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Covering letter for job applications
- Thread starter petemc
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As a whole, that's ok but I have difficulty with the "real world" comment. I would imagine that a formal qualification, say a 3 year degree course in photography, would encompass a lot of "real world" experience. It's use as a phrase does imply that those with any formal qualifications haven't earned their "spurs". If a position is expecting applicants to hold formal qualifications, concentrate on drawing attention to examples of your work to show your skill.
This link might be useful: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/Applications_and_interviews/Applications/The_covering_letter/p!efXakl
May have to copy and paste that link!
Edit: And best of luck with the applications! (Knew there was something else I meant to say).
This link might be useful: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cms/ShowPage/Home_page/Applications_and_interviews/Applications/The_covering_letter/p!efXakl
May have to copy and paste that link!
Edit: And best of luck with the applications! (Knew there was something else I meant to say).
Nah I'm not trying to. I'm trying to show that while I don't have a degree in Photography I have real world experience which is better than a degree. My Software Engineering degree taught me the basics in a variety of subjects but I learnt so much more on my placement year than I did doing the degree.EosD said:
S
stepheno
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Hi Pete - it's difficult to comment without knowing more. Is it application by letter, form? Is there a job description, person spec? What type of company - corporate, local sole trader etc, etc.
If it's on letter alone and I assume it is, then you need to put in as much as possible as to why you can
- do the job better than anybody else
- want the job more than anybody else
before your letter gets boring - difficult I know.
I have spent a lifetime interviewing and employing people and as a general letter it's fine but nothing really stands out. But...I've never interviewed a prospective photographer before so as I said....difficult to comment. Can you post the ad or job details? No perhaps not - someone else might go for it.
My only specific criticism of your letter is the "I don't mind relocating...." This suggests to me a very slight negative in there. The fact that you are applying says that you will relocate. As I've said it's a good general letter, tells me about what you think but not your ability as a photographer - but I would imagine your portfolio would do that. HTH or gives some room for thought. Good luck with the application :thumb:
regards
If it's on letter alone and I assume it is, then you need to put in as much as possible as to why you can
- do the job better than anybody else
- want the job more than anybody else
before your letter gets boring - difficult I know.
I have spent a lifetime interviewing and employing people and as a general letter it's fine but nothing really stands out. But...I've never interviewed a prospective photographer before so as I said....difficult to comment. Can you post the ad or job details? No perhaps not - someone else might go for it.
My only specific criticism of your letter is the "I don't mind relocating...." This suggests to me a very slight negative in there. The fact that you are applying says that you will relocate. As I've said it's a good general letter, tells me about what you think but not your ability as a photographer - but I would imagine your portfolio would do that. HTH or gives some room for thought. Good luck with the application :thumb:
regards
milou said:
Yer I get what you mean. When my mates and I finished our SE degree we all agreed that we were certainly not qualified for any decent jobs and we got decent degrees. Maybe it was the Uni, but the people on my course were not really the kind of people I would hire to do programming. I guess other degrees are different
stepheno said:
Thanks
Its pretty much a general letter for spamming every job I can find. I do have a CV prepared which I'm also tweaking.
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With reference to your CV.
I personally think the different font sizes for the title and your name are either the wrong way around or preferably should be the same with maybe a slight emphasis on your name through brightness, subtle colouration (maybe the same as the graphic - may make sense to make it an image to ensure it always looks right).
I would call Photoshop is an application rather than a program.
'About you' section needs to be a sales pitch rather than a statement of fact. Include something about being able to work as part of a team as well as on your own. Motivated/self starter etc etc.
The next section should be key achievements or maybe move up the photography experience to here and rename Professional Phototgraphy Experience or similar.
Although not relevant to the role, you should include some employment history (assuming you have some) as it shows you are reliable, able to hold down a job etc.
I personally think that references should only be included at this stage if the names are widely recognisable ie name dropping. Otherwise leave them out until asked.
Do you think the sample images adequately show the range of your capabilities or will you tailor them depending on the role applied for? I think the quantity chosen is correct though.
