Cover Letters: More Helpful Hints

Sell yourself.

We're not talking about Amsterdam's Red Light District. We're talking about finding a job. Cover letters are your first sales pitch to potential employers. Remember that employers receive hundreds of resumes and cover letters from people that are applying for the job YOU want. Your goal is to stand out from the other candidates. A good cover letter introduces you to an employer and explains why you are one of the best candidates applying for a job with the organization. It should motivate the employer to read your resume and hopefully invite you to interview for a position you are seeking.

What does a cover letter do? Basically, it expands on your resume and lets you write about yourself in a more personal way. Cover letters don't have to be stiff and formal--avoid the "rubber stamp" letter. The voice behind the letter should be warm, friendly and genuine. Employers want to hire real people, not robots. Although your letter should reflect your personality, always keep your audience in mind. Catchy opening sentences are wonderful for creative jobs in communications and advertising, but Wall Street might not appreciate it. Before you send out your cover letter, show it to someone in the industry to get feedback.

Ten Basic Rules:

1. Type each letter or use a computerized cover letter service so each letter looks individually typed.
2. Use 8 1/2" x 11" bond paper that matches your resume.
3. Address each employer by name and title. Never send a "Dear Sir/Madam" letter-- it's too impersonal.
4. Send your letter to the highest-ranked official possible so that it will receive immediate attention.
5. Check for grammar and spelling errors. This letter is the first example of your writing skills and how you present yourself.
6. Keep your letter short (three to five paragraphs) to hold the reader's interest.
7. Start your letter with a strong, attention-grabbing sentence.
8. Mention past experience along with recent accomplishments.
9. Convince the company that they want you and need you. Propose a mutually beneficial association with that employer.
10. Have an aggressive closing paragraph and state a specific action, i.e., I will call you in ten days to set up an interview. P.S.: It is important to keep a record of all your correspondence and what stage each application is in.

Purpose & Strategies

• •   Your cover letter is more than likely the first contact you will have with a potential
      employer. If it is well-written, your letter will lead the reader to your resume. If your letter is
      poorly written or produced, the employer may not even take time to review your resume
      and your application has a good chance of ending in the circular file.
• •   When you prepare the cover letter put yourself in the shoes of the hiring manager. If you
      were doing the hiring, what attributes would the ideal candidate for this job possess? You
      probably would prefer that the person has work experience similar to, or at least
      applicable to, the position he or she is applying for. You would want the ideal candidate
      to be ambitious and anxious to contribute his or her energy and skills to the success of
      your organization. The perfect candidate would demonstrated interest in, and knowledge
      of, your particular company or organization. In short, you would want to hire an energetic,
      dedicated and skilled candidate.
• •   The cover letter affords the opportunity for you to present yourself as the perfect candidate.
      Imagine your cover letter as a marketing tool, much like a television commercial. Effective
      commercials catch your attention by highlighting only the most attractive features of a
      product.
• •   Highlight your most attractive features as a potential employee. Remember, employers
      typically receive hundreds of applications for each job opening. No one is going to waste
      time reading through a long letter crammed with text. Be brief. You should avoid detailing
      your entire work history. The best way to distinguish yourself is to highlight one or two of
      your accomplishments or abilities that show you are an above-average candidate for the
      position. Stressing only a few unique attributes increases your chances of being
      remembered by the recruiter and getting to the interview stage, where you can elaborate
      on the rest of your accomplishments.
• •   Taking time to research each employer promises to be much more effective than sending
      out hundreds of form letters. In effect, you are saying to employers, "This is where I want
      to work. I have done my research and I am confident in my decision."

More Cover Letter Tips

• •   Never send out a resume without a cover letter.
• •   Address your cover letter specifically to the person by name and title who will most likely
      be interviewing for the job you have in mind.
• •   Call the employer's switchboard to ask for this information.
• •   If you are answering a blind newspaper advertisement- one in which the employer is not
      specified- you can address your letter "To Whom It May Concern" or "Dear Hiring
      Manager."
• •   The cover letter should be neat, contain no typos, misspellings or errors in grammar.
      Employers judge you on your ability to communicate and your ability to manage the
      presentation of information. A cover letter does both.
• •   Use 8 1/2 x 11 paper allowing a border of at least one inch. This allows space for the
      reader to make notes.
• •   Use the same quality paper as your resume. Match envelope as well.
• •   Use a clear type face large enough to allow easy reading. Avoid script and other exotic
      typefaces.
• •   Individualize your cover letter. Each cover letter you write will have a somewhat different
      slant, depending on what skills are important to the needs of the particular employer.
• •   Whenever possible, do some research on the organization or company before you write
      your cover letter.
• •   Read annual reports or product brochures or by contacting people in the organization.
• •   Keep it to three or four paragraphs and no longer than one page.
• •   Always close your cover letter with a request for an interview.
• •   Suggest a specific time or reason, such as: "I will be in your area next week and would
      appreciate the opportunity for an interview on Tuesday or Wednesday."
• •   Be assertive.
• •   Make a record and keep a copy of each letter and resume you send.

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