If the process of writing great cover letters intimidates you, you'll be happy to learn these simple secrets to amazing cover letters.
1. Make That First Sentence Shine
Your very first sentence of your cover letter should state in concise terms why you are qualified for this specific job. You've gone to a movie or bought a book after reading the paragraph on the back of the jacket, right? Think about this first sentence as your log line or pitch, selling your qualifications, and the subsequent paragraph as the jacket cover of the book. Start by making a list of reasons why you are perfect for the job, and then try narrowing it down to the most convincing two reasons. Write a summary sentence that tells why you are supremely destined to have this job. Now find ways to cut extra words from the sentence, aiming for about fifteen words. Read the sentence out loud, make more revisions until the sentence reads clearly and convincingly, and paste that sentence as your opening line.
2. Tell Them Why They Need You
Write the second paragraph off the list of reasons why you are qualified to get the job. Think of yourself as the person reading your letter, and insert whatever keywords that person is looking for. If you were hiring a person for this position, what qualifications would you hope to see detailed? Check the job posting or ad for hints as to what keywords you will need to include. Write this paragraph using those keywords, and then simplify your sentences by cutting the pitch down to as concise, simple and powerful a paragraph as you can possibly write. Read the paragraph out loud, edit some more and finally insert this paragraph as the second part of your cover letter.
3. Highlight Your Qualifications
Write a third paragraph in which you place bold bullet points highlighting your unique qualifications. This way, the screener does not have to read through all the text to see you are qualified. For example, if you are applying for a job as a J2EE computer programmer with project management experience working in the financial market, consider writing a third paragraph that looks like this:
In short, I am uniquely qualified for this position at XXXX corporation because:
Make this third paragraph short and to the point so the screener can see at a glance that you are right for the job.
4. Tailor Your Pitch
It's tempting to get lazy and use the same cover letter for multiple job applications, but you will want to tailor each letter to show you know something about each specific company or job field. Make sure you include at least one sentence that shows you have done your research and know exactly what this company will need from you, and that you will give them exactly what they need.
5. Use Active Language
Replace passive language with active verbs, showing you are aggressive and assertive. Cover letters should always exude enthusiasm and confidence.
 | Contrary to popular belief, writing cover letters is not a lost art. Even if you're submitting a resume by e-mail or to a job bank, a good cover letter is still the key to getting an interview. |
 | If you aren't sure how to write a cover letter for e-mail, relax because you aren't alone. E-mails may be more casual in tone, but these cover letters are still similar to hard copy cover letters. |
When you apply for a job, the cover letter isn't even read, right? Unless you're applying for a job as a writer, doesn't the cover letter just restate what is on your resume? The answer to both of these questions is an emphatic "no." |
In this day of fast-paced, right-to-the-point communication, more and more job seekers ask if they still need to send a cover letter. Indeed, it would seem at this point that one more piece of correspondence to go through would only be unnecessary clutter for a hiring manager. |
Cover letters are to accompany a resume when applying for a job. The purpose of the cover letter is to get an interview. So many people will spend forever perfecting the perfect resume. Then blow it all by submitting a lousy, second-rate cover letter. |
