How to Write a Winning Cover Letter
It isn't just enough to fire off e-mail resumes. Applying for jobs has become so easy that employers often receive many times more resumes than in times past.
So how do you distinguish yourself as a candidate? Send a personalized cover letter. In just three to four paragraphs an employer can decide if he wants to interview you.
A winning cover letter gets personal
Tell them what you know about their company. After reading their Web site, product or service materials and studying the job description, write something you think they would care about. For example, "I know how formable of a competitor that company XYZ has become."
Mention contacts within the company
If you don't know anyone who works there, find a friend of a friend using LinkedIn.com. Call them soon as possible to discuss the company.
Tell them how your skills fit into the position
This requires special attention to each sentence. Tell them how your strengths, experience and desires will fit their needs.
Tell them how you relate to the organization
Cover letters are not about you. They are about how you can help the organization. I cannot emphasize how important this is.
How WriteExpress software can help you write personal cover letters
Our products include canned sample letters but we know you need more. To write personal cover letters, we offer must-know tips, step-by-step instructions, and choice sentences and phrases for each writing step. This way you can find the perfect words for each customized cover letter.
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Get the letters you will need (plus cool sentences and phrases):
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Cover Letter Articles
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The right cover letter can get their attention
Make it impress
Cover letters are like first dates--if they immediately impress employers then they will want to learn more about you. If not, they move onto the next resume.
Your cover letter is the first document an employer reads. It must introduce you with style and class.
Present yourself as someone who can fill the employer's need. In other words, market yourself as somebody with the specific skills and expertise that the job requires.
Don't just say, "I'm the right person." Describe yourself with well written examples, achievements, work ethics and personality traits that specifically address each job requirement.
Make it stand out
Suppose you were the employer and you received a stack of resumes for a job listing. You would read the cover letters before you scanned the resumes, and would reject resumes if:
There was no accompanying cover letter The same cover letter was obviously used for other job submissions The cover letter didn't match the job description The cover letter was filled with general information. All you read was "blah, blah, blah." The cover letter contained spelling, grammatical or typo errors The applicant's skills don't match the job description The applicant made unsubstantiated claims
How to get results
Know what the employer wants Market your strengths to edge out the competition Tailor your cover letter to meet the employer's needs List specific examples of solving similar problems that correspond to the employer's needs Write a personal letter as if you were talking to the employer directly Present yourself as a professional candidate worth interviewing
Cover letter checklist:
Customize the cover letter for the particular job Emphasize what you have to contribute to the company or organization Show enthusiasm for the opportunity. Do your homework--let the employer know that you know who they are, what they do, and that you have chosen them! In bold type, highlight your skills that match the job description Fix ALL spelling errors and typos Personalize your cover letter. If possible, address your cover letter to the person in charge of interviewing and hiring
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