Cover Letter Sample Address (Or Use Your Resume Heading As: Fill & Download for Free

Edit (Feb '15): I recently mentored an Indonesian undergrad to get internship in the Valley that gave me more specifics to the challenges, so I'm adding longer tips here; my original answer is below the fold ("====").Getting an interviewResumePlenty of resources on this at Quora, but some pitfalls I see often in Indonesian resumes:resume should only be one page.if you have many accomplishments (most competitive programming people have been in multiple competitions), choose 3-4 of the most prominent (e.g. only the regional / international level). Do not have a laundry list of > 5 competitions.no need to put gender, date of birth, address.the list of activities should be result-oriented. If you're coaching a training camp, put in what's the result, for example.your list of projects should give a rough sense of what the technical challenge is. The reader should be able to understand what you're writing about.put the impressive part of your resume first. If you're a successful competitive programmer, put the 'Honors / Achievements' near the top. Same thing if you win hackathons / have impressive projects.your resume needs to stand out - in 30 seconds - 2 minutes that a recruiter looks at your resume, there needs to be something that makes him/her think that you have potential. Work towards having that stand-out factor: compete in programming competitions, do hackathons, do interesting projects (open-source stuff maybe), intern at good companies at home.ApplyingApply early. Internship recruiting here starts and ends pretty early - it can start September the previous year, and by the time it's January, most of the spots will already be filled out. If you're applying in February, or later than that, it'll be tougher.Get a referral if you can - ask people you know whether they can put in a good word for you.Do hackerrank competitions - if you do well, good chance you'll get called for an interview.Cover letter can help a little but can also hurt a lot - if you want to send one, be sure to have someone with good English to proofread them.If the company you're applying for has programming challenges like http://quora.com/challenges, if you do well on those, your resume will get more visibility.Very important: apply to many companies. Many Indonesian students I know just apply to the obvious ones like Facebook and Google, but that's really trying your luck. There's a lot of luck that goes into an internship recruiting (especially if it's your first one, and if you're international, or you're a non-senior). I interviewed with 8-ish companies my freshman year, and similarly advised my mentee to apply to ~10 companies herself. It's better to have too many interviews than too little. Don't limit yourself -- your first internship recruiting is not the time to be too picky or too proud.If you're freshman or sophomore, there are companies that have freshman / sophomore program that's probably easier to get to. On top of my head: Facebook U, Google Engineering Practicum, Explore Microsoft Internship.Some companies ideas (that I know accept international interns):FacebookDropboxGooglePinterestQuoraPalantirAddeparTwitterCourseraMozillaimo.imSquarePocketGemsGenerally, bigger companies are more likely to accept international interns, just because they have more room for interns.InterviewAlgorithmic things to know (maybe non-exhaustive):time and space complexitydata structures: stack, queue, priority queue, heap, arrays, linked listtrees <- singling this out since it's very commonly asked.simple graph algorithms: BFS, DFS, Dijkstrasorting: at least the n^2 algorithms and merge sortrecursiondynamic programming basicsthe idea of hashingbinary searchNon-algorithmic technical things to know (also non-exhaustive):What happens when you put a URL into a browser?RegexThe idea of pushing / pullingDisk I/O - Understanding Disk I/O - when should you be worried?I/O bound / CPU bound I/O bound / CPU-boundCaching - LRU cache, cache locality, eviction strategybasic UNIX commandsThreading: Producer–consumer problem, How to solve the producer consumer problem using thread?Databases: primary key, index, making basic schema, replication, transactionNoSQLProductBe prepared to answer about things you like and things you don't like about the company's product.MetricsHow to Choose the Right UX Metrics for Your ProductWhat are the best metrics for a product manager to track? Are there some good metrics you can apply to almost all software management?Other non-technical questions.tell me about your background and what you're interested in.the projects on your resumewhy you want to work there?what's exciting about their work?what would you ask their engineers?what would you improve about their product?Preparation for the materials aboveFind problems related to the algorithmic questions on HackerRank and solve some / lots of them. This is the checklist I gave my mentee:Coding on paper / whiteboard / online pad is slightly different from coding on the IDE - I think it's good to get used to not having your trusty compiler / interpreted around, and rely solely on yourself.Also get used to explaining your solution in concise words.For non-algo things, most companies have pretty low bar for system design for interns - as long as you know the basic concept, enough to surface the idea / concept when you see a problem, you're probably OK. Just read wiki pages for them and be able to answer "What is _?"For product, it's good to be able to walk through a specific product and be able to say why this part of the product is working