[Previous entry: "Where Have You Been and Where Are You Going?"] [Main Index] [Next entry: "Ready for a new job?"]

04/04/2005: "How to write a cover letter"

Here's an article I recently distributed to clients to help them write their cover letters.

HOW TO WRITE AN EFFECTIVE COVER LETTER

A cover letter should be sent every time you send your résumé – whether you are emailing, faxing or mailing your résumé. The point of the cover letter is to clearly identify the job you are applying for and to make a strong case that you are the best candidate. Avoid telling the employer why the job is convenient for you and focus on what you can offer the employer. Be employer-focused!

Write the cover letter like a business letter. If you are familiar with Word, you can cut/paste your résumé heading to serve as your cover letter heading. Include the date you are writing. Include the name of the person to whom you are writing (if you know it) and the name and address of the company. Address your salutation to the hiring person. If you don’t have a specific name, you can use Dear Hiring Manager or Dear Hiring Professional as your salutation. If you are writing an email cover letter, you need only the salutation. In the message line, identify the job as clearly as possible with the job title, job number, etc.

I am a fan of shorter rather than longer cover letters. An effective cover letter can be written in three paragraphs.

Paragraph One

Clearly identify the specific job you are applying for and how/where (internet, newspaper, etc) you found that job The company may have posted hundreds of jobs. Let them know specifically what job you are applying for. If someone has referred you to the company, identify them in this first paragraph. Referrals are golden and we don’t want them buried in the cover letter! If you know something about the company, you can include it here. (“I have a strong interest in working for XYZ Company because of your strong reputation as a leader in the _____ field.”). Only include this if you have specific knowledge about the company.

Paragraph Two

This is where you make your case that you are the best person for the job. Briefly describe their requirements for the job and tell them how you can meet their needs. This part of the cover letter should answer “This is what I can do for you.” Match your strengths and skills to the position you are applying for. This paragraph only needs to be between 5-8 lines.

Paragraph Three

Ask for an interview. You could say “I am confident that I have the skills and qualifications you are seeking. I would appreciate the opportunity for an interview with you to discuss further how I can contribute to your company. I may be reached at ______(phone number).” Close with “Thank you for your consideration.” Add a “Sincerely” to close and your name.


MY ADVICE IS TO KEEP YOUR LETTER SIMPLE, CLEAR AND TO THE POINT! GOOD LUCK!

Georgiana Carollus, M.A.,CPRW www.resumeswithspirit.com 630-654-8540