E-Notes: The New Cover Letter

Marie Raperto, The Hiring HubAccording to the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) the old-school cover letter has gone by the wayside and been replaced with e-notes.  These are letters that are less formal, more direct and sent via e-mail or through a company website.Learning how to execute e-notes will help to bring your job search into today's worldMost hiring managers no longer have the time to read text heavy cover letters so writing your cover letter in a concise manner is important.Before someone has actually met you, it's very easy to put your cover letter and resume in the trash bin.  So:

1. Make your letter easy to read and concise and don't introduce yourself stating that your resume and cover letter are attached.
2. Use your subject line carefully.  Put the position title for which you are applying or, if not for a specific job, something about your expertise for a position title.  Don't repeat this in the letter.
3. Start your letter with the most important information - what makes you 'the' candidate for this job.  Always remember that someone may be reading your e-note on a tablet or phone.  It should be able to be read without scrolling down.
4. Use short paragraphs and bullet points.
5. End with an e-signature containing your contact information and any important links.
6. Correct spelling and grammar count.  Even though you are writing an e-note, don't use shortcuts and abbreviations.
7. Keep the style simple.  You don't know in what format your e-note will be opened.
8. Develop a format and keep using the same one for all your correspondence - introductions, follow-ups, thank you notes.