Things You Need to Know...

 

Developing a strong cover letter to accompany your resume is critical to opening doors and getting interviews.

 

A good cover letter is important because:

 

• It is the first opportunity a hiring manager gets to see an example of the work you can perform.
   

• It provides you with an excellent sales tool to market yourself – to demonstrate just how unique your skills and experience are in relationship to that company’s specific needs.
   

• It allows your personality to shine through.

 

 

Key Elements of a Cover Letter...

 

• Contact information:  Name, phone number and e-mail address is at the top-centered
   

• Date:  Usually left side above Employer address
   

• Employer Address
   

• Reference Line:  States the title of the position or reference code or job number
   

• Salutation:  Dear Mr. Jones, Dear Hiring Authority/Manager, or Dear Sir/Madam:
   

• Opening paragraph:  Who you are and why you are writing.
   

• Main body:  Your unique skills and why you are an ideal candidate for the job in question.
   

• Closing paragraph:  Where you ask for an interview.
   

• Closing:  Sincerely, or Respectfully, followed by your signature 
   

• Enclosures:  Reference what other documents are enclosed in the “package”….resume, reference list, job application. (this is optional)

 

Important Do's...

 

• Target your letter specifically to the Company or person, focusing your skills and experience to the advertised job. Each cover letter should be tailored to the job at hand.
   

• The cover letter must match your resume
   

• Don’t forget that cover letter writing is a sales process…selling yourself.
   

• Know your targeted employers and understand their needs and desires and then try to put yourself in the employer’s shoes when writing your letter.

 

Sell it, don't Tell it!

 

Luke warm (telling)
“I performed customer service duties and inside sales for a company selling fire alarm kits.”
 

Hot (selling)
As an account rep for ABC Company, I maintained a 91% customer satisfaction rating (2nd highest in the region) and was a consistent leader in our office in selling additional products to clients. (See “Power Phrases” under RESUMES.)

 

Important Don'ts...

 

• Don’t make your letter overly long…too many words may make your letter less readable and passed over.
   

• Don’t make your font too small. Stick with 10, 11, or 12 point. Stick with common typestyles (Times New Roman).
   

• Don’t overuse bold, italics and underlining.
   

• Don’t send an untidy letter (wrinkled, stains, etc.) Your letter is a reflection of you!
   

• Make sure your letter is not poorly reproduced. If possible use a laser printer.
   

• Don’t use bold colors or background paper. Use quality watermarked paper – white, off-white, ivory.
   

• No handwritten changes
   

• Typographical errors are totally unacceptable.  You have one opportunity to make that impression, and you should do everything you can to make it a strong and positive one.