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5 key components of a cover letter that opens doors
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So... you've created a knockout resume, and you're ready to wow employers by sending it directly to them. Don't forget to send it under cover--a powerful cover letter, that is.
While a great resume can open doors, a compelling cover letter can be an equal (if not MORE) important part of your pitch for employment.
In fact, some surveys of HR professionals and recruiters have suggested that the cover letter--INSTEAD of the resume--is what really gets read.
You read that right! The interviewing decision may actually rest on how well-written and concise your cover letter appears... and the irony is that you may never find out whether it was the resume or the letter that was most important in your success.
Even if cover letter writing isn't your style, don't panic! With a few simple tips, you'll be able to create a focused document that conveys your value proposition clearly and succinctly.
Read on for 5 strategies that can help even a novice letter writer create a memorable introduction that captures an employer's attention:
1 - Ensure that your letter matches your resume in presentation and style.
Start by copying the name and address header information from your resume to a blank document. Next, check the margins on each document to ensure that they match.
Be sure to use the same font as your resume, in order to give your application a professional "package" look. In addition, don't suddenly switch fonts or font sizes in the midst of the letter itself.
Taking these steps will ensure that the hiring authorities can match your resume to the letter--plus, doing so will convey your sincere interest in putting your best professional foot forward.
2 - Make every attempt to find out the name of the hiring manager before sending your application.
Avoid using the hackneyed phrase "Dear Sir" by finding out exactly who is behind the open position. This is where your Internet research skills will come in very handy.
Sites such as LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com) or Zoominfo (www.zoominfo.com) are great resources for job hunters who want to find company insiders.
In addition, you might be able to call the company and ask who the hiring manager is for the open position, or use your network to learn the names of managers at the company.
You may even be able to find a press release that contains this information, using PR News Wire (http://www.prnewswire.com/).
If you can't find out the name, "Dear Hiring Manager" is most appropriate. Skip "To Whom it May Concern"--or it won't concern anyone!
3 - Keep in mind that the purpose of the letter is to gain attention.
Your first paragraph should therefore skip mundane details and get right to the point. Aim for an opening sentence that states your main qualifications, plus your objective, all in one shot.
For example, a cover letter for a Sales Manager might begin with:
"With a strong background closing contracts in excess of $1 million at Fortune 500 corporations, I am confident that I can exceed your expectations in the role of Sales Executive."
Conversely, an Operations Director might use the following:
"As an operational executive focused on delivering the highest levels of quality, I have helped global organizations quickly achieve bottom-line profits by driving improvements to productivity and cost control. These qualifications have prompted my application to your company for the position of Operations Director."
4 - Summarize what you can do for the company WITHOUT a total reiteration of the resume.
Even though you've put a lot of effort into your resume, it's still best to resist the temptation to repeat all that great information.
You'll capture more interest by restating your main qualifications, and giving the reader a clear description of the strengths and skills that will allow you to succeed in the job.
I recommend adding a bullet-point list (a favorite among recruiters!) of your relevant qualities and achievements, keeping it to a maximum of 5 critical points. Preface it with "Representative skills that make my background ideal for this position include..." to give the employer a quick snapshot of your fitness for the job.
Still stumped for ideas? Think of your cover letter as a great way to answer the classic "Why should we hire you?" question, and you'll be able to state your case much more succinctly.
5 - Limit the number of sentences beginning with "I" as much as possible.
Focusing on the job and the employer's requirements are key strategies for a great introduction. One of the best ways to do this is to refrain from using first-person references at the beginning of your sentences.
Why is this so important? Employers are hiring a solution when they bring you on board--and as that solution, you need to convince them that you can solve THEIR business problems.
Think about it this way: when you create a verbal picture of what you can achieve for someone else, it rarely starts with "I"--and structuring your thoughts this way can help to reinforce your emphasis on the company's needs.
The following examples illustrate this point:
"With documented success developing new markets that have generated more than $4 million in profits, my work has been instrumental in year-over-year revenue growth."
"Given your needs for a proven sales performer open to new challenges in the medical device industry, we should talk further about my success in opening 12 new accounts within a single month."
In summary, don't forget to create a strong cover letter as part of your job hunting strategy. You'll find that a personal, yet powerful, introduction to your skills might be all you need to wow employers and end your search.
Laura Smith-Proulx, CCMC, CPRW, CIW is a globally recognized executive resume writer, job search coach, and former recruiter whose work creates new opportunities for leadership professionals and executives. The principal of An Expert Resume, she is a frequent blogger on effective job search and resume-writing techniques for career portals including Jobing.com, Secrets of the Job Hunt, Business Exchange, Executive Agent, and LocalJobNetwork.com.
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