Ten Tips for a Great Cover Letter
Catch Interest – The first sentence of your cover letter should show that you are an ideal candidate for the position. You will want to compel the reader to learn more about you.
Enthusiasm – Show how interested you are in the position, show that you know about the company and how well qualified you are for the position. Don’t exaggerate. Your cover letter is a chance to sell yourself to a prospective employer and obtain that all-important interview.
Customize – Customize your cover letter for each position. This can more than double your chances of obtaining an interview while a generic cover letter may be dismissed quickly. Show that you have done your homework and that you understand the requirements of the available position.
Show Success – Clearly show that your track record of success and achievement makes you an ideal candidate. Don’t repeat text from your resume. Show how your past achievements will provide a solid foundation so you will be able to start achieving right away in your new position.
Request an Interview – Before closing, be sure to request an interview. Indicate that you will follow-up in a few days to make sure the company received your resume and be sure to ask for an interview.
Thank You – Thank the decision maker for reading your cover letter and considering your resume.
Keywords – Use keywords in your cover letter. You want to make sure that an electronic scan of your cover letter and resume ensures you will ensure you come up as a valid candidate.
Presentation – Give your cover letter a professional appearance. Use margins of 1” or 1.25” on all sides. Use left justification and allow a ragged right margin. Do not justify left and right. Use single spacing for paragraph text and double spacing between paragraphs.
Be succinct – After you have prepared your cover letter review it for non-essential words and phrases and re-phrase sentences using fewer words where possible. Your cover letter should only be one page in length. Longer is not better.
Proofread – Have someone else proofread each cover letter you prepare. Even if you have prepared a new cover letter based on one that has already been proofread. Check and double check for grammar and spelling errors. These can redirect your cover letter and resume to the waste basket in the blink of an eye.
Visit http://www.jobhawk.com/ for more helpful job seeking resources and tips.
Enthusiasm – Show how interested you are in the position, show that you know about the company and how well qualified you are for the position. Don’t exaggerate. Your cover letter is a chance to sell yourself to a prospective employer and obtain that all-important interview.
Customize – Customize your cover letter for each position. This can more than double your chances of obtaining an interview while a generic cover letter may be dismissed quickly. Show that you have done your homework and that you understand the requirements of the available position.
Show Success – Clearly show that your track record of success and achievement makes you an ideal candidate. Don’t repeat text from your resume. Show how your past achievements will provide a solid foundation so you will be able to start achieving right away in your new position.
Request an Interview – Before closing, be sure to request an interview. Indicate that you will follow-up in a few days to make sure the company received your resume and be sure to ask for an interview.
Thank You – Thank the decision maker for reading your cover letter and considering your resume.
Keywords – Use keywords in your cover letter. You want to make sure that an electronic scan of your cover letter and resume ensures you will ensure you come up as a valid candidate.
Presentation – Give your cover letter a professional appearance. Use margins of 1” or 1.25” on all sides. Use left justification and allow a ragged right margin. Do not justify left and right. Use single spacing for paragraph text and double spacing between paragraphs.
Be succinct – After you have prepared your cover letter review it for non-essential words and phrases and re-phrase sentences using fewer words where possible. Your cover letter should only be one page in length. Longer is not better.
Proofread – Have someone else proofread each cover letter you prepare. Even if you have prepared a new cover letter based on one that has already been proofread. Check and double check for grammar and spelling errors. These can redirect your cover letter and resume to the waste basket in the blink of an eye.
Visit http://www.jobhawk.com/ for more helpful job seeking resources and tips.
posted by Bruce at 3:34 PM
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