Generally I like the overall style, clear, easy to read, relatively brief. You just need to sell yourself a bit more e.g. well versed in Photoshop should be very experienced in Photoshop or something similar.
Good luck
Mark
I personally think the different font sizes for the title and your name are either the wrong way around or preferably should be the same with maybe a slight emphasis on your name through brightness, subtle colouration (maybe the same as the graphic - may make sense to make it an image to ensure it always looks right).
I would call Photoshop is an application rather than a program.
'About you' section needs to be a sales pitch rather than a statement of fact. Include something about being able to work as part of a team as well as on your own. Motivated/self starter etc etc.
The next section should be key achievements or maybe move up the photography experience to here and rename Professional Phototgraphy Experience or similar.
Although not relevant to the role, you should include some employment history (assuming you have some) as it shows you are reliable, able to hold down a job etc.
I personally think that references should only be included at this stage if the names are widely recognisable ie name dropping. Otherwise leave them out until asked.
Do you think the sample images adequately show the range of your capabilities or will you tailor them depending on the role applied for? I think the quantity chosen is correct though.
Generally I like the overall style, clear, easy to read, relatively brief. You just need to sell yourself a bit more e.g. well versed in Photoshop should be very experienced in Photoshop or something similar.
Good luck
Mark
mfwild13 said:
The images are tailored to the role, which is currently portraits
I'm adding in the work experience stuff. I didn't really think a CV for a photography job would look good listing web design work but as you say, shows I can hold a job. Even if each company I've worked for failed I'll try and work on the selling myself thing. I dunno what it is but I've never been good at selling myself.
CT
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What I admire most about Ansel Adams is his ability to create fantastic landscapes using darkroom techniques.
Pete, I'd rephrase this mate. What Adams is most remembered for is his invention of The Zone Metering System. It's incredibly difficult to grasp and to put into operation, but Adams argued that if you correctly identified a particular tone in a scene as it would appear in monochrome, and correctly exposed for it - all other tones would automatically be correctly exposed. He was a fanatic for correct exposure, hence the reason he devised his system.
The truth is that despite all his efforts, many of his finest shots owe as much to darkroom manipulation as they do to his metering system, so you're not wrong, but if you're going to mention Adams at all, I wouldn't put more emphasis on the darkroom than on his metering system, which many people tend to think was infallible, when of course - it wasn't.
Pete, I'd rephrase this mate. What Adams is most remembered for is his invention of The Zone Metering System. It's incredibly difficult to grasp and to put into operation, but Adams argued that if you correctly identified a particular tone in a scene as it would appear in monochrome, and correctly exposed for it - all other tones would automatically be correctly exposed. He was a fanatic for correct exposure, hence the reason he devised his system.
The truth is that despite all his efforts, many of his finest shots owe as much to darkroom manipulation as they do to his metering system, so you're not wrong, but if you're going to mention Adams at all, I wouldn't put more emphasis on the darkroom than on his metering system, which many people tend to think was infallible, when of course - it wasn't.
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That's tons better.
>On a good day I will take around 1000 photos, process them and have them viewable by the next morning.< "I have a professional, efficient and effective workflow that enables a fast turnaround of images ready to meet deadlines" or something? Not sure if that works tbh (my suggestion I mean).
>On a good day I will take around 1000 photos, process them and have them viewable by the next morning.< "I have a professional, efficient and effective workflow that enables a fast turnaround of images ready to meet deadlines" or something? Not sure if that works tbh (my suggestion I mean).
dod
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Well this time I meant to post.
Pete, don't take this the wrong way but if I received your letter I possibly wouldn't even read the CV. Here's my reasoning, hopefully it's constructive.
Secondly make the letter personal. There will probably be a name in the advert, use it. Give them a call to introduce yourself before putting in the application.
I don't think this really helps your cause, particularly if you're asked to demonstrate the work for those clients.
This is fine in your CV but not the covering letter.
"I'm used to working under pressure to meet challenging deadlines. This skill/experience is invaluable in the studio environment"
The whole purpose of the covering letter is to induce enough interest to get the employer to read the CV and hopefully he'll like what he sees in it.
