Thomas Said:

I have a question about writing a cover letter for my resume! Please help!?

We Answered:

This is a really good question, as many positions are now "blind" postings. Unfortunately, there is little you can do to find out more about the company prior to sending a cover letter and resume.

As for personalizing the letter, all you can do in this situation is focus on the position. For the cover letter, highlight your experience, speak to the impact you believe you will have on the organization and invite the reader to learn more by reading your resume.

Regarding a follow-up email... Following-up is a good idea, and if all you have is an email, that is how you will have to do it – just don't do it too soon. Keep an eye on the close date, and give the organization some time to go about the process. A well timed follow-up can be very effective.

The following blog entries speak to some of your questions.

Best of luck with the position!

Tonya Said:

do you bother writing a cover letter with your resume when applying for a job at the mall?

We Answered:

It couldn't hurt, it only makes yours look more professional. That said, unless it's an office type job, it's not necessary. If you are applying at a store in a mall they may even just want you to fill out a pre-printed application. I worked management in retail for several years at several places, Abercrombie and Fitch and J Crew among them. Sad to say but we usually didn't even bother looking at a resume if an applicant attached one to the application, let alone a cover letter. But like I said, it couldn't hurt.