By J. Bowen
When using a job board, such as CycleCareers.com to find your next job, your initial introduction to a prospective employer may be through email. You want to make sure that you put your best foot forward, so here are a few tips to help you land that interview through email.
1. Remember your grammar and punctuation, this isn’t Instant Messenger
An email to a prospective employer is your cover letter, except in email format. Don’t be too casual in the tone of the email or the grammar. When you are chatting with your friends on Instant Messenger or in Forums ignoring grammar, punctuation and capitalization is ok, but not when applying for a job. Remember what you learned in English class and use spell check.
2. Keep it plain.
Your email stationary with the picture of your bike in the background just isn’t going to cut it. Make sure that your email reflects your level of professionalism. Most employers prefer a standard Arial or Times New Roman font in black on a white background. Use your experience to stand out, not your background or font.
3. Customize your cover letter to the job.
Make sure that your email cover letter shows you understand the position you are applying for. Let the employer know you put some thought into it, don’t just copy and paste the same text for every email you send. Use pieces of the job description that match your skills to convey why you feel you would be a good fit for the position.
4. Keep It Simple Stupid. (Kiss Principle)
Get to the point. Employers don’t have time to read your autobiography. They are looking for key things such as the titles of the positions you've held, the companies you've worked for, your educational background and how it applies to their position. Anything else can get in the way.
5. Write a BRIEF note if you have attached a formal cover letter.
It’s really up to you whether you use the email as your cover letter or attach a formal cover letter. If you do attach a separate one, make sure that you write a brief note in the email letting the employer know that you want to work for them and directing them to please read the attached cover letter and resume.
