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Cover Letter Basics You Need To Know
by Nathan Newberger
This http://www.WorkTree.com career article by Nathan Newberger
gives you some common sense advice and tips when writing cover letters.
The cover letter has one primary purpose: to generate interest in
order to land an interview. With this in mind, writing an engaging
cover letter is crucial.
These 9 cover letter writing tips will help ensure that your next cover letter attracts
ample (positive) attention.
1. It's Expected.
In nearly all cases, a cover letter should accompany every resume
that you send out. This is a basic part of business etiquette and
failure to do so could make you appear clueless. As a general rule,
unless specifically instructed to NOT send a cover letter, it is safe
to assume that one is expected.
2. Using E-Mail.
It is perfectly acceptable to send your cover letter (and resume)
electronically. When distributing these items via e-mail, make the
cover letter the body of the message and add your resume as an
attachment. The subject line should include your name and the
position you desire. Send the message from a job search only email
address that you check at least twice a day.
3. Be Unique.
A canned cover letter screams laziness. Do you really want this to
be a prospective employer’s first impression of you? It is
expected that you tailor each letter to the specific company.
Tailoring can be as simple as describing what drew you to the company
or mentioning how you enjoyed speaking with the company
representatives at a job fair.
4. Avoid Careless Errors.
The people who make hiring decisions often have numerous applicants
to consider in a minimal amount of time; they often must make quick
decisions. A misspelled word or grammatical slip-up may be all it
takes to end your chances of landing an interview. Take the time to
proofread. Also, have your most meticulous friend or family
member look over each cover letter.
5. Brevity Is A Virtue.
Ideally a cover letter should be around two-thirds of a page in
length and composed of two to three paragraphs. Never send a cover
letter over a page long. Sentences should be precise and crisp.
Avoid flowery words and redundant phrases. Hiring managers are busy
people. If your cover letter looks like it will take more than a
minute to read, chances are it will be tossed on the reject pile.
6. Address It To A Person.
Whenever possible address your cover letter to a specific person at
the company (preferably someone with hiring authority). If you
cannot obtain a name, then consider addressing your letter to the
department head of the area that you are interested in (e.g. Director
of Marketing). Letters addressed to HR departments have a greater
chance of getting lost in the paper shuffle.
7. Describe Your Qualifications.
Use the body of the letter to give a quick overview of your skills
and proficiencies. Describe success you have had in the past using
your talents. If possible, obtain a job description of the position
you seek. Using this as a guide, focus on including your strengths
that could benefit the employer and the job. Bullet points may be
used in order to convey your points more concisely.
8. Remember The Details.
Cover letters, just like resumes, should be printed on quality
paper. Generally this means a watermarked paper with 25% cotton
content in white or ivory. Print each cover letter on a laser
printer; copies even on good paper will not do. Sign each letter in
pen (blue ink is preferable). There should be no smudges, stains or
even correction fluid on your letter.
9. Don't Re-hash Your Resume.
Your cover letter should not replicate your resume. The cover letter
is your chance to add information that does not generally fit into a
standard resume, such as why you want to work for the company. Take
advantage of this opportunity to distinguish yourself.
Conclusion
Next time you write a cover letter, remember these 9 tips to ensure
that you have the basics in place. A well written cover letter will
help you get noticed and stand out among the competition.
This article can be read online and shared with others directly at:
http://www.worktree.com/newsletter/cover-letter-basics.html
Sincerely,
Nathan Newberger,
Managing Editor
http://www.WorkTree.com
"Helping You Find More Jobs Faster"
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About The Author
Nathan Newberger is the job and career expert at http://www.WorkTree.com Nathan has over 10 years
experience in staffing and human resources. He has worked both as a recruiter and career counselor.
Mr. Newberger has been the Managing Editor at http://www.WorkTree.com for the past 5 years and his
articles have helped thousands of job seekers.
Re-Print Guidelines
Permission is granted to reproduce any of these articles but the article content CANNOT be altered and credit must be
given to the author and also an active link to http://www.WorkTree.com.
As a courtesy, please email Nathan at support@worktree.com if you decide to use any of his articles.
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