Most hiring managers look at your cover letter before your résumé - I know I did. So, if you don’t “wow” them in this document, those hours you spent on your résumé will have been for nothing.
In a recent interview with Louise Kursmark, MRW, JCTC, CEIP, CCM, co-author of “Cover Letter Magic: Trade Secrets of Professional Resume Writers,” she offered an outline of a cover letter that will dazzle readers.
Overall Advice
- Be succinct – get to the point. Don’t bore your readers with unnecessary detail.
- Use language that is professional but friendly and natural sounding. Don’t try to impress them with your big vocabulary.
First Paragraph
- Begin by immediately telling your reader why you’re writing. Were you referred by a mutual connection? (This approach is a real door opener, so use it whenever possible.) Are you responding to a posting? (Be sure to reference the source, job title, and posting number if available.) Did you read something about the company that sparked your interest? (Let them know why you want to work for them.)
Second/Third Paragraphs
- In one or two short paragraphs or a couple of bullet points, highlight the qualifications, experiences and accomplishments that are directly relevant to the company and the opportunity.
- Provide specific examples that will be memorable to the reader rather than vague generalities. But, don’t go overboard – you don’t need to tell them all of your qualifications (after all, you are attaching your résumé), simply the most impressive and most relevant points that communicate your potential value to the company.
- Be enthusiastic about the company and the opportunity – you want to work there, so let them know it!
Final Paragraph
- Close on a strong note by requesting an interview. Keep the ball in your court by promising to follow up – and then make sure you do.
Comments
On the mark here, great! Keep in mind that if you apply to a job online a recruiter will likely see your resume before they see the cover letter because in some Applicant Tracking Systems, that's how it is set. So don't include something crucial in your cover letter that's not on your resume b/c they will "see it in your cover letter." if they don't like your resume they'll never get to the cover letter.
Susan Strayer
Career Coach and Author, The Right Job, Right Now
www.susanstrayer.com
Twitter: @DailyCareerTips
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