Writing Letters of Interest

[Magus]

Any ideas as to what works and what doesn't? Should I reveal anything at all about my personality or personal life? What exactly are employers looking for in this sort of thing?

Any suggestions, what has worked for you and what hasn't, would be helpful. This whole searching for a job thing is a bummer.

[Craven]

i have never written a letter of interest when looking for a job

unless that is what you call a cover letter, i did that once, but not for the job i got

one thing i did learn from my professors and served me well was to remember (if not write down) everybody's names you talked to during the interview, before it, and after it and make small-talk with the secretary or whoever while you are sitting and waiting to go in (assuming you are 10 minutes early like you should be) and remember their name as well - then when you write your thank you letter/email thank EVERYBODY by name

letters of interest, probably should just be your goal statement expounded on a bit - "I would like to obtain a position that fully utilizes the skills I used in college/previous job, while allowing me to broaden my skillset to benefit me in the future"

i personally do not believe they are that important, just as long as your name and contact info is on there

[Randy Travis]

I would say to include a personalized cover letter. It shows you took the initiative to cater to their organization (as you match your skill set to the position). I think the image could be that you randomly handed out resumes if you do not include one. If I worked in HR I would higher someone who had a strong resume AND strong cover letter.

[Magus]

Essentially it is a cover letter, as far as I can tell.

[|RES|arod]

I spent the whole day on a cover letter once. By the time I finished and emailed it, they replied with a "Sorry, the position is filled." Lesson learned: Don't spend too much time on it. Make it simple,to the point and quick!