and why some other part don't, and what can be improved.Always be prepared to answer those non-technical questions above to the companies you're interviewing. Have canned responses for them if you don't think well on your feet in English. Be excited, be specific, be concise.When explaining your resume, it's important to be concise and pick out the details that are understandable, but interesting. Don't ramble.I heard good things about Gayle Laakmann McDowell's Cracking the Coding Interview (2011 book), pick it up if possible.Other interviewing skillstry to get someone with good English and interviewing experience to mock interview you, multiple times.err on the side of over-communicating than under-communicating, explain your thought process before, during, and after implementingdon't be over-confident - don't start the implementation before discussing the solution with your interviewer, don't be sure that your solution is right before you actually check them.write good code, not algorithmic-competition-quality code. Comment well, and name your variables right.have long conversations with other people in English -- speaking with a foreign person for 45 minutes can be overwhelming / nerve-wracking.be confident and enunciate what you're saying.Also - don't take it personally if companies don't respond to your resumes, or you got rejected. There's a lot of luck involved with first-time recruiting, and sometimes companies look for different things in a candidate.Good luck!===========================Apply.Don't be discouraged before trying - companies do read international resumes, including those without referrals. Getting jobs in SIlicon Valley isn't a far-fetched thing if you are competent, wherever you study. There is a huge demand of software engineers and companies are willing to hire competent engineers wherever they're from.The reasons why a lot of Indonesian students who earn jobs in Silicon Valley are TOKI alumni:Recruiters might reach out to them because of their competitive programming achievementsThey might have friends (quite possibly from TOKI circle) who refer themTheir competitive programming background prepares them really well for interviews a la Silicon Valley (which can be quite different from interviews at Indonesian companies).To compensate for 1):Open companies' jobs page (e.g. http://www.quora.com/jobs, Facebook Careers | Facebook, etc), email recruiters (usually [email protected] or similar emails), or upload your resumes on their websites. Recruiters really do read these things.The difficult part is how to make your resume stands out, if you don't come from well-known universities or have well-known achievements (e.g. in competitive programming). You can do other things - develop an app, join a hackathon, etc.To compensate for 2): network.After you get an interview, you are on the same footing as everyone, including US students.Now, to compensate for 3): prepare.Don't be overwhelmed or intimidated - these interviews are really not that hard. It just takes time to get used to. Read and try sample problems, rinse and repeat. Very few companies ask for complicated algorithms, and you'll be fine as long as you practice and understand your basic concepts.

The Most Effective Ways to Write a Perfect Cover Letter [with Examples]Plato once said that the beginning is the most important part of the work. He didn’t say that in the midst of a job search, but he was right. Speaking of your cover letter, starting in a modest manner doesn’t pay off. Making a mighty entrance with designed career documents is what makes recruiters listen up (and call you back, eventually).The process of scanning applications has never been faster. Whether it’s your cover letter or your resume, either of them has just a few seconds to impress. And that’s the reason behind the introductory paragraph being the single most important part of your cover letter.Our cover letter guide will teach you how to transform its introduction into a captivating story that will help you land an interview. And we’ll not only tell you how it’s done, but we will also show you how to make it work in reality.While writing a cover letter, it is important to:1. Address your cover letter2. Target company needs3. Mention your mutual connection4. Show your passion5. Use humor and creativity1. To whom should I address my cover letter to?If you want to get to know someone, the first thing you need to know is their name. The same goes for the hiring process. Starting your cover letter with generic “Hello” or “To Whom it May Concern” is nothing extraordinary. But taking the time to look up the hiring manager’s name and starting with ”Dear Susan”? Pure gold.Personalize your cover letter and get closer to the person you’re talking to. Look in the job posting, on the company website or LinkedIn. Once you know the recruiter’s full name, start with ‘Dear Susan’ or ‘Dear Mr/Mrs/Ms Camarena’. However, don’t use “Miss” or “Mrs” unless you know what’s the recruiter’s preference. “Ms” will work just fine and won’t comment on marital status.On the other hand, academic titles like “Dr” or “Professor” are definitely something to include.Still, there’s a chance your name search will for some reason fail. Don’t worry, then. You can either ditch the salutation altogether and start with the first line of the letter or use any of the following:Dear Software Team Hiring ManagerDear Hiring ManagerTo Whom it May ConcernDear [Company Name] Recruiter2. Target company needs.Remember that for virtually any job you’re going to compete with a bunch of other job seekers that are similarly qualified. One of the best ways to make