From: StudentSent: Thu 8/28/2008 9:21 PMTo: Jane EmployerSubject: RE: Job

See attached documents

If this is how you generally apply to a job posting then you can kiss that job goodbye. No employer has any interest in reading any further. What happened to general email etiquette? Some of you may be thinking, “Well, I attached my resume and my cover letter, so what else is there to put in the email except for ‘see attached documents’?” Did you ever think of writing a brief message that starts with “hello”? Would you want to open an attachment of someone’s resume and cover letter with no official message? I… DON’T… THINK…SO.First impression is everything. This means the very first correspondence is critical; it can make or break your chance to get that job offer. There are a few different ways you can apply online. Generally you will identify a job and within the job description there will be a contact name and email (i.e. Please send all resumes and cover letters to [email protected]). If this is the case, then you want to first create a new email, type in the contact’s name and in the subject line type in the exact title of the job you’re applying for. You want to make this easy for the reader and if you don’t clarify your intentions and specify the job you’re applying for in the subject line they may decide to delete the email. You also don’t want to assume the recipient is the primary reader. The contact person could just be the person designated to collect all the resumes and cover letters, so be as clear as possible. Here is an example of the right way to apply on line in this case:

From: StudentSent: Thu 8/28/2008 9:21 PMTo: Jane EmployerSubject: RE: Assistant Program Coordinator at the Gaston Institute

I am very interested in the Assistant Program Coordinator position I recently saw posted on your website. Please find my resume and cover letter attached for your review. I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Sincerely,Student

This is perfect, but this is not a cover letter and if you think it is then I suggest you make a visit to the Office of Career Services located in the Campus Center, 1st Floor, Suite 1300.