seek consideration for a brokerage position at Any Brokers.

illustration School and Community Counseling

In anticipation of relocation to Dallas, I have researched a number of facilities and become particularly intrigued by Any Center's offerings. Therefore, I would welcome consideration for a full-time counseling position.

Phrases for Motivational and Qualification Paragraphs

In these sample phrases, the candidates describe their interests, experiences, skills, and accomplishments as they relate to the companies' businesses. You might feel a little awkward talking yourself up, but remember — you've reached out cold to a company that doesn't know anything about you. You need to make yourself stand out.

illustration Administrative Assistant

Most recently, I worked as a receptionist with Other Consulting, where I gained exposure to all facets of administrative support, specifically for a firm like Any Corporation that markets and provides state-of-the art information technology services. I am well aware of Any Corporation's commitment to “excellence in specialized customer service,” as stated in your mission statement.

illustration Advertising Sales Associate

I believe the ratings and demographics of the station could be effectively marketed to both large and small local, regional, and national businesses, focusing on youth and male target audiences. The newly acquired WWE programming should be an Advertising Sales Associate's greatest asset.

illustration Computer Software Designer

I am confident I can be a successful Computer Software Designer at Any Corporation. I have considerable experience with DBMS packages, like Oracle, Ingres, DB2, FoxPro, and OS/2 Data Manager.

Competencies include Unix, C, SAS, Pascal, and a variety of other programming languages, including (but not limited to) SUNOS, DOS, and VAX operating systems. I have used, taught, and provided user support for graphics, spreadsheet, database, desktop publishing, word processing, and telecommunication applications.

illustration Elementary School Teacher

As you prepare to dedicate the new Blake Entertainment Center I am confident that you and your Any School colleagues, parents, and students anticipate expanded music instruction, choral, and performance offerings. I would like to discuss how my background could address these special goals, as well as those associated with traditional classroom instruction.

illustration Financial Analyst

Any Corporation's growth over the past years, including expansion to Canadian and Mexican markets and the aggressive acquisition of smaller competitors, requires strong financial oversight and flow of information to key decision makers. I am confident in my ability to set up and manage financial analysis and credit leveraging systems, procedures and controls, and employee-training programs that will address Any Corporation's expanding needs.

illustration Fundraiser

Fulfilling Any Organization's mission “to enhance the potential for young men and women to maximize educational and career opportunity” would be a personal and professional passion.

illustration Management Consulting Analyst

Ideally, I will contribute to the following practice areas: financial analysis, management strategies, and business development. Detailed in the attached resume, I detail my fine-tuned research, analysis, and writing capabilities.

illustration Marketing Director

Qualifications for a related position with Any Corporation, a manufacturer and marketer of optical scanning and mapping devices, are all cited on my resume, along with details of all achievements.

illustration Public Relations Assistant

Media relationships were developed as I selected and placed models for television commercials. I have the skills to coordinate creative programs and innovative functions involving clients and the general public, and, clearly, I feel confident I could successfully apply my experience to a position in your firm.

illustration School and Community Counselor

I have counseled clients ranging in ages from four to twenty-four and specifically addressed ADHD, ODD, and learning disabilities within a team context, including teachers, parents, outside professionals, and the student in planning and implementation. So, it would be an ideal next professional step to work at Any Center with adolescents dealing with many of the issues cited and using a rational emotive and behavioral approach to treatment.

illustration Television Production Assistant

Last summer, and most relevant to my request to interview for a PA position, I worked as an intern for KBZT-TV's “Island Beat.” In this capacity I had the opportunity to co-produce a local talk show, which required that I pre-interview and schedule guests, handle financial and transportation details, and research show topics. I also networked resource organizations to locate potential guests and panel members. I wish to bring all the talents, ambition, and commitment I nurtured as an intern and a student to Any Station. While most interested in PA opportunities, I would welcome consideration for an internship as well.

