Resume Cover Letters
A knockout cover letter sells the concept that you're a good fit for the company you're applying to. In order to devise an effective letter, you need to understand what makes the company tick (its products, history, market standing, goals, challenges, mission statement, industry, clientele, corporate culture, etc.).
Time is money in the business world. You need to grab the employer right away with the first sentence of your letter. The point of your lead line is to engage the hiring manager — make her sit up straight and think, "Ah, here's someone who has something to say!" If you can elicit that kind of response, you already have her wanting to meet you.
What is your cover letter selling? You! You're the product, and the middle paragraphs of your cover letter should contain your sales pitch. Your confident presentation, a declaration of your job objective and your qualifications must convince the reader that you are a good fit for the job.
Closing the deal is where many cover letters fall short. They either fail to ask for the interview, or they meekly suggest the possibility that the reader might want to talk to the job seeker. Concluding your letter with a confident request for an interview is the best way for your cover letter to initiate action.
Here are some additional tips for writing an effective cover letter:
- State your case concisely
- Limit your letter to one page
- Double check your grammar and spelling
- Have others proofread your work
- Keep a copy for yourself
- Follow up with the employer
