In this weekly series, our friends at MBA Career Coaches will be dispensing invaluable advice to help you actively manage your career. Topics include building your network, learning from mistakes and setbacks, perfecting your written communication, and mastering even the toughest interviews.
We have been quite candid in stating that your cover letter, if you are applying for a job that many other business school students are applying for, will not likely be read. That said, we do not suggest that you ignore your cover letter. After all, a poor letter can disqualify you – who wants to hire someone who displays a flagrant lack of effort? And, it is still possible that someone who likes your resume will want to learn more about your qualifications, communication style, reasons for wanting the position and more.
So, as you give appropriate heed to your cover letter, remember to ask for something. You are not writing in a vacuum to check a box. You are writing to get a job. So, strive to move forward in that process. Here are two straightforward examples:
“Because you do not recruit at my school, I would be eager to set-up a time to speak with you, or possibly even meet with you in your offices when I am in San Francisco in February. Please let me know if your schedule….”
“I know that you will be on campus on XX date and would look forward to meeting with you in-person to discuss my qualifications and interest in your firm.”
By asking for a next step, you are not being pushy – you are revealing appropriate interest and results orientation, something any employer will appreciate!