A resume's main purpose is to highlight your education and work experience, but a cover letter gives you the opportunity to put yourself in the spotlight. While it's never a good idea to boast, there is no reason why you can't shine. Well-presented details about yourself might make you stand out from the crowd.
A cover letter that will get you an interview should include the following:
Job qualifications
Start by applying for a job that fits your qualifications. Pay attention to the job title, the department, and the job specifications. If the requirements list a minimum of 10 years' experience in marketing and you have been in human relations for the past five years, chances are you will not be selected.
Salutation
Never start off with the generic "Dear Sir or Madam." A letter directed at nobody in particular not only shows a lack of interest in the company, but also a lack of effort to research resources. It's easy enough to go online and find out the name of the hiring manager, or pick up the phone and call the receptionist of the organization and ask for those details.
Opening paragraph
Because you only have seconds to grab a hiring manager's attention, your cover letter needs a killer opening line. Put yourself in the interviewer's place and imagine what it must be like to sift through 50 or even 100 cover letters. How much interest would you expend on a letter that starts off like all the others? On the other hand, reading a letter that starts off a little differently might make you sit up and take notice.
Job credentials
Explain why the job is of interest to you. If you're excited about the position, don't be afraid to show your enthusiasm. Back up your interest by touching on your education and experience. If the hiring manager is looking for a sales person and you boosted sales by 10 percent in your previous company, be sure to mention that. Tell the manager of your achievements and how they can benefit his or her company.
Closing
In the last paragraph of the letter, request an interview and let the hiring manager know when you are available. It can't hurt to repeat your interest in the job and let your enthusiasm shine through.
Pay attention to details
Before printing, mailing, or faxing your resume and cover letter, check both carefully for spelling and grammar. If you are planning on sending a hard copy of your resume and cover letter to the company, use a good quality printer and paper. If you are emailing your application, address the hiring manager in the body of the email and state that your resume and cover letter are attached.
Writing a cover letter that will get you an interview takes careful consideration and a little creativity. Keep in mind that your cover letter is not the place to make demands, but it is your first opportunity to gain an edge over your competition.
These tips for great cover letters can help your job application stand out. |
Learn all about writing cover letters with our helpful guide giving you tips on proper cover letter formats, creative ways to write the best cover letters, check out sample cover letters and more. |
Traditionally, a cover letter was seen as a critical part of any job application. Much advice has been gathered over the years about how to format and present a cover lette...click here for more. |
If you would rather get to the point when writing a cover letter, consider the T-style cover letter format. |
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Knowing how to write a cover letter you can send over e-mail can save you time and paper. |
Spending more time on your cover letters rather than focusing solely on your resume will help to get you that interview. |
For a successful cover letter, you need to tailor the letter to the needs of your potential employer. |
Writing cover letters well gets you noticed, but they also give you the chance to explain why your resume may differ from the job requirements listed in an ad. |
