自荐信，或者cover letter，有些人可能比较陌生。
这封信一般放在简历之前，和简历一起交给hr。其中的内容一般包括简单的自我介绍，对用人单位的了解以及通过何种途径知道用人单位并投递简历。一般来说，hr会在看简历之前阅读自荐信，如果自荐信写的不好或者不合适，有可能简历都会直接被刷掉。
在国外，自荐信的重要性更是被各个大学反复强调。今天小编找到了美国威斯康星大学麦迪逊分校(university of wisconsin-madison)为其毕业生准备的“关于自荐信的五个问题”，请小伙伴们认真学习吧~ 就算是已经工作的小伙伴也可以学着完善一下自荐信，为未来做准备哦~
writing cover letters
自荐信是什么?
to be considered for almost any position, you will need to write a letter of application. such a letter introduces you, explains your purpose for writing, highlights a few of your experiences or skills, and requests an opportunity to meet personally with the potential employer.
precisely because this letter is your introduction to an employer and because first impressions count, you should take great care to write an impressive and effective letter. remember that the letter not only tells of your accomplishments but also reveals how effectively you can communicate.
the appropriate content, format, and tone for application letters vary according to the position and the personality of the applicant. thus you will want to ask several people (if possible) who have had experience in obtaining jobs or in hiring in your field to critique a draft of your letter and to offer suggestions for revision.
despite the differences in what constitutes a good application letter, the suggestions on these pages apply generally.
自荐信都包含哪几个部分?
·try to limit your letter to a single page. be succinct.
·assess the employer's needs and your skills. then try to match them in the letter in a way that will appeal to the employer's self-interest.
·as much as possible, tailor your letter to each job opportunity. demonstrate, if possible, some knowledge of the organization to which you are applying.
·write in a style that is mature but clear; avoid long and intricate sentences and paragraphs; avoid jargon. use action verbs and the active voice; convey confidence, optimism, and enthusiasm coupled with respect and professionalism.
·show some personality, but avoid hard-sell, gimmicky, or unorthodox letters. start fast; attract interest immediately.
·arrange the points in a logical sequence; organize each paragraph around a main point.
如何组织自荐信?
opening paragraph
state why you are writing.
establish a point of contact (advertisement in a specific place for a specific position; a particular person's suggestion that you write): give some brief idea of who you are (a senior engineering student at uw; a recent ph.d. in history).
paragraph(s) 2(-3)
highlight a few of the most salient points from your enclosed resume.
arouse your reader's curiosity by mentioning points that are likely to be important for the position you are seeking.
show how your education and experience suit the requirements of the position, and, by elaborating on a few points from your resume, explain what you could contribute to the organization.
(your letter should complement, not restate, your resume.)
closing paragraph
stress action. politely request an interview at the employer's convenience.
indicate what supplementary material is being sent under separate cover and offer to provide additional information (a portfolio, a writing sample, a sample publication, a dossier, an audition tape), and explain how it can be obtained.
thank the reader for his/her consideration and indicate that you are looking forward to hearing from him/her.
一些引导你写自荐信的问题：
·who is my audience?
·what is my objective?
·what are the objectives and needs of my audience?
·how can i best express my objective in relationship to my audience's objectives and needs?
·what specific benefits can i offer to my audience and how can i best express them?
·what opening sentence and paragraph will grab the attention of my audience in a positive manner and invite them to read further?
·how can i maintain and heighten the interest and desire of the reader throughout the letter?
·what evidence can i present of my value to my audience?
·if a resume is enclosed with the letter, how can i best make the letter advertise the resume?
·what closing sentence or paragraph will best assure the reader of my capabilities and persuade him or her to contact me for further information?
·is the letter my best professional effort?
·have i spent sufficient time drafting, revising, and proofreading the letter?