Overview

The Cover Letter is a professional business letter which serves as your introduction to a prospective employer. The purpose of the cover letter is to communicate to the employer in a personalized message your potential value to that organization. A good cover letter will attract the interest of the employer, relate your specific qualifications and skills to the position you seek, and motivate the employer to learn more about you by inviting you in for an interview. A letter of application is in response to an advertised opening, whereas a letter of inquiry presents a job seeker's interests and qualifications as they relate to the employer's needs and potential job openings.

Given a choice, many job seekers would rather SWIM WITH SHARKS than write a cover letter! But it’s an essential part of the job search process. A cover letter should always accompany each resume and/or application. It lets you go in-depth to support what you mentioned in your resume.

As important as it is, a cover letter has a life expectancy of only about EIGHT seconds. In a short amount of time, it must quickly and clearly point out your knowledge, skills, and track record, and explain how these credentials can make a tangible contribution to a prospective employer. It must also persuade the reader to continue on to your resume with positive expectations.

Rules to Follow

Target your message. A cover letter that relates your skills and experience to a specific position in a specific organization is more effective than a generic "all-purpose" cover letter.

Spotlight your accomplishments and measurable results. Show how your credentials match the requirements of the job. Incorporate information that reflects your knowledge of the company, its industry and relevant issues. This is the perfect place to "editorialize" about the accomplishments cited in your resume.

Focus on what you have to offer. Too often candidates stress what they’re looking for (salary, geography, advancement) and not how their skills, expertise, and past accomplishments can benefit the employer.

Follow standard business protocol. Write clearly and concisely, and check your letter for spelling and grammar. Choose white or a light colored paper (preferably personalized letterhead stationery) that matches your resume and envelope.

Send your letter to a specific individual. It may take some resourcefulness on your part to identify the person who is likely to make employment decisions, and you may have to make a dozen phone calls to learn the contact’s name, correct spelling, and title. But it’s important; a form letter will not stimulate readership and a favorable response.

The Main Parts

Introduction: Attract positive attention with your opening sentence. Use a compliment if possible, indicating your knowledge of their company. State why you are writing and name the position or type of work for which you are applying. Where applicable, indicate how you became aware of the job vacancy and mention the mutual acquaintance or referring party by name.

Middle Paragraph(s): Sell yourself. State reasons for wanting to work for this particular organization. (Researching potential employers thoroughly is essential for writing this section.) Summarize what you have to offer by stating qualifications you know would interest this specific employer. Don’t merely restate information already on your resume, but highlight or specify elements of your background matched to the job. Emphasize your interest and enthusiasm.

Closing: Close by informing the reader of your next action. You may request an interview appointment or tell the reader that you will re-contact them for an interview after they have had the opportunity to review your resume. (If applying from a great distance, a request for a telephone interview or a referral to a local representative is appropriate.) Taking the initiative will be appreciated and makes a specific action from the reader unnecessary. Be sure to express appreciation for consideration given to your application.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Cover letter is poorly organized, confusing, unclear and choppy.
• Cover letter focuses on what the candidate is looking for (i.e., salary, geographic preference, advancement, etc.) and not on how the candidate can benefit the employer.
• Cover letter states unrelated career goals.
• Cover letter includes information that calls attention to candidate's weaknesses. Avoid using statements such as 'Although I have no related experience, ...'
• Cover letter is a general form letter sent to a large number of employers.
• Cover letter includes erroneous information about the organization, i.e., misquotes about recent events or information about wrong products. Be sure to verify the accuracy of any company information that you mention in your letter.
• Cover letter includes personal photographs or personal information such as age, weight, height, marital status, race or religion. Cover letter lists personal interests and hobbies. Include personal information only if it directly relates to the type of job you are seeking.
• Cover letter uses words which may indicate a lack of self-confidence, like believe, hope, feel, should, and know.