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bms2535
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Joined: 01 Jun 2009
Posts: 1
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 Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2009 7:25 pm Post subject: Cover Letters - Passive or Proactive Conclusion? |
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Hey guys, I got a quick question concerning the final paragraph(s) of cover letters. For both you job seekers and people with jobs, which has worked better for you, a passive conclusion or a proactive conclusion? And if we have any HR people looking at this, how do these cover letter endings make you react? The following is a typical, passive conclusion to the cover letters I have sent out during the past 5 months.
“I would be absolutely delighted to discuss joining Xxxxx’s team. Please feel free to reach me at any time, via email at xxx@xxxx.com or by cell phone at (XXX) XXX-XXXX.”
“Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.”
However, in trying to be more proactive, I recently sent out a couple letters which I ended in a manner similar to this, both of which I plan to follow up on for tomorrow:
“The combination of my computer skills, my education, as well as my lifelong enthusiasm for and interest in the built environment make me an excellent fit for this position. As I am already living in the area, I will call early next week to arrange a time at which we can further discuss my candidacy for this position. If you need any further information from me before then, feel free to contact me via email at xxx@xxxx.com, or by telephone at (XXX) XXX-XXXX.”
“Thank you very much for your time and consideration.”
Also, could any of you give me advice on what to say as my calls to each agency are picked up? Should I just keep tying stuff on my resume to the job description, or should I immediately talk about setting up the interview? And what if my calls go to voicemail?
Finally, I recently noticed that one of the two agencies I had applied at took down the job ad on their own site plus multiple other sites. Should I still follow up tomorrow? Any help would be greatly appreciated. |
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cv
Site Admin
Joined: 30 Apr 2005
Posts: 435
Career Advice: +7/-0
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| Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2009 1:15 am Post subject: Re: Cover Letters - Passive or Proactive Conclusion? |
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bms 2535
Comments in italics. This is a mixed response, and there are various views from the HR industry, some of whom swear by proactive, others say passive. I think it's really a matter of content, and getting across a positive series of points.
| bms2535 wrote: | Hey guys, I got a quick question concerning the final paragraph(s) of cover letters. For both you job seekers and people with jobs, which has worked better for you, a passive conclusion or a proactive conclusion? And if we have any HR people looking at this, how do these cover letter endings make you react? The following is a typical, passive conclusion to the cover letters I have sent out during the past 5 months.
“I would be absolutely delighted to discuss joining Xxxxx’s team. Please feel free to reach me at any time, via email at xxx@xxxx.com or by cell phone at (XXX) XXX-XXXX.”
“Thank you for your consideration, and I look forward to hearing from you soon.”
This is a definite plus, as a signoff, and it has the added advantage of clearly not being part of the additional material in the covering letter. The "degree of separation" effect is quite important, because you've just taken the reader through a series of extra points.
However, in trying to be more proactive, I recently sent out a couple letters which I ended in a manner similar to this, both of which I plan to follow up on for tomorrow:
“The combination of my computer skills, my education, as well as my lifelong enthusiasm for and interest in the built environment make me an excellent fit for this position. As I am already living in the area, I will call early next week to arrange a time at which we can further discuss my candidacy for this position. If you need any further information from me before then, feel free to contact me via email at xxx@xxxx.com, or by telephone at (XXX) XXX-XXXX.”
“Thank you very much for your time and consideration.”
This is actually part of the letter. As you can see, there's less wind down from the content part of the text. Suggest you separate the last sentence of the paragraph, because it's specific information, not within the context of the other material.
Also, could any of you give me advice on what to say as my calls to each agency are picked up? Should I just keep tying stuff on my resume to the job description, or should I immediately talk about setting up the interview? And what if my calls go to voicemail?
You have to stick to job criteria, at all stages, during this process. Much of this stage of any job app simply runs on rails, a single stream approach. A lot of applications are electronically scanned, and there's a keyword factor to be considered, even when talking to people, because they work on checklists generated by the application.
When setting things up, be a bit restrained, and find out where the other side is coming from, a counter punching approach, rather than all out. Voice mail is unavoidable, and a certain percentage will wind up there. It's not much of an issue, as long as you respond credibly and in good time.
Finally, I recently noticed that one of the two agencies I had applied at took down the job ad on their own site plus multiple other sites. Should I still follow up tomorrow? Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Yes. Follow this up ASAP, find out what's going on. It'll save time later, and you can assess any situations a lot quicker, not leaving a trail to clean up afterwards. |
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wroxtar
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Joined: 30 Jul 2009
Posts: 8
Career Advice: +0/-0
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| Posted: Fri Jul 31, 2009 10:53 pm Post subject: |
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When a company removes a job posting, it usually indicates that the company has filled the position OR that the company has stopped taking new resumes for consideration (such as during a resume review session). You may want to follow up given the second possibility.
In regards to your original question, using an active versus a passive closing paragraph is a personal choice. We generally recommend using an active voice because it shows that you are organized and can take the initiative. However, if you feel that it is pushy, opt for a passive final paragraph.
Stay confident and good luck! |
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Guest
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| Posted: Sat Aug 29, 2009 12:18 pm Post subject: |
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| You absolutely want to be proactive in your cover letter. You also want to make that follow up call no matter what. Even of the posting has been taken down. It doesn't absolutely mean the position is filled. |
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