Don’t overlook value of cover letter

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There are several approaches to writing a cover letter introducing your resume to a prospective employer

One of the most effective is a well written, customized letter highlighting the accomplishments that match the advertised requirements of the position. The key words here are "well written," "customized" and "accomplishments." These three components will enhance the chances of your resume being read and will take you a step closer to getting that interview.

Many job seekers spend a great deal of time, energy and money perfecting and printing their resumes, but jeopardize it all with a poorly constructed cover letter that reveals little preparation.

There are a few simple guidelines to follow that will enable you to come across as both professional and qualified.

Type must be clean
First, the basics. All of your cover letters should be typed and centered on a heavy bond paper, preferably of the same off-white shade as your resume. Don't underestimate the importance of the overall appearance of your letter.

The type should appear clean, even and dark. No matter how carefully you have composed a letter, it will lose something if it is typed on a machine that fills in all the o's with smeary blobs or is too light to be read without a flashlight.

Attention to spelling, punctuation and grammar is absolutely essential. Employers look at your cover letter as if it were a work sample. They know your resume probably too hours to prepare, but a cover letter is much more representative of the kind of correspondence you would generate day to day on the job.

Check and double-check the spelling of the employer's name, title and company. This can be taken directly off the ad to which you are applying or can be obtained by calling the company. If you call, simply say that you have a letter you want to send to the director of sales (or whatever position) and request the correct spelling and exact title.

The first paragraph should clearly state your purpose and convince the employer that it's worthwhile to read on. One way to do this is to use a familiar name as an introduction. For example:

"John Smith, ACME printing Co., suggested that I contact you regarding the Director of Sales position advertised in the October 14 edition of The Milwaukee Journal."

It will create an instant connection with the reader and act as a personal referral.

Tailor the opening
Another good way to hook an employer's interest is to tailor the opening paragraph to fit the quality or skill most directly asked for in the ad. For example, if the want ad emphasizes the need for "a proven track record" or "experience required," start with: "As a seasoned manager with a solid, results-oriented background in financial management, I read with great interest your recent ad for a..."

The second section should do more than simply describe your experience. Just as your results-oriented resume stresses the accomplishments under your responsibilities, so should your cover letter.

It should be brief, however, so don't reiterate every point on the resume. Instead, select only those achievements that match the requirements mentioned in the ad. Accomplishments don't always have to be big to show that you are qualified to do the fob. What is important is that they are specific, clear and relevant to the fob described by the employer.

If you lack the required education or experience, but feel that you have the equivalent in accomplishments, highlight them. To do this, on scrap paper, dissect the ad and list all the qualifications it mentions. Under each one, list the accomplishments you have achieved using the exact phrases used in the want ad. In the final draft it would look something like this:

"Briefly, I can bring you a career history of achievement in almost every facet of the employee-relations area. For example, I have:

Negotiated group health insurance contract resulting in 30% improvement in protection at a 7% rate reduction.

Initiated and installed successfully operating job evaluation/wage and salary plans, for exempt as well as for non-exempt employees."

Wrap up this accomplishment section with one or two more paragraphs summarizing what you have done for your past employers and how it relates to this position.

The closing should be brief, confident and express the desire for a direct meeting. Here are some examples: "I am available to discuss my qualifications and experience in a personal interview." Or, "I have enclosed my resume for your review, and I look forward to future discussions regarding my potential contribution to ABC Electric Co."

Do you need answers to tough job hunting questions?  Are you looking for some added punch to help you stand out from the crowd?  Joan Lloyd’s has developed job hunting tools that can help you to maximize your job search:

Savvy Negotiation Strategies to Get Paid What You’re Worth on a New Job (Detailed, special report)
Easy, Step-by-step Guide to Using the Internet to Land a Great Job (Detailed, special report)
The Resume that Gets Results and the Interview that Gets the Job (37 page, detailed instructions)