Two Cents: On College and Cover Letters

There are a few things that I've learned so far in my short lil life that I hope can help a couple peeps out there that are currently going through them.

Seriously! Don't roll your eyes ;)

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, I was asked to write a post on tips to help college grads who were currently job seeking. I thought I would add to that post with a follow up one today. It's a mean, mean world out there, but by being prepared you can avoid the cold shoulder. So here are some tips I've thrown together to help ya out!

If you're currently in college:

If you're majoring in anything that's not generic, you might want to consider also getting at least a minor in a more well known topic. I'm talking Communications, Math, English, Teaching, Science, History, or anything else you were exposed to during high school. Pick one you already like, or are good at, and just get a little baby degree with it.

For example: I was majoring in Film (thanks to Little Miss Sunshine) and wanted to concentrate on script writing. That's all fine and dandy, but in the real world, most jobs outside the entertainment industry don't give a crap if you studied anything relating to film at all. It's a niche major, so I decided to double up and also get a degree in Communication Studies. This was a general subject that most employers recognize, and I knew I could support myself with a day job just about anywhere while pursuing my film career at the same time. Gotta pay the bills.

The Pros:

-I love writing, so Comm was the best choice for me.
-The rhetorical studies classes helped me with my script writing while getting me a Comm degree, double score.
-I learned a whole ton about interpersonal communication, which helped me throughout college.
-I still use most of what I learned in Comm today, very applicable to daily life.

The Cons:

-It took me an extra year to graduate.
-I had to double up my work load, plus I worked part time, so yeah it was crazy.

-It cost me more money (although I had a state funded grant + scholarships, so it's not like I could use the money on anything but school).
-Some things did fall through the cracks like homework and some social stuff.

It's not all roses or whatever, it's hard work. But this type of degree will save your behind when you graduate and realize no on is hiring in the theatre makeup department and your parents just took you off their family cell phone bill. I bet if you look at your GE credits, you already have a couple in one subject to get you started. Trust me it's worth it!

If you're currently applying for a job:

You need a killer cover letter. It's so vital to have one, almost more important than your resume. Your resume can be plain and simple, but your cover letter needs some pizzazz. Here's what your cover letter should include:

-Open with a greeting, then a strong intro. Mention how excited you are that the job is available, pepper in some of your key skills, and say how honored you would be to join their team/staff.

-Next, list some highlights of your skill-set, or link up to your writing samples, or reel, or whatever. Make this part super easy to skim.

-Emphasize how your skills could benefit a company. Why do they need to pick you over others? Make yourself seem like a commodity.

*-(this one is optional) Add in a brief about me. I do this when I apply for my writing gigs, and it seems to pull in more clients. People love a good mini bio! It depends on what type of job you are applying for, and how comfortable you are about including this part. It's up to you.

-End with the obvious, "attached is my resume", and offer the opportunity to further discuss your skills in person/over the phone.

-Sign off with your name, number, and email address, even though it's on your resume.


Then follow up with a killer interview, using the skills I mentioned over HERE, and you should be set.

Anyone have other tips to add to these categories? Leave them in the comments, help some peeps out!

xoHM