Will you proofread my cover letter for me?

Sure…be happy to read it for you.

I will too.

Thank you, guys!

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to express my enthusiastic desire to fill the vacancy for the position of Editor I at the National Council on Crime and Delinquency (NCCD) in Madison, WI. I am confident that my educational experiences and ongoing work as a freelance writer have prepared me to excel in this role.

My work as an undergraduate student research assistant afforded me the opportunity to cultivate formal science writing and speaking skills. For two years, I participated in a project that involved trapping gaseous rubidium ions within a potential energy well formed by the intersection of magnetic and electromagnetic fields inside a vacuum. In lab, I learned that taking thorough, precise, and systematic notes of your experimental observations and procedures is critical to making progress toward research goals.

My research culminated in a 45-minute group presentation, delivered to the students and faculty of the physics department. My part in the presentation was to describe the function, theory, and design of the various electronic, magneto-optical, and digital components of the experimental apparatus. The challenge of communicating detailed technical and scientific knowledge to a diverse audience taught me not only the importance of clarity and conciseness in public speaking, but [the necessity of having a deep understanding of the subject matter, in order to be able to make difficult concepts accessible to all levels of learners.]

Since January 2015, I have worked as a freelance writer for a web-based custom writing service, completing more than 370 projects of varying length in a broad range of subjects. I have extensive familiarity with the MLA and APA citation and format styles. In addition to my technical abilities, freelancing has enhanced my soft skills. I frequently collaborate with my clients and will incorporate their feedback, revise and rewrite content, and produce as many drafts as they require until I have created a version that satisfies them.

I am ready to contribute my command of English grammar and syntax, passion for clear and effective communication, research abilities, attention to detail, and interpersonal communication skills as a member of your organization. As editor, I will endeavor to uphold the highest standard of quality and style in all NCCD publications and correspondences. I am attracted to the mission and humanitarian values of the NCCD, and [I believe that my skills will only continue to grow in such a supportive and professional environment.]

I look forward to receiving your call. Thank you for taking the time to read my application!

(I am planning to change or take out the bracketed parts because I think they’re too awkward. )

I’m worried that it’s too long? I tried to hit the points that they mentioned in the job description and requirements. Here is the Craigslist ad for this opening: http://madison.craigslist.org/wri/5639189168.html

I have to submit this by today because they are going to begin reviewing applications tomorrow.

My opinion would be to remove all the projects you list after the first sentence in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th paragraphs to reduce the length of this letter and simply state that you have attached your resume which details all the projects and research you have completed that you feel will help you succeed at this position. Good luck!

I guess I could bullet point that information and slip it into my resume, which I will be tailoring for this job anyway.

I wonder if @marinelife is going to come back. I’d like to hear her opinion.

Sorry, @trolltoll I was working on a version of your letter,and I got about ⅔ of the way through and it disappeared! I hate when that happens. So, now I’m doing it in Word. I can email it to you if you PM me your email address

@marinelife I PM’ed you!

Here is what I ultimately submitted, after deciding to include my desired salary within the cover letter rather than sending it separately.

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am writing to express my enthusiastic desire to fill the vacancy for the position of Editor I at the National Council on Crime and Delinquency (NCCD) in Madison, WI. I am confident that my educational experiences and ongoing work as a freelance writer have prepared me to excel in this role.

My experience as an undergraduate student research assistant afforded me the opportunity to cultivate formal science writing and speaking skills. The challenge of communicating detailed technical and scientific knowledge to a diverse audience has forced me to learn how to couch high-level physics concepts in general terms. Details on my work and the project can be found in my resume.

Since January 2015, I have worked as a freelance writer for a web-based custom writing service, completing more than 370 projects of varying length in a broad range of subjects. For 18 months, I have been steadily improving my organization, time management, research skills, and standard of writing. Through trial and error, I have learned how to manage simultaneous projects without missing a deadline or receiving a complaint.

I am ready to offer my time, passion, and skills to NCCD in exchange for $30,000 – $40,000 a year. I would be honored to join your team as your editor.

I am looking forward to receiving your call. Thank you for considering my application.
Sincerely,

Bad luck. I went back to look at the email I sent and realized that I had forgotten to save this version over a previous, inferior version. So much for attention to detail.

I went ahead and resubmitted it but now I’m worried that I made a bad first impression.

Oh, I hate when something like that happens! It has happened to me. Your final version was excellent.

@marinelife thank you! Your help was indispensable.

Even if I don’t get this job, I am glad to have had more practice writing cover letters. Hopefully I will have an easier time writing them in the future as a result of this exercise.