Personally I'd go along the following lines, but it's only my opinion and I'm not entirely happy with it. It really isn't easy to get the letter right because of the lack of photographic history in the CV.
Editted because I can't read sometimes
Pete, don't take this the wrong way but if I received your letter I possibly wouldn't even read the CV. Here's my reasoning, hopefully it's constructive.
Firstly, the only time you use "Yours sincerely" is when you're addressing the letter to Mr(s) So and So. Otherwise it's Yours faithfully. Yours truly can also be used but not often.
Secondly make the letter personal. There will probably be a name in the advert, use it. Give them a call to introduce yourself before putting in the application.
I'd widen your scope along the lines of " I have many years experience of a wide range of photographic subjects. My particular specialities are....."
This shows a lot of passion but from an employers point of view it's not really telling me anything I don't already know, particularly if my business is about taking creative portraits.
This is telling me who you're influences are which is fine, although potentially dangerous if the employer doesn't like Adams or Bresson. It's also saying to me though that there is a lot you don't know. i.e. studio lighting and photoshop.
Mixed message, look at previous paragraph.
Employer: Interesting, wonder what he's won and who he's been working with, can he bring any of them to me. If he can he's an asset. If he can't then why's he looking to work for me.
I don't think this really helps your cause, particularly if you're asked to demonstrate the work for those clients.
Employer: I'm looking for a photographer, not a web designer.
This is fine in your CV but not the covering letter.
Employer: Interesting, he's obviously got some experience.
You've got a good message here but you're not putting it across well. My first reaction was What about a bad day? Rephrase it, something like
"I'm used to working under pressure to meet challenging deadlines. This skill/experience is invaluable in the studio environment"
The whole purpose of the covering letter is to induce enough interest to get the employer to read the CV and hopefully he'll like what he sees in it.
Personally I'd go along the following lines, but it's only my opinion and I'm not entirely happy with it. It really isn't easy to get the letter right because of the lack of photographic history in the CV.
Editted because I can't read sometimes
IanC_UK said:
I totally agree. I've spent 2 days on it so far and I don't intend to send it till its 100% right. Its just so hard trying to write a letter when I have no real experience outside of freelancing a few odd jobs. I'm basically a web designer who found photography to provide a more meaningful and fullfilling way to earn money. I'll read over dod's tips tomorrow and try to merge the mine with his. I really apreciate the help guys
I know I suck at this and its really what I need. Cheers Gah. Why are there websites on photography, on web design, cooking, etc and yet not many helpful ones on these sorta things. I looked at mine, looked at dod's, looked at mine, looked at dods. Deleted mine. I hope you don't mind if I use that version dod? I added an extra line. Its something that I've been asked before in interviews.
I added the bit about clients needs over my own. I've been asked before what are my strengths and I've said I'm a perfectionist. This is not always a strength as the client should come first over any small issues I have with the work. I also feel like there are too many uses of the word "event" in the first paragraph, but I couldn't think of anything better. The thesuarus was a bit useless. As you say, the bit about who I admire could be detrimental. I might remove one of them an put in a local photographer. Someone modern, currently working in the industry.
When ringing companies, do I just say who I am and ask to speak to someone about applying for a job with them? The most experience I have with jobs is stupid agencies where you can't get personal with people because its all "Click here to apply".
I added the bit about clients needs over my own. I've been asked before what are my strengths and I've said I'm a perfectionist. This is not always a strength as the client should come first over any small issues I have with the work. I also feel like there are too many uses of the word "event" in the first paragraph, but I couldn't think of anything better. The thesuarus was a bit useless. As you say, the bit about who I admire could be detrimental. I might remove one of them an put in a local photographer. Someone modern, currently working in the industry.
When ringing companies, do I just say who I am and ask to speak to someone about applying for a job with them? The most experience I have with jobs is stupid agencies where you can't get personal with people because its all "Click here to apply".
dod
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pfft, behave yourselves
Feel free to use the basics if you want Pete but bear in mind that I'm not entirely happy with it and I'm not sure why, possibly because I'm not sure how to answer the questions it invites.
First being how have you adapted the style of X to your own needs?
Another question you're going to have to have a good answer for (regardless if you use it or not) is "you're a successful freelance just now, why are you looking for employment?"
