You always hear that typically, ‘IF’ recruiters and HR managers look over a cover letter, they do so in less than a minute to determine if you’re a strong candidate.
Guess What? It’s TRUE. Your cover letter needs to grab the reader’s attention by showing that you are a viable choice for the position, and I can show you just how to do that.
What to use in your greeting.
The person’s name is best. Make sure to use the proper Mr., Mrs., Dr. or title along with their last name. Do not use their first name unless you know them personally. If you have a name that can go either male or female, use a standard greeting such as: “Dear Dale Johnson”. If you have questions about the name, then call and ask for the information through the company, or look them up on Facebook, LinkedIn or Google.
Notate the position or title, company name and how you learned of the position.
Example: “I read your recent posting for a Corporate Liaison Officer position at Target Corporation in the Minneapolis Star Tribune.” This give the HR managers a chance to sort through resumes and in this case – a posting from a local paper may increase the chances that your resume will be chosen.
Show don’t Tell why you are the best person for the job.
This is your 30 second ad to give them the sizzle before they dig into the steak, your résumé.
Example: “You’ll see in my résumé, that I have the skills, diversity and experience that comes with 15 years in corporate mergers and acquisitions with local well known businesses. I’m ready to step up to the BIG LEAGUES with the Minnesota Twins organization. I also have years of experience as a financial freelancer working with worldwide initiatives that will definitely benefit the team.”
Include powerful keywords from the job description to expound on your capabilities. Hammer home pieces of your past that directly relate to the job description and use items to show your knowledge of the problems and how you can solve them.
Be concise and include your contact information, including best times and ways to speak with you.
Your cover letter should never be more than one page and like your résumé, should have a visual appeal. Electronic submissions where you can attach a cover letter need to be kept to around 3-5 paragraphs. Keep the paragraphs brief as to not take up too much time or distract from them getting to your résumé.
Give your cell phone, home phone and the email address you use the most and let them knowhow best to contact you using your preferred method.
Proof read your documents and submissions.
It’s the same as the old joke – ‘How do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, Practice, Practice – in this vein its re-read, re-read, re-read.
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