No. 239 - A "COVER LETTER" FOR A FRIEND

No. 239

Jim Davidson...NEWSPAPER COLUMN

A COVER LETTER FOR A FRIEND

A couple of weeks ago a friend came by to see me and told me that he was thinking seriously about changing jobs. He had a resume prepared but he asked me if I would be willing to write a Cover Letter for him. He knew what he wanted to say but he just couldnt come up with the wording that would get it across in the right way. I said, Because you are my friend I will be happy to do what I can. After preparing it, both he and his wife seemed to be so pleased that it caused me to do a little thinking.

There are millions of people across this land, and many who read this column, who are in the process of changing jobs. In fact, since doing this, I have discovered another friend who is also looking for a job. In many cases a good Cover Letter could be very helpful. A Cover letter is just an introduction that more or less sets the stage for a potential employer or his or her agent to consider the resume to see if it meets the criteria for an interview. It is with these thoughts in mind that I wanted to share the Cover Letter that I have written for my friend. If you or someone you know is looking for a job, this may be helpful.

Before sharing it, let me point out that it was written for a man who is looking for employment in the private sector, which is to say in business and industry where the primary motivation is to earn a profit. Parts of it will be applicable to an individual seeking employment in the public sector or some job that is funded by taxpayers. In any case, you will probably have to modify it to fit your needs but I believe you will agree that this Cover Letter contains most of the qualities an employer would be looking for in an employee.

Head it up with your name, address, e-mail, phone number, and the words Cover Letter centered at the top in larger type. Here it is: Any successful business executive knows that his or her most valuable asset is the employees who work for the company. In good times and bad, the fortunes of the company will rise or fall based on the dedication, training and effectiveness of the people who produce and sell its goods and services. A motivated, well trained work force will literally mean the difference between success or failure.

It is with this knowledge and view in mind that I am seeking employment with an organization where I can contribute to the profit picture and have an opportunity to advance both in responsibility and compensation with the passing of time. My years of experience in various areas of the economy have been very rewarding as I have learned many valuable lessons.

One of these lessons is that my education, interest, training and work experience in the field of (whatever) is where I can be of the greatest value for an employer. I also have the personal qualities necessary to make a real contribution to a companys overall success.

Here are some of my attributes: honest, dependable, hard worker, conscientious, can adapt to change, follow instructions and work well with other people. If you are looking for a solid employee who will be there on time, give you an honest days work, treat your customers and employees with dignity and respect and who will add to your profitability, I would welcome an interview and the opportunity to get to know you. I would like to leave you with this thought; whether you are looking for your first job, or if you are a seasoned veteran, just remember the key to success is to promise a lot but deliver even more. (EDITOR'S NOTE: Jim Davidson is a motivational speaker and syndicated columnist. You may contact him at 2 Bentley Drive, Conway, AR 72034.)