For a florist job specifically, I think business skills (for handling cash, promoting the shop etc) would be useful to mention, as well as people skills (friendly to customers, knowledgeable, good communication skills). If you saw an ad for the job, see what the employer is asking for, and show that you have those specific skills from previous experience or something. Don’t just re-write your resume in the letter though. Use the letter to answer questions not answered in your resume, or elaborate on something you want the employer to really know well about you (e.g. “I may not have knowledge of flower arrangements, but I am quick to learn new concepts.”)
For free online help try job boards like Monster.com, YahooJobs, Career Builder or other similar sites. Most have a how to write a cover letter advise link.
Writing a killer cover letter spells the big difference when it comes to hunting job real-time or online. If you were the employer and you are to read your own cover letter, ask yourself ” Would I hire me? ”
1. Know your employer and address them by names
2. Make a short introduction about you and your skills – why you are the best candidate for the job and stick to a paragraph.
3. A cover letter is not your autobiography. Keep it to a page. Think of it as your elevator pitch. If you bore the employer in a few seconds, chances are, your resume will be skipped.
Just let your personality shine through and never forget to put a note of gratitude for their time on reading your cover letter. Good luck!
Ok, for your cover letter the first thing you need to do is address the letter to “Sir or Madame” (assuming you don’t know the hiring person’s name).
Then start your letter with an opening paragraph that describes how you heard about the job opening, and why you think you would be an excellent fit for the position. For Example:
“At the suggestion of Jody Sabo, I have attached my résumé for your review. I understand that Huntmore is looking for an exceptional sales person to prospect for new business, and I believe I am just the person you are looking for.”
or
“I am writing in response to the postings on the firm’s website for business/tax associate attorneys. Having recently graduated from law school and been admitted to the State Bar of Utah I am seeking an opportunity to begin my career in the legal profession.”
Then the next paragraph should give a brief overview of your background and how you arrived at where you are today. For Example:
“As a sales and service representative with proven skills and performance, I am confident my qualifications and background will be of interest to you. The enclosed résumé summarizes more than seven years of experience in both face-to-face sales, and behind-the-scenes work to meet customer satisfaction. In each of my positions I have quickly surpassed the expectations of my employers and customers to create a superior level of quality service. Characteristics that have contributed to my
success are:…”
Then a third and final paragraph should thank them for their time, and encourage them to contact you at your convenience.
Overall, this letter should be no more than one page long. You should have a header at the top to match your resume header (so it should have your name in large print, address, phone number, and email address). And MAKE SURE YOU PROOFREAD! After you proofread, give it to a friend or family member for them to proofread! Spelling, coherence, and grammar are all vital in helping you to get the job.
This is a good website for some examples of how a cover letter should look and what you should write about. http://jobsearch.about.com/od/coverlettersamples/a/coverlettsample.htm
For a florist job specifically, I think business skills (for handling cash, promoting the shop etc) would be useful to mention, as well as people skills (friendly to customers, knowledgeable, good communication skills). If you saw an ad for the job, see what the employer is asking for, and show that you have those specific skills from previous experience or something. Don’t just re-write your resume in the letter though. Use the letter to answer questions not answered in your resume, or elaborate on something you want the employer to really know well about you (e.g. “I may not have knowledge of flower arrangements, but I am quick to learn new concepts.”)
Good luck!
For free online help try job boards like Monster.com, YahooJobs, Career Builder or other similar sites. Most have a how to write a cover letter advise link.
Writing a killer cover letter spells the big difference when it comes to hunting job real-time or online. If you were the employer and you are to read your own cover letter, ask yourself ” Would I hire me? ”
1. Know your employer and address them by names
2. Make a short introduction about you and your skills – why you are the best candidate for the job and stick to a paragraph.
3. A cover letter is not your autobiography. Keep it to a page. Think of it as your elevator pitch. If you bore the employer in a few seconds, chances are, your resume will be skipped.
Just let your personality shine through and never forget to put a note of gratitude for their time on reading your cover letter. Good luck!
But I’ll do my best to help you out.
Ok, for your cover letter the first thing you need to do is address the letter to “Sir or Madame” (assuming you don’t know the hiring person’s name).
Then start your letter with an opening paragraph that describes how you heard about the job opening, and why you think you would be an excellent fit for the position. For Example:
“At the suggestion of Jody Sabo, I have attached my résumé for your review. I understand that Huntmore is looking for an exceptional sales person to prospect for new business, and I believe I am just the person you are looking for.”
or
“I am writing in response to the postings on the firm’s website for business/tax associate attorneys. Having recently graduated from law school and been admitted to the State Bar of Utah I am seeking an opportunity to begin my career in the legal profession.”
Then the next paragraph should give a brief overview of your background and how you arrived at where you are today. For Example:
“As a sales and service representative with proven skills and performance, I am confident my qualifications and background will be of interest to you. The enclosed résumé summarizes more than seven years of experience in both face-to-face sales, and behind-the-scenes work to meet customer satisfaction. In each of my positions I have quickly surpassed the expectations of my employers and customers to create a superior level of quality service. Characteristics that have contributed to my
success are:…”
Then a third and final paragraph should thank them for their time, and encourage them to contact you at your convenience.
Overall, this letter should be no more than one page long. You should have a header at the top to match your resume header (so it should have your name in large print, address, phone number, and email address). And MAKE SURE YOU PROOFREAD! After you proofread, give it to a friend or family member for them to proofread! Spelling, coherence, and grammar are all vital in helping you to get the job.
Good luck, and I hope this helps!