Cover Letter Rules?
My goal is to narrow in closer to landing an opportunity to interview by being more proactive and setting up more contact expectations with management on my cover letter. Should I add a timeline on my cover letter when I will call the HR department to follow up on my resume after I apply?
Hi Irene,
Yes you can. You can state that you will contact then for example within a week of the date of the letter, and then actually contact them within this time frame. It shows you mean business, and it shows initiative.
Hey Irene, This is a great question, alot of people don't know this. I've use a timeline before, just don't over do it. that's the key. So YES use it !
Cover letters are a great way to tell about yourself.
This is only my opinion, but I don't think I would put down a timeline in which to respond. Jobs are hard enough without putting pressure on a recruiter or hiring manager. Simply state that you will be anxiously waiting for their reply, (something of that nature) & follow up every 3-5 business days, to remind them that you are serious.
Best wishes
NO!
Not only should you give a timeline to follow up (two weeks, perhaps?), you should get the name of the individual doing the hiring with regard to the position you want. Target your cover letter and resume to that individual and follow up with that person as well.
I can see arguments for and against. I would just write that I will call in a few days to follow up. I guess it also depends on the position you're going for. Say, if it was Sales where you may need to be assertive, it may be a good idea.
Your cover letter should have your personality on it, and if you are trying to be proactive, the timeline is a great way to assert yourself according to your needs!
Make sure you stress the skills that are documented and referenced in your resume. they like things to match up.
YOU GOT THIS!!!! Good luck!
It certainly wouldn't hurt, but if you put a date on it, be sure to follow through. Best wishes and good luck.
I've been told by numerous people including recruitment, do not use cover letters because they don't get you anywhere.
Hi Irene: Okay, first of all, a cover letter normally accompanies your resume when you submit your application/resume for consideration. The cover letter should be short and sweet AND should cover (1) what's not in your resume (e.g. reasons for applying, your goals and philosophies match the company's, explanation of gaps (e.g. between 2012-2015 I didn't work because I was a full time student.), etc. In some cases, the company will indicate what it would like in the cover letter (e.g. reason for applying, summary of experience, etc.). (2) The cover letter should not exceed 1 page. Of what you're describing in your inquiry, you seem to be talking more about a follow-up letter rather than a cover letter. In a follow-up letter after a communication with HR I would: (1) Thank the person for taking the time to talk to you on X date. (2) Summarize in general the conversation. (3) End on a positive note on the dismount something like "Thank you, again, for your consideration of my application. I look forward to hearing from you within (insert time period HR tells you they will get back to you.). If you need additional information, please feel free to call me @ (insert phone or cell number). Best Regards, X". You really don't need to include a timeline in the follow up letter. Hope this helps!