If you're applying for a job in information technology, a generic cover letter may keep you from getting an offer. You should always spend a few extra minutes tailoring your cover letter to the position, and for IT jobs, there are some specific points to keep in mind.
Be Brief
"IT people live on their [computer] desktops," says Linda Artel, a consultant with the nonprofit Career Action Center who currently works for Sun Microsystems. Artel recommends that your cover letter be short enough to fit on a computer screen, so the reader doesn't have to print it out or scroll down to finish it.
Artel also suggests centering your cover letter on four to six bullet points. A recruiter's priority is to find candidates with relevant technology experience, so the first bullet point should highlight your experience with any technology listed in the job description. Be sure to emphasize the depth of your experience as well. Recruiters often screen out candidates who have only superficial knowledge of the products and systems used by the company.
You can use the remaining bullet points to highlight your breadth of experience by listing major technology-related projects and accomplishments. You may also consider including one or two bullet points focused on "soft" skills, such as communication and leadership.
Use Jargon Sparingly
A cover letter that is filled with buzzwords might lead a recruiter to think you're exaggerating your qualifications, warns Luna Zuniga, a consultant for Coolhires who is currently recruiting for an IT consulting firm. Additionally, too much jargon may distract the reader from the substance of your letter. Use jargon only where it is truly applicable to your experience.
Leave Off Old Technology Experience
If you list very old experience in your cover letter, an IT recruiter is likely to think you're not familiar with more recent, cutting-edge technology. List your experience with old, infrequently-used technology only if it is noted as a job requirement.
Be Open to the Possibilities
If you're applying to a company with a number of IT opportunities, don't pigeonhole yourself with an overly narrow objective and list of skills. Demand for IT professionals means many candidates receive offers for positions they may have considered beyond their reach.
Still, be clear on what you want and prefer in a job. Zuniga expects candidates to answer these questions at least: Are you technical? Managerial? A programmer type? Do you like to work by yourself? Or work with lots of people?
New to IT? Highlight Your Nontraditional Experience
For applicants who have no professional IT background, Artel recommends listing other types of experience, such as:
- School projects for which you used technology required by the work
- Internships (especially if any were with a prominent tech company)
- Technology experience working on personal projects, in a family business, or as a volunteer
- Nontechnical experience in similar industries (to demonstrate your relevant business experience)
Author Bio
Andrew Posner is a San Francisco-based career counselor and Internet consultant.
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