Cover Letters To Promote Your Work
How To Create A Winning Introductory Letter To Get That Interview
Cover Letter Is Not To Just Cover The Basics
Did you ever wonder why it's called a "cover letter"? Not to cover the basics of your resume, but to cover your accomplishments and how it pertains to the job you are applying for. It's not to just repeat your resume or the published ad, but to show the prospective employer that you really do understand what the job entails, and that you can do it.
What You Need To Cover/Include
Yes, you still need to ensure you have included the pertinent skills from the ad (assuming you have those skills, experience, or knowledge) - but you need to expand on how you can prove those skills. For example, if the ad asks for retail experience, you could say you have five years experience handling POS systems, cash and credit transactions, as well as handling customer complaints and service, all within a retail environment. For computer skills, you might say you've worked with Word to create business letters and reports, as well as created budget sheets with Excel.
Don't forget to tell them what you've done and what you can do for them. If you landed an important contract for a previous employer - say so, and briefly say how - and add how you could do it for the prospective employer too.
What You Don't Need To Include
Don't just list the skills the ad asks for - although it is tempting to just repeat the ad. Try using other words for the same skills/requirements; or at least use a different order.
Don't waste space for your name and address and contact information - this should be placed in a header which matches your resume. You could also put your phone number beside your name at the closing (where you sign) - as many people will look to the bottom of the letter for the name/signature.
Physical Appearance Of The Cover Letter
This means how the words and white space are balanced on the paper. If your letter is short, ensure it is centered vertically on the page (equal white space top and bottom). If you need a lot of room for your information, try using a size 11 font. You want to keep an inch margin at the sides. Most interviewers/first contact will write notes to themselves or others in the margins - so you want to make sure there's room.
Keep the paper clean (no coffee spills or other debris) and pay close attention to how you sign. Practice your signature so it is neat and readable. Many employers actually look at the signature to see if you are a neat person who takes the time to sign that way, or just in a rush.
Bottom Line
Your cover letter should expand on the qualities you have for the job, as well as what the job is asking for. Don't just repeat; show them how you proved your skills. Keep the appearance of all documents professional and neat.
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Copyright June 25, 2008. Paym Bergson and Suite 101. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use of this material will constitute an infringement of copyright.
