When you’re self employed, the query letter is your chance to get noticed by potential employers. The query letter is your tool to getting your resume out there.
“Send cover letter and resume” is commonly included at the end of every single advertisement for employment, even jobs that are primarily used for self-employment. If the query letter isn’t good, no one’s going to bother reading the self-employed resume you’ve worked so hard on. Getting your resume out there depends on the strength of the query letter that you attach it to.
The first rule of the query letter is the one that most people ignore: short and sweet is better. Never forget this. No one, least of all a potential employer who is likely combing through dozens of emails like yours, has the time to read a two-page letter about how great you are. Keep it short.
Start with an introduction and a brief explanation of why you’re writing (i.e. I saw your ad on the Internet). Briefly highlight your experience in the job you’re applying to, then finish up with a good closing. For example, “I’m interested in learning more about this project. You will find my current resume attached, and my contact information has been listed below.” Always thank your reader at the end of the query letter. They’ve taken the time to read it, so say thank you.
Read Don’ts for Query Letters and learn to avoid common mistakes. And remember, the query letter is only a small part of self-employment marketing. Read this blog to learn more.
