| They say that good guys always finish last. And | | | | manipulation of an RS-232 serial connection to create |
| when it comes to cover letters many people assume | | | | an interface device to a custom made electronics |
| that this adage holds true. In an industry like | | | | sensor device. |
| information technology where professionals are | | | | Completing four weeks of work experience I have |
| valued based on their knowledge and experience it's | | | | also applied my PC hardware knowledge in a |
| difficult to see how an ethical cover letter could | | | | commercial environment. I have included in this |
| compete with those who have not let the truth get | | | | application a written reference from my supervisor |
| in the way of their career ambitions. So is it possible | | | | who has also been kind enough to make himself |
| to stay true to your values whilst remaining a genuine | | | | available as a referee. During this time I worked |
| contender in a competitive market? | | | | directly with the HP Compaq PC hardware to assist |
| Outstanding cover letters are relative to the offered | | | | with the development of an enterprise wide SOE |
| position. That is, you could have a brain surgeon | | | | (Standard Operating Environment). My direct |
| apply for a carpenter job without landing the position. | | | | responsibilities in this project were to test hardware |
| Why? Because other, more experienced carpenters, | | | | and drivers in accordance to the Quality Assurance |
| would be better suited to the position. The same | | | | test plan. This project gave me significant exposure |
| notion applies to any advertised job. Take a | | | | to the systems drivers and event viewer |
| computer technician application. One can list key | | | | components of the desktop PC. |
| criteria of a good computer technician and apply their | | | | Further to this experience I have built and supported |
| own experience to key points in the cover letter. For | | | | home PCs for over five years. This includes anti-virus |
| example; | | | | installs and updates, personal firewall and windows |
| Sample Cover Letters Criterion for a PC Technician; | | | | update patches. My small home network also consists |
| 'Excellent PC hardware knowledge' | | | | of a network printer and two virtual machines. |
| Lets flesh out this criterion by listing any PC hardware | | | | In this instance the applicant has shown a clear |
| experience in your current workplace. Mention makes, | | | | relevant history of education, experience and interest |
| models and versions for credibility. Also mention any | | | | in the field. Nothing was left to the imagination, |
| studies including the Institution, Course, subject as | | | | including the portions of the course that were |
| well as relevant activities and theory. Talk about any | | | | relevant. Underlying the entire response is a |
| projects, interests or memberships including the | | | | demonstrated understanding of what the criterion |
| duration, responsibilities and deliverables. | | | | 'excellent PC hardware knowledge' actually means. |
| Sample Response; | | | | The applicant reinforces his position by providing |
| I have completed an Associate Diploma in Engineering | | | | details of knowledge gained through a number of |
| Computer systems from the IT-Pathways College of | | | | different avenues. |
| Technology. This course included the subjects PC | | | | Ultimately, the applicant has provided a truthful |
| Hardware and Architecture where we built a number | | | | detailed appraisal of why he meets this particular |
| of PCs from components. During this time I gained a | | | | criterion. The ethical component of this response has |
| solid understanding of motherboard technologies | | | | allowed the applicant to provide detail that not only |
| including the meaning of 32 and 64 bit bus | | | | demonstrates an advanced knowledge of the |
| architectures and their relationship to video cards, | | | | subject but also serves as a credible source of |
| memory and CPU. My major project also involved the | | | | information. |