By Dr. Cheryl Minnick, NCRW, NCOPE, MRW, CCMC, CHJMC
An e-note is the third note of the C major scale and the “mi” in fixed-do solfège… it is also a brief cover letter in an email body that captures the core of an applicants’ success. Unlike a traditional cover letter, an e-note is used for 1) internal promotion, 2) inside network connection, 3) job referral, 4) accompanying a resume when it alone is requested, and 5) uploaded into an online application field when a cover letter is not requested, or character space/word count are prohibitive. It’s also an add-on service a professional resume writer can offer.
A cover letter and e-note are both preambles to a resume. Due to the e-note’s brevity, it is laser-focused, fluff-less, and absent a formal letterhead. It does, however, include a warm, formal greeting. To write a concise e-note, analyze the job posting and research the company to discern one top value job requirement, a key ROI, that your client offers. Write the e-note focused on that one key ROI sharing your client’s top two to three achievements that validate their expertise or tell a success story. Remember, brevity highlights weak word choice and spelling and grammar errors, so proofread this first impression document. To start an e-note:
1. Write the subject line strategically inserting the job title and 1-2 qualifiers.
HR Director, SHRM-CP - 10 years’ experience
Senior HR Director, SHRM-SCP – referred by John Smith
2. Write a brief opener distinguishing your client as a top candidate.
Under my leadership, ABC Company decreased staff turnover, increased our annual satisfaction survey score, and won a “Best Places to Work” award for the county. I developed policies and strategies that:
3. Insert a brief paragraph (or 2-3 bullets) detailing the key ROI in story form or quantifiable achievement.
- Slashed voluntary turnover from 15% to 4% by building a competency model to retain top performers.
- Boosted staffing 71% to fill 180 roles organization-wide, driving 54% in business growth.
- Guided executive team through a corporate restructure, cutting personnel cost 25%.
4. Close in an engaging tone with one last “pitch,” a one-line statement, reinforcing your client’s candidacy.
The strength of my success lies in my people leadership and ability to champion change while improving employee morale. A phone call would give us an opportunity to discuss your needs and my fit. If I do not hear from you by Friday, I will follow up next week.
5. Wrap it up by including a signature block with name and credentials, the contact phone, and LinkedIn hyperlinked address.
Interested in becoming a Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW)? Start with the free NCRW Study Guide (NRWA members only) available via download here.