your cover letter stand out is to highlight something about yourself that’s going to ring the bell with the recruiter.First of all, have a look at the job offer. It will be packed with company needs. Pick those that you can easily relate to. Then brainstorm an achievement that best fits the job description.Bring up a character trait, an accomplishment or a really impressive skill. Connect the dots between how your business value relates to the new job you’re hoping to score. Craft a captivating opening paragraph adorned with an impressive achievement.This will only make sense if you feature quantifiable results. Recruiters love seeing numbers so if you’re talking about “proven success”, don’t forget to provide numbers and stats to back it up.Company needs: Examples of how to start a cover letterDear Steve,I am so excited [Company XYZ] needs a marketing director skilled at storytelling and driving ROI for student travel. With my track record of boosting marketing ROI by 55% through storytelling and creative leadership, I think I’m a great fit.Over the past year as digital marketing manager at [Company XYZ] I’ve generated $50k+ in revenue, increased organic traffic to our blog by 18%, and almost tripled our social media ROI.Over the course of last year, I more than doubled [Company XYZ]’s Twitter followers and ran two successful Instagram ad campaigns that generated $35K+ in revenue. I’d love to bring my expertise in organically expanding the social reach and delivering ROI to the social media manager position at [Company XYZ].As a longtime fan of [Company XYZ]’s internal certifications, I was excited to see your project manager opening. With my experience cutting costs 65% for [Company XYZ] while dropping lead times 25% and boosting quality, I think I can help with [Company XYZ]’s current challenges as I continue to expand my skill set.2. Include company facts and news.Begin your cover letter with a little digging. To find some captivating cover letter openers, look for facts stemming from recent news about the company. Take time to browse their website and read news articles online. These sources can provide you with interesting facts that you can easily relate to. Who wouldn’t like to hire someone who already knows everything about their brand?Hiring managers treasure authentic enthusiasm because it tends to translate to motivated and highly successful employees. Kick-off your cover letter with a little (genuine) flattery. To avoid sounding insincere with your compliments, tell a story.Including the company news gives you a chance to sneak in your own values, too. Also, research shows that stories are up to 22 times more memorable than dry facts. Any specific event, fact, notable statistic or a recent award the company earned can be a good starting point of your narrative. Let’s say the company’s just won an award for its innovative solutions in the computer industry. Take advantage of it and follow up with how much you value forward-thinking methods in technology.Company facts and news: Examples of how to start a cover letterDear Nancy,The [Company XYZ]’s emphasis on employee development is why I’m so excited about this position. My 98% client satisfaction rate at [Company XYZ] owes a lot to my commitment to constant skills improvement. I’m excited to see where I could take your client KPIs within such a well-constructed system.When I saw that [Company XYZ] was featured in Fortune Magazine last month for its commitment to renewable energy and reducing waste in the workplace, I was truly inspired. With my track record of reducing costs by over 30% and promoting sustainable technologies, I’m excited about the opportunity to take on the account executive role to expand your company’s growth and work towards a greener future.Having grown up in Harlem, I understand firsthand why you’ve earned your reputation as one of the most visited burger places in New York. Since I was a teen, I’ve been hanging out at your restaurant every Friday. Now I want to impress your customers in the same way your staff has so graciously done for me.3. Highlight a mutual connection.You’ve managed to scramble a few decent accomplishments, but nothing groundbreaking. What else could you turn to? Use the strength of your professional network. Referrals can work their magic when it comes to getting an interview, so be sure to mention yours right away. Maybe you just happen to be friends with an ex-colleague that referred you to a position, company, or specific hiring manager. Make a strategic move and use the name right away in your cover letter.A valuable connection that can throw a positive light on your professional skills is worth its weight in gold. Name-dropping your mutual contact means there are professionals willing to back up your skills and vouch for you. After reading your cover letter, recruiters will most likely want to learn why your referrer thought you’d be a good fit for the position.And what if you’ve got no name to drop? Go out and network. Contact and meet people that work for the company. It’s one of the best ways to get closer to the job you’re hoping to score.Name-Dropping: Examples of how to start a cover letterDear Robert,Brad Smith suggested I apply to this position because she knows that my software solutions achieved 97% performance-to-goals at [Company XYZ] and that you’re looking for a developer what works with speed and absolute precision.I was excited to learn of this job opportunity from my former colleague, Lucy May. We’ve worked closely together for several years, most recently on a complex data analysis project at [Company XYZ]. She advised me to