Sorry if that sounds like it's telling you how to suck eggs :icon_redf
I editted my post because originally I assumed you would be sending this round any Photography company you found. On reading your first post again it suggested you would only be contacting Companies with vacancies so I changed it to suit that..
If you're cold calling that's a whole different ball game and expect a lot of rejection. Trying to convince someone who isn't looking for staff to employ you is at best very difficult.
Anyway, unless it specifically states not to, what I'd do, if it was in response to an advert, would be to phone up the person named in the advert. Tell him/her that you are interested but would like a bit more information about the position to help you decide whether or not to apply. Chances are you'll be one of the few/only person who does. Prepare a couple of questions for them, might be along the lines of "what are the most important skills of the successful applicant going to be?" something like that, something you're comfortable with anyway. You can use those answers to prepare more for any interview.
If you're cold calling it's difficult. I do it as part of my business and normally ask for the owner or MD by name, I've usually phoned a couple of days in advance to find out who it is if I can't get the information anywhere else. Don't expect to be put through everytime and when asked why you're calling have something better than "I want a job" ready. The chances are the receptionist will bump you if that's your response. I'm not sure what I'd use but maybe things like
"I'm a freelance moving to the area and feel that now's a good time to change career direction. I've heard good things about your Studio and would like to discuss the possibility of being part of it with Mr X"
If you are lucky enough to get through you need to make an instant good impression. I'd be tempted to say something like
"I'm currently freelance but am increasingly finding that I would prefer to use my talents and skills in a more structured studio environment. I've identified a couple of Companies whose style and approach seems to match my own and I wanted to send my C.V. to introduce myself and hopefully be considered next time you're recruiting". Practice it before making the call.
If you've got the bottle, instead of sending the CV, just ask to go see him, distance allowing that of course. This is actually a better approach as it does three things.
1. You don't waste time sending CV's to people who aren't interested at all so you're not wondering what they're thinking of your CV.
2. You find out immediately which companies aren't hiring at the time. You can then send them a CV if appropriate.
3. For those employing in the future you've a head start, you've met them already. If you make the right impression
Sorry this all sounds a bit salesman, I haven't really put much time into thinking about it. Some of the thoughts don't flow together well but that's not a bad thing. You need to get your own words and message so when you do speak to people you're comfortable
Also have a look at the venture site, they've got a list of vacancies but I'm not sure how up to date it is.
Feel free to use the basics if you want Pete but bear in mind that I'm not entirely happy with it and I'm not sure why, possibly because I'm not sure how to answer the questions it invites.
First being how have you adapted the style of X to your own needs?
Another question you're going to have to have a good answer for (regardless if you use it or not) is "you're a successful freelance just now, why are you looking for employment?"
Sorry if that sounds like it's telling you how to suck eggs :icon_redf
I editted my post because originally I assumed you would be sending this round any Photography company you found. On reading your first post again it suggested you would only be contacting Companies with vacancies so I changed it to suit that..
If you're cold calling that's a whole different ball game and expect a lot of rejection. Trying to convince someone who isn't looking for staff to employ you is at best very difficult.
Anyway, unless it specifically states not to, what I'd do, if it was in response to an advert, would be to phone up the person named in the advert. Tell him/her that you are interested but would like a bit more information about the position to help you decide whether or not to apply. Chances are you'll be one of the few/only person who does. Prepare a couple of questions for them, might be along the lines of "what are the most important skills of the successful applicant going to be?" something like that, something you're comfortable with anyway. You can use those answers to prepare more for any interview.
If you're cold calling it's difficult. I do it as part of my business and normally ask for the owner or MD by name, I've usually phoned a couple of days in advance to find out who it is if I can't get the information anywhere else. Don't expect to be put through everytime and when asked why you're calling have something better than "I want a job" ready. The chances are the receptionist will bump you if that's your response. I'm not sure what I'd use but maybe things like
"I'm a freelance moving to the area and feel that now's a good time to change career direction. I've heard good things about your Studio and would like to discuss the possibility of being part of it with Mr X"
If you are lucky enough to get through you need to make an instant good impression. I'd be tempted to say something like
"I'm currently freelance but am increasingly finding that I would prefer to use my talents and skills in a more structured studio environment. I've identified a couple of Companies whose style and approach seems to match my own and I wanted to send my C.V. to introduce myself and hopefully be considered next time you're recruiting". Practice it before making the call.
