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MYTH 18:

End your letter indicating that you expect to hear from the employer: "I look forward to hearing from you.'"

REALITY:

What do you expect will happen when you close your letter in this manner? Probably nothing. While this is a polite and acceptable way of closing such a letter, it is a rather empty statement of hope--not one of action. Remember, you always want specific actions to result from your written communica­tion. Any type of action--positive or negative--should help you move on to the next stage of your job search with this or other potential employers. This standard closing is likely to result in no action on the part of the employer who is by definition a busy person. It's better to indicate that you will take initiative in contacting the employer in response to your letter and resume. End your letter with an action statement like this one:

I'I1 give you a call Thursday afternoon to answer any questions you may have regarding my interests and qualifications.

Such an action statement, in effect, invites you to a telephone interview--the first step to getting a face-to-face job interview. While some employers may avoid your telephone call, at least you will get some action in reference to your letter and resume. If, for example, you call on Thursday afternoon and the employer is not available to take your call, leave a message that you called in reference to your letter. Chances are the employer is expecting your call and will remember you because you are taking this initiative. In some cases, the employer will tell you frankly that you are no longer under consideration. While disappointing, this rejection has a positive side--it clarifies your status so you no longer need to waste your time nor engage in wishful thinking about the status of your application with this employer. Go on to others who may prove more responsive. In other cases, your phone call may result in getting a face-to-face interview early in the application process with this employer. Taking action in this manner will at least give you useful information that will bring your application nearer to closure. But make sure you call at the time you say you will call. If the employer expects your call on Thursday afternoon and you forget to do so, you prematurely communicate a negative message to the employer--you lack follow-through. Always do what you say you will do and in a timely fashion.

MYTH 19:

The cover letter should attempt to sell the employer on your qualifications.

REALITY:

The cover letter should command attention and nicely provide a cover for an enclosure--your resume. This letter should be professional, polite, personable, and to the point. The letter affords you an opportunity to demonstrate your person­ality and writing skills in a letter format. Remember, your resume is supposed to sell the employer on you. Your letter should be the sizzle accompanying the sale. The letter should men­tion your interest in the position, highlight your major strengths in relation to the position, and ask the employer for an opportunity to interview for the position. Avoid repeating in this letter what the reader will find in your resume. Keep the letter to one page.

MYTH 20:

Handwritten cover letters have a greater impact on employers than typewritten cover letters.

REALITY:

Handwritten cover letters are inappropriate as are scribbled notes on or attached to a resume. They are too personal and look unprofessional when applying for a job. If you are a professional, you want to demonstrate that you can present yourself to others in the most professional manner possible. Confine your handwriting activities to your signature only. The letter should be typed on a good quality machine--preferably a letter quality printer. If you use a word processor, it's best to justify the left margin only.

MYTH 21:

REALITY:

Letters are not very important in a job search. The only letter you need to write is a formal cover letter. Your letters actually may be more important than your resume. In fact, cover letters are only one of several types of letters you should write during your job search. The other letters are some of the best kept secrets of effective job seekers. They may become your most powerful marketing tools: