Ask the Experts: Cover Letter for Grad With Experience Who Plans to Re-locate
Question:
I graduated from high school, worked for years and then went to college. I will receive my BA in December and plan to re-locate to another state. How should
I write my cover letter?
First Answer:
It’s very hard to advise you without knowing more about your background or seeing your resume. In general, however, your letter should acknowledge
that you are a new graduate — yet you bring more to the table than
the typical new graduate. The content may depend somewhat on the
alignment between the work you did for years out of high school and
the career you prepared yourself for in college. If your past career
and future career are similar, you can certainly draw on your past
experience in your cover letter. Even if they’re not similar, you
can touch on your transferable skills, work ethic, maturity, and general
understanding of the working world — beyond what a typical new grad would
know.
You should also mention your desire to relocate and suggest a way to initiate the interviewing process given the probable geographic
barriers. Perhaps you’re planning an exploratory trip to the new
area during which you can arrange some job interviews. Or perhaps
you’ll suggest a phone interview for starters.
Below is a sample letter that incorporates your issues. For more about cover letters, see: http://www.quintcareers.com/covres.html
Dear [specific name of recipient]:
My solid experience in _____, combined with my background in _____, would enable
me to enhance your success at [name of company]. I plan to relocate to
[name of city/state/region] upon finding the right job “fit” and
am convinced that a firm such as yours could provide a fit that is
productive for both of us.
I will graduate in December from [name of college] with a [name of degree] in [name of major], but I am not a typical new graduate. Before returning
to school, I contributed my _______ skills in a _______ capacity for a
number of years.
All of my previous experience enhanced my formal education and provided considerable practical experience in _______ that would
enable me to make
a real impact as a [name of position] with [name of firm].
As any of my previous employers can affirm, my solid experience, coupled with my maturity and ______ skills, will be an asset to your firm.
I am enthusiastic about a career in _____ and am looking forward to relocating to your area.
I will contact you soon to arrange a phone interview and ultimately a meeting during an upcoming trip to [name of city/state/region].
Thank you for your consideration.
— Katharine Hansen, former speechwriter and college instructor who provides content for the Web site, Quintessential Careers, edits QuintZine, an electronic newsletter for jobseekers, and prepares job-search correspondence as chief writer for Quintessential Resumes and Cover Letters.
Second Answer:
I think one of the most common mistakes people make in writing a cover letter is trying to be too clever, or not proofreading the letter before sending it out. Make sure you spell names correctly, too, as nothing is as big a turnoff to a prospective employer. So be sure that the letter looks professional, doesn’t contain mistakes, and mentions the job you’re applying for and perhaps, where you saw the advertisement for it.
You’ll want to talk about your skills and how they might pertain to the job description. Try to mention why you want the job (other than the obvious). A cover letter is not, however, a substitute for a resume. Pick one or two salient features of your resume that you think will impress an employer who will be considering candidates for this particular job, and mention them specifically in your cover letter. Don’t overdo it. A few paragraphs to a page is sufficient. There are many good books that detail how to write a good cover letter and you should consult one or more if you’re unsure what the proper format is.
— Alison Blackman Dunham, life & career expert, columnist, personal public relations consultant, half of THE ADVICE SISTERS®, and the author of the ASK ALISON career advice column.
Third Answer:
I commend you for you tenacity in pursuing your BA. Congratulations on your successful completion of this phase of your education. Coupling your life
experience with your degree you have an excellent combination of skills to
sell to an employer.
My initial suggestion before writing a resume or a cover letter would be to sit quietly and evaluate the experience, strengths, values and traits that
form your background and person. In other words, get to know yourself, get
to know the “product (you)” you are selling and what it can do for a
prospective “buyer (employer).” Make a list of those things that make up
your skills and work experiences.
Armed with this knowledge, locate and research companies in your relocation area that need the skills and values you have to offer. Focus your
attention on them during your job search.
As to how to write your cover letter, you have to communicate these
critical messages:
- You are a top-flight candidate with exactly the qualifications and experience the hiring company is seeking
- The value and benefits you bring to a prospective employer.
- Your success, accomplishments and track record of performance.
- Your strong written communication skills.
- Your ability to quickly assimilate into their culture. Hit the ground running, make an immediate contribution.
- Your dedication and determination. Here bring in your striving toward your BA using positive terms to emphasis the personal strength you have that
allowed you to begin and achieve this goal after being away from formal
learning environments since high school. - Your leadership and management competencies.
- Your insight into each prospective employer’s needs, expectations and objectives. This is where research into the companies to which you are
applying will payoff.
By including this information you move from saying “Here’s my resume…give me a job.” To saying “here’s my resume…this is why I’m a great
candidate…now, give me a job.”
— Robert C. Resch, Career Center, Triton College.