apply as she thought I’d be a good match for this position on your team.Justin Rosewood suggested I contact you regarding the Customer Service Representative position at [Company XYZ]. I met Justin last year when we volunteered together at a local mobile food bank. Working closely together allowed him to see my ability to genuinely connect with others, which is why he’s referred me to this role on your team.4. Show passion for what you do.None of the previous openers worked for you? Well, maybe the shiniest fact about you is your passion.The employer wants to see you’ll stay dedicated to the role and company. A motivated employee that comes with a strong work ethic has a great value. If you enjoy your job, you’re more likely to stick around longer, help drive company growth and become an enthusiastic member of the team. So if you’re all hype about the company, don’t hesitate to infuse your cover letter with a couple of sentences demonstrating your excitement about what the job entails.Passion: Examples of how to start a cover letterDear Sharon,When faced with the CPA exam in school, I told my mentor, “I want to blow this test out of the water,” and I did. Beyond my 98 average score across all four sections, a passion for finance has always been the guiding factor in my life. That’s why I’m so excited at the chance to work for [Company XYZ].Graphic design for jewelry shows has always been a passion of mine. My panel talk on jewelry graphics at the AIGA Design Conference was put on YouTube and retweeted 2,300 times.When I was young, all I wanted to be was a musician busking the streets of Chicago. Unfortunately, my guitar skills have faded over the years, but I still love to work with a crowd and entertain the masses — passions that I hope qualify me to become your new community manager.5. Use humor and creativity.First of all, recruiters are humans too. Amidst a pile of boring resumes and repetitive cover letters, they may find a good joke, juicy pun or funny opening line as a nice refreshing break (plus maybe a reason to call you up for an interview). Gauging your recruiters is a matter of educated guesswork. Would they appreciate some sass or snark? If so, peppering your cover letter with an anecdote will be an appropriate way to make them smile. And if they don’t? Erm, who knows.Besides being a nice tool to ease things off a bit, humor can be a part of a powerful explanation for why you’re the right person for the job. Listen closely to the tone of the job posting. Then you’ll be able to say whether or not to take the creative route.Humor and creativity: How to start a cover letter examplesDear Marilyn,Before I flood you with all the reasons why I’m going to be your next writer, I would like to tell you a little about myself. I didn’t learn to hold a pencil until I was about six years old, which made everyone think I’d never open a single letter. And now here I am, bidding to become your next Shakespeare.Have you ever met a guy checking his social media accounts bazillion times a day? Yep, that’s me, nice to meet you. I’m here to offer my expertise and become your full-time social media manager. Fortunately, I offer more value than a procrastinating kid. Let me tell you more.Gosh! Thank you so much for offering me the position of marketing specialist at [Company XYZ]! Well, I know we’re not quite there yet. But if we were, let me tell you what I’d do for you once a member of your team.KEY TAKEAWAYSThis guide has shown you several powerful ways to start your cover letter. Choose whichever suits you the best and the one that you can feel comfortable with. The rest of your cover letter is important, too. Each and every word and sentence should be there for a reason. If you want to bring it to perfection, check out our ultimate guide to writing a perfect cover letter and also take out any worn-out phrases and clichés that no one really wants to see. Finally, close your cover letter the way you opened it — with a style. For some real-world examples, head over to our help center to see a packed library of 50+ real cover letter samples from job seekers who got hired by leading brands like Microsoft, IBM or IKEA.

Mark Maratea has the brutally obvious answer. I’d like to add some stuff that he didn’t mention:You used a standard form resume without actually doing three things: focus on your experience; focus on the job that you want; and focus on the company.You should focus on the job that you are applying to get first & foremostYou should then: point out what your overall major provides in skills; identify the jobs/tasks/projects that you have completedProvide a chronology of those different jobsIn the cover letter (not provided, but also needed) you should focus on the hiring manager (if known), or alternatively the company’s needs with a “Dear Sirs;” heading address.Finally, before doing any of this, RESEARCH THE COMPANY! Also, RESEARCH THE DEPT/DIVISION that you are applying to.Last point: YOUR JOB IS TO GET THROUGH HR! THEN GET TO THE HIRING MANAGER! …//ADDED: Sample cover letter (super brief):Dear Mr. (Hiring Manager);I am writing you to apply for the job that you advertised on Jobs_dot_com as “Design & Engineering Trainee” in your Widget prototyping facility at Wexford Widgets, Inc.”As you can see from my resume, I am a great match for this job and I am excited about having the opportunity to discuss my credentials and skills that would assist you in your endeavor to produce the next generation widget.I look forward to speaking with you,(Your name & Phone number)Send. Then wait a few days. Then CALL ON THE PHONE. Go for the manager, not HR!Best of luck.