In some cases, it will be appropriate to describe your accomplishments using a list. The following lists show what the candidates hope to accomplish, what type of work interests them, and what type of work they are qualified to perform. The lists are short in length, and each bullet point is concisely written.

illustration Admissions Counselor

I would like to become associated with Any University and educate potential applicants, parents, and guidance counselors regarding:

illustration Audiovisual Specialist

It would be with great focus and confidence that I would like to assist Any Corporation with:

illustration Mutual Funds Broker

Highlighting all I wish to discuss during an interview, my qualifications include:

Phrases for Closing Paragraphs

In this section of your cover letter, your goal is to secure an interview by making yourself appear available and interested. You're reinforcing everything you said in your first and second paragraphs. Naturally, you'll close by thanking your contact for his or her consideration and review.

illustration Admissions Counselor

I will call your office to confirm receipt of this e-mail (originals to follow in the mail) and, I hope, to arrange either a formal employment interview or informal discussion regarding anticipated opportunities.

illustration Advertising Sales Associate

I want to discuss your reactions to this letter and accompanying resume and assess your thoughts regarding adding a new sales professional to your team.

illustration Associate Editor

I will be relocating to the New York area later this summer, so I will be available to begin employment anytime thereafter. I will be in New York next week. Could we meet then?

illustration Audiovisual Specialist

The nature of your manufacturing and marketing of consumer products, specifically all promotions, sales, and marketing efforts, requires a variety of audiovisual needs. I look forward to speaking with you about how I can creatively and enthusiastically address those needs.

illustration Chef

Perhaps we could begin discussions of potential opportunities by phone. I will call to confirm receipt of this letter and to discuss next steps.

illustration Computer Software Designer

Please, let's talk soon about current or future opportunities at Any Corporation. I look forward to hearing from you and meeting you.

illustration Editorial Assistant

I will call to confirm receipt of my resume and, at your convenience, to arrange an initial phone interview and in-person meeting. Chicago is home, so I am actively exploring opportunities in the area, and I will be visiting for interviews regularly.

illustration Elementary School Teacher

Please, let's meet to discuss your assessment of my potential to be a strong member of Any School's instructional team.

illustration Financial Analyst

I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss your visions for the finance area of Any Corporation and how I might contribute as an analyst.

illustration Investment Banking Analyst

I would welcome the chance to discuss my qualifications for an Analyst position when you visit campus. If it would be more convenient for me to visit New York City, I would be happy to do so.

illustration Librarian

Could we arrange an interview to discuss how I may best contribute to the staff of Any Library? I will call to confirm receipt of this e-mail and arrange a meeting when we can discuss any current or anticipated openings for a librarian.

illustration Mutual Funds Broker

Please, let's talk about my potential to succeed at Any Brokers, about my desires to either expand your business on the island, and, if more appropriate, about my willingness to relocate to Southern California.

illustration Public Relations Assistant

Please allow me the opportunity to directly share motivations as well as qualifications via an interview. I will be in Los Angeles at the end of the month and wonder if it would be possible to arrange for an interview?

illustration School and Community Counseling

I hope we can meet to discuss anticipated openings and how my background might match Any Center's needs.

Broadcast Letters

Phrases for Introductory Paragraphs

You're writing a broadcast letter, which means you're probably sending it out to quite a few companies. You'll want to create a descriptive statement about your experience that you can use in most of your letters. For that reason, it should be general enough that it can apply to almost any cover letter you send out, and it should be specific in a way that catches the recipient's eye.

illustration Administrative Assistant

Are you currently in need of an Administrative Assistant with over a decade of experience and a commitment to supporting the needs of patients and supervisors, and working effectively with peers? If yes, please review the attached resume and consider my candidacy for a position with Any Company.

illustration Admissions and Enrollment Management

I trust the enclosed resume, specifically the Admissions Achievements section, highlights my capabilities for an Admissions and Enrollment Management position. Within professional capacities I have held titles of Senior Assistant Director and Director of International Recruitment, as well as Assistant Director and Counselor.

illustration Chiropractor

I am a certified chiropractor currently exploring affiliations with established practices. Cited on the attached resume, I have worked in the Chicago area for over twenty years and, as a result, my reputation for quality care is well known.

illustration Credit Manager

I am seeking a position as Credit Manager, to which I bring many years of successful credit management experience.

illustration Freight Supervisor

During the past thirteen years, I have been actively involved in positions as field manager of container operations and night operations supervisor of freight stations and service centers, dealing with domestic and international freight deliveries.

illustration Senior Vice President (Banking)

As you know, because of our regular interactions as members of the Missouri Bankers Association, I am currently a Senior Vice President at Central St. Louis Bank. The recent acquisition of CSB necessitates my communicating with other financial institutions, actively seeking consideration for a SVP position.

