Thanks to everyone that responded about Cover Letters for Singers. Your
suggestions were very helpful.
Bill
At 06:26 PM 8/31/01 -0400, you wrote:
>In a message dated 8/30/01 6:41:29 PM, canteclada@y... writes:
>
><< I hope Judy Miller answers your query. This is an
>area of special expertise for her. >>
>
>Doris, you've "outed" me! LOL!
>
>Actually, I thought that your suggestions were quite good--but I can expand
>on them a little! ;-)
>
>One mistake that is frequently made in cover letters is excessive formality
>(although this may not apply outside of the United States). Formal language
>often seems awkward and stilted to Americans. Instead, try to be
>conversational in tone, and be yourself, not Emily Post!
>
>It's a good idea to read the letter aloud before sending it--and have several
>others read and proofread too. When I spot errors in spelling and grammar in
>a letter, I'm apt to infer that the writer does not pay attention to details.
>
>Keep it relatively short and to the point. Be direct. Say that you'd like a
>job, or an opportunity to audition. Use the active voice, and avoid overly
>long or complex sentences.
>
>Focus on the reader and his/her needs and interests, not yourself. Keep any
>comments about yourself general (eg, I'm an experienced church soloist) and
>don't hype yourself.
>Let your resume (which should be very factual, not promotional) and your
>headshot do most of the work.
>
>Promise to follow up on a specific date and time, and then DO IT! This is
>your chance to make a first impression as someone who is professional,
>confident, organized, considerate and detail oriented.
>
>One of the most effective sections of any letter is the PS. It's the one part
>of your letter that is most likely to be read. So try to think of something
>interesting or unusual or exciting that you can tag onto the end of your
>letter--perhaps it's a mention of a mutual acquaintance, or an invitation to
>attend your upcoming recital, or simply an offer to provide references.
>
>I like to print several copies of my letters--for some reason, my first
>signature never seems to look right!
>
>Last but not least, you should invest in some high quality paper and
>envelopes. Make sure that your paper is appropriate for your printer--for
>example, sometimes laser toner does not adhere well to papers with high rag
>content or a lot of surface texture . You may want to choose a colored stock,
>but keep it low key--like soft dove grey or cream. Keep your typeface simple
>and elegant (preferably a serif face, they are more legible) and keep the
>point size somewhere between 10 and 12. And never send your letter and
>headshot in a #10 envelope. A larger envelope will protect your photo and is
>more apt to be noticed.
>(Be aware that you will need extra postage.)
>
>Whew! That ought to keep you busy!
>
>Judy
>
>
>
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