If you've got the bottle, instead of sending the CV, just ask to go see him, distance allowing that of course. This is actually a better approach as it does three things.
1. You don't waste time sending CV's to people who aren't interested at all so you're not wondering what they're thinking of your CV.
2. You find out immediately which companies aren't hiring at the time. You can then send them a CV if appropriate.
3. For those employing in the future you've a head start, you've met them already. If you make the right impression
Sorry this all sounds a bit salesman, I haven't really put much time into thinking about it. Some of the thoughts don't flow together well but that's not a bad thing. You need to get your own words and message so when you do speak to people you're comfortable
Also have a look at the venture site, they've got a list of vacancies but I'm not sure how up to date it is.
You're like a one man job info type place Cheers for all this. Funnily enough the main company I want to work for is Venture Thats where this letter + cv will be going first.
As for how I have adapted X's style to my own, I can't say that I have. I've seen the odd photo by Ansel Adams, and even had people say my work reminds it of his but I haven't really looked at his stuff in detail and taken anything away from it. The same for Bresson. I've seen a few good shots and thought "yer I wanna do stuff like that" and then gone out to try. With regards to the freelancer to employee bit, I guess I would say that while freelancing is enjoyable I would prefer to work in a team based studio. Something along the lines of teams are good for bouncing ideas around etc.
Cheers for all this. Funnily enough the main company I want to work for is Venture Thats where this letter + cv will be going first. As for how I have adapted X's style to my own, I can't say that I have. I've seen the odd photo by Ansel Adams, and even had people say my work reminds it of his but I haven't really looked at his stuff in detail and taken anything away from it. The same for Bresson. I've seen a few good shots and thought "yer I wanna do stuff like that" and then gone out to try. With regards to the freelancer to employee bit, I guess I would say that while freelancing is enjoyable I would prefer to work in a team based studio. Something along the lines of teams are good for bouncing ideas around etc.
Hmm. I was trying to say that each piece of work I do should be better than the last, however I must rememeber that if the client is happy then the job is done. I don't really want to say personal photography as that wouldn't have anything to do with my professional work. My pro work should get better but if the client is happy, okmilou said:
I know you've revised your letter since, but never use "I am writing to apply for this job" as the first sentence. It's really pointless. They know you are writing and they know its going to be about a job. You do need to state which position however, so get straight to the point. When I was applying for jobs I had two letters. Both very very short and with no sales speak in them at all. I had a good CV though.
First letter:-
I would like to apply for the position of ExactPositionTitle. I have attached my Resume for your attention.
Please contact me if you would like further information.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
FirstName LastName.
Second letter:-
I am interested in any WorkType work that you may have available. I have attached my Resume for your attention.
Please contact me if you would like further information.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
FirstName LastName
Oh, and change Resume to CV. I had to Canadiaiaiaiaianize mine
I realise these may not be what you are looking for. I really didn't need a fancy covering letter as I wanted them to read the CV. CV's are generally easier to empasize your skills without you giving away to many things. You don't want your covering letter to be so good that you have nothing to talk about at the interview stage.
This probably makes no sense, it's getting late! Bye!
First letter:-
I would like to apply for the position of ExactPositionTitle. I have attached my Resume for your attention.
Please contact me if you would like further information.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
FirstName LastName.
Second letter:-
I am interested in any WorkType work that you may have available. I have attached my Resume for your attention.
Please contact me if you would like further information.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
FirstName LastName
Oh, and change Resume to CV.
I had to Canadiaiaiaiaianize mine I realise these may not be what you are looking for. I really didn't need a fancy covering letter as I wanted them to read the CV. CV's are generally easier to empasize your skills without you giving away to many things. You don't want your covering letter to be so good that you have nothing to talk about at the interview stage.
This probably makes no sense, it's getting late! Bye!