The Basics of a Cover Letter (pages 306-333)

Format
The Parts of a Letter
-Return address
-Date
-Inside address
-Salutation
-Length
-Enclosure
Paper Size
Paper Color and Quality
Typing and Printing
Envelope

Content
Personalize each letter
Mapping it out
-First paragraph
-Second paragraph
-Third paragraph
-Fourth paragraph
-Complimentary close

Tips for successful cover letters
What writing style is appropriate?
Tone: Reserved confidence is always in style
Emphasize concrete examples
Use powerful language
Avoid catchphrases
Mention personal preferences
Proof with care

Cover letter blunders to avoid
Unrelated career goals
Comparisons and cliches
Wasted space
Form letters
Inappropriate stationery
"Amusing" anecdotes
Erroneous company information
Desperation
Personal photos
Confessed shortcomings
Misrepresentation
Demanding statements
Missing resume
Personal information
Choice of pronouns
Tone trouble
Gimmicks
Typographical errors
Messy corrections
Omitted signature

Cover letters for special situations

Response to a "blind" advertisement

Cold letters

Broadcast letters

Letter to an employment agency

Letter to an executive search firm

Networking letters

Thanks you letters

Margaret Riley Dikel and Frances E. Roehm: You Resume on the Internet

The myth about the internet resume

Rules for responding online

E-resumes are not just for e-mail

Preparing a perfect plain-text resume
-ten steps

Where, oh, where should that resume go?
Protect yourself online
Before you post, something to think about

Resume blasters: the wave of the future or a new for of spam?

Help resumes and cover letters

Online guides and guidance
Online writing lab (OWL), Purdue University- http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl
The Damn Good Resume- damngood.com
The Resume Place- resume-place.com
Susan Ireland- susanireland.com