Phrases for Motivational and Qualification Paragraphs

This is where you need to expand on your brief descriptive statement that you used in the intro paragraph. You've hooked your reader, now tell them why you're right for the job.

illustration Administrative Assistant

Detailed on the attached resume, I have worked in a hospital setting where I learned all critical terminology, how to address specialized billing and support issues, and what is required to support the needs of physicians, nurses, and healthcare practitioners. I now am actively seeking the opportunity to return to a challenging and rewarding medical setting.

illustration Admissions and Enrollment Management

With the assistance of colleagues, I doubled the number of international candidates completing applications and interviews and those receiving offers to enroll at Seton Hall University. In-depth knowledge of admissions and enrollment strategies and processes and appreciation for how academic, athletic, co-curricular, and residential communities can be marketed make me an enthusiastic and qualified candidate for a position at Any School.

illustration Chiropractor

Currently, I work as a chiropractic therapist with the Chicago Chiropractic Center, a position I have held for the past fifteen years. In this capacity I provide spinal manipulation and handle necessary musculoskeletal needs of sports injury patients, alleviate pain in elderly and work-related patients, and assist the industrial-accident-injured in regaining strength and stamina.

I, like you and your Any Practice colleagues, am an active member of the American Chiropractic Association, Illinois Chiropractic Society, Chicago Chiropractic Society, and Sports Injury Council of the American Chiropractic Association.

illustration Credit Manager

During the past ten years, as credit manager with a $20 million manufacturing and distribution firm, I have successfully set up and enforced credit controls, resulting in reducing DSO from sixty days to thirty-three. I am continually involved in training personnel in credit and collection policies and procedures, troubleshooting and resolving sales and customer disputes, and making credit and collection decisions to reduce bad debt risk and increase cash flow.

Based on my past contributions to the credit profession, I received recognition, through NACM New England, as Credit Executive of the Year in 2010 and was elected the president of the same professional credit association for the 2009–2010 term.

illustration Freight Supervisor

In addition to supervising day-to-day operations, my experience encompasses hiring, training, and supervising drivers and office and support personnel, and providing cost-effective, quality service within a multiple-service network. I have sound knowledge of computer systems for freight movement management and I am skilled in both troubleshooting and resolving problems relative to the movement of materials and the people to make these activities possible.

illustration Marketing/Sales Executive

During an interview I will share how past successes below required skills that will lead to future achievements with Any Corporation. Sales and marketing accomplishments to date include:

illustration Optics Researcher

Noted on the attached resume, I will be graduating in December from the University of Rochester. I have experience working as a researcher and as an optical engineer. Specifically, through experiences at Sine Patterns, I developed qualifications applicable to Any Corporation, including:

Phrases for Closing Paragraphs

Keep it simple. The key phrases used in closing paragraphs don't vary much among different types of cover letters. In the case of a broadcast letter, you're requesting to hear from the company based on whether they have a position available that your expertise could serve.

illustration Admissions and Enrollment Management

I will inquire soon to confirm receipt of this letter, to learn if you are currently expanding your operation, and to identify appropriate next steps.

illustration Chiropractor

I look forward to hearing from you if my qualifications are of interest.

illustration Credit Manager

I look forward to hearing from you if you have a suitable position available, or if you have any referrals.

illustration Freight Supervisor

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss whether Any Corporation has a need for someone with my background and whether you would be willing to consider me for immediate or future employment.

illustration Marketing/Sales Executive

I am well qualified to direct areas that are key to achieving your sales and profit objectives. If you have such a position open, I look forward to hearing from you.

illustration Optics Researcher

Because I will be available to start immediately after receipt of my degree, around January 1, I would certainly appreciate the opportunity to speak with you soon regarding your anticipated hiring needs.

illustration Senior Vice President (Banking)

Although my present position is challenging, and I have a record of success within these capacities, my future is with another organization, like Any Bank. Ideally, my next position will addresses both national and international banking markets and I will be called upon to continue an accomplishment-filled career as a leader, motivator, and achiever. Let's discuss your reactions to my request for consideration.