Free Career and Job Search Advice

cruz · New User Joined: 26 Aug 2008 Posts: 8 Career Advice: +0/-0

I've been applying for work since July 15th and not so much as one callback. Someone mentioned that maybe my cover letters are not professional enough. Maybe you all can just quickly glance at one and let me know what you think? This job is for an "Instructional Designer" at a university. I cannot find any sample resumes and cover letters online for this job title. anyway, here goes:

Dear HR Manager/Academic Support Center Team,

I would like to apply for the Instructional Designer position I saw posted on higheredjobs.com. I believe that my career path up to this point has been good preparation for a role such as this and my education in the field of Computer Science, with a Bachelor’s Degree from ********, has also laid a good foundation for this role. I would very much welcome your consideration.

Not only am I a dedicated and driven individual whose skills are well suited for the job, but I know that my passion for technology would also be of benefit to the department. Over the past 5 years I have worked extensively in supporting and training individuals at all different skill levels in the use of many different computer hardware and software technologies from complex audio-visual applications to enterprise systems. Working for 3 years in a very busy Media Center and supervising and training 15-20 undergraduate and graduate students has strengthened my ability to work under pressure while fostering a healthy team atmosphere. My most current position has afforded me the opportunity to work one-on-one as well as in small and large group training sessions with students, faculty and staff to make the best possible use of the WebCT Vista course management system. Having had the opportunity to be in the classroom as an IT Instructor, I have come to appreciate the need for technology to be, not an obstacle, but an aid to exceptional teaching and learning and also a means towards efficient day-to-day operations.

I am also thankful for the years of intimate experience I have had working in higher education – in both university and community college environments. I feel that this experience has given me a well-balanced, customer service oriented and approachable demeanor, as well as developed my communication skills and strengthened my sincere interest in helping to provide access to information.

I am excited about what I envision to be a creative, challenging, and refreshing role supporting lofty educational goals in a teaching institution. I can be reached via email (******) or phone (********). I look forward to discussing further what your needs are and how I might be able to contribute. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,
cruz

lexa10881 · Posted: Fri Aug 29, 2008 3:48 am Post subject:

For starters you should address it to a real person and not use a generic titling on it. I think I would spice it up a bit too, it is kinda bland. It should not be a recap of your resume.

See this for help on writing your cover letter:

http://www.cvtips.com/how_to_write_a_cover_letter.html

petereff · Posted: Wed Oct 15, 2008 2:48 pm Post subject:

Your cover letter is too 'wordy' to be read and digested easily.

You can afford to cut out large chunks of this letter without it suffering too much and the reader will be grateful for saving their time.

Concentrate on specifics which you can bullet point to show what precisely qualifies you for the position, then back it up with your accomplishments.

Keep your letter short; an introductory paragraph followed by 5 or 6 bullet points followed by a closing paragraph is all you need.

Concise · New User Joined: 26 Feb 2006 Posts: 9 Career Advice: +0/-0

I don't have any advice so sorry for that, but I wouldn't worry too much after only 1 mth. You never know, half of the places you applied to may not have even got around to reading you resume yet.

Hang in there, it'll come.

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