Cover Letters and Job Searches

Letter Writing Tips to Get That Interview

Aug 24, 2007 Paym Bergson

How To Create A Great First Impression: Tips and Hints on creating a great Cover Letter - to get you that Interview!

You've finally written a great Resume, and now you've found a few jobs you want to apply for - be it advertised or just a company you want to work for. Now you need to create a Cover Letter that will get the potential employer to give you an interview! Remember, the idea of your Cover Letter is to expand on your Resume and get the potential employer interested in interviewing you. Follow these simple tips for a great Cover Letter.

Your opening: Ensure you do state what it is you are applying for! If this is for an advertised position, state the exact title of that position. Don't forget to include any pertinent information - for example, if the position says Job ID #321 - put that on a separate line even before you start into your first paragraph.
Try to avoid the use of "I" - too many "I's" and your Cover Letter looks more like an ego statement rather than an invitation to get to know you better (via an interview). Couch your accomplishments in terms of benefits - especially to the potential company.
Expand on pertinent points from your Resume - and how these points pertain to the job you are now applying for. Use action verbs rather than a passive tone. How will your past accomplishments benefit your new (hopefully) employer - let them know.
What do you think the employer needs to know about you to get that interview - put that information into your Cover Letter. Always think in terms of the company's benefit - why should they hire or interview YOU?
Keep it to one page. The idea is to get an interview - not present your whole life story. A few extra lines can easily fit in by changing your margins - top and bottom first, then sides. Careful though - you still need enough white space for the eye not to tire too easily. And many recruiters/Cover Letter readers still use the side margins to write points on.
In your closing - request an interview - even if it is as simple as saying "looking forward to hearing from you to arrange an interview". Decide how you intend to follow up - for example, if this is a cold-call (no advertised position) state you'll call or follow up in a week - and DO IT! Many employers will wait to see if you do follow through - can you be relied on?

MOST IMPORTANT - check your work for spelling and grammar errors - and don't forget to sign your letter! Even if you're sending via email - you should still put your name and phone number at the end of your letter.

By following these tips you should be able to create a great Cover Letter and a great first impression on your potential employer!

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Ensure Your Cover Letter Stands Out!