Seal the Deal: How to Go from Cover Letter to IT Interview
Posted May 10th, 2013
A great cover letter can convince a reader to see your resume. A great closing paragraph in that letter can convince the reader to see you. After you’ve impressed them with your skills and experience, it’s important to finish strong, with a solid call to action. Here’s what a good final paragraph should include:
- Next Steps. Usually this is a request for an interview, though you can also invite the reader to view your professional website or online portfolio. When requesting an interview, be sure to let the reader know the best way to reach you, and if you are from out of town, any dates that you will be in their city.
- Follow-Up. Don’t settle for “hoping to hear from” someone. Be confident, take charge, and let them know when and how you will be contacting them for a follow-up. Take care, though, not to cross the line from positive to pushy.
- The Right Close. There are several acceptable valedictions (closing salutations). You can’t go wrong with the standard “Sincerely”, but other acceptable options include “Respectfully yours” “Regards/Best regards” and a simple “Thank you”. Don’t forget to personally sign the letter – if it is an electronic submission, use a digital signature.
Of course, the best close in the world isn’t going to help if the recipient never gets that far. Here are five mistakes that will stop readers in their tracks:
- Too Few Words. A cover letter that doesn’t say anything is just as deadly as one that rambles on and on. Shoot for between 200-250 words, and make every one count.
- Perceived Arrogance. Avoid using words like “superior”, “expert” or the dreaded “rock star”. There’s a fine line between positive self-promotion and bragging – don’t cross it.
- Badmouthing Anyone. A cover letter (or interview, for that matter) is no place for negativity. Even if your former boss, coworker or company was truly a candidate for a workplace horror reality show, this is not the time or place to talk about it.
- Getting Personal. It’s a cover letter, not a posting on Match.com. Save discussion of your favorite hobbies, sports teams and adventures for an interview – if you’re asked about it.
- Poor Writing. If you’re not the best writer, or English is your second language, enlist a qualified friend or get professional help. Awkward phrasing and poor word choices can be just as bad as typos, especially if the job will require any writing.
If you’re unhappy with your cover letter to interview ratio, Bayside Solutions can help. We are in constant contact with exceptional IT employers from all over the Bay Area who rely on us to find them top technology talent. If you’ve got the skills, we’d love to introduce you to them – so contact us today!
