Crafting an Eye-Catching Cover Letter

Many job seekers today are tempted to skip the cover letter. Think twice before doing so!

• A thoughtfully written letter can distinguish an individual from the crowd.

• A cover letter allows you to give greater detail about your unique skills and qualifications.

• A well-written cover letter can make you the best fit for the role. (Job or Internship)

4 Attention-Getting Ways to Start Your Cover Letterby Lori Cates Hand, Jist Publishing

1. Refer to a prior conversation with the hiring manager. “Thank you for taking my call last Thursday and discussing your graphic arts opening.”

2. “Drop” the name of the person who referred you.

“At the suggestion of Dana Dell, I am contacting you regarding an Internship. . .

3. Lead with one of your most relevant successes. “Under my leadership as marketing manager, sales increased . . .

4. Quote a recent industry statistic or relevant article.

“I was interested to read in Business Monthly that. .

Cover Letters

• First Paragraph: State the reason you are writing and how you heard about the job.

• Second Paragraph: Describe your strongest qualifications. (Do not repeat your resume).

• Third Paragraph: Close with the next step you will take

Nine Easy Tips Any Job Seeker Can Use When Crafting a Cover Letter

• Information by Robert Half International

Tip 1• Don’t start your note with:

“To Whom it May Concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam”

• Instead:Call the company to ask the

hiring manager’s name (as well as correct spelling).

Dear Mr. Santos:

Avoid a Generic Salutation

Tip 2• Limit letter to two or three

short paragraphs. Explain why the job interests you and what qualities you can bring to the position.

• Your interest in race car driving probably isn’t applicable.

Keep it Focused!

Tip 3• Target each letter to the

actual job opening.• Determine which

accomplishments to focus on by looking at the job posting.

Customize the Content

Tip 4• There is a fine line between

confidence and cockiness:Saying you are the best “Web

Designer” in the West is less effective than explaining how your redesign of a client’s Web Page increased sales by 10%.

Showcase Your Top Assets

Tip 5• Address issues that may

give a hiring manager pause such as gaps in employment.

Briefly explain why you were out of work and, more importantly, what you have been doing since to keep your skills up to date.

Address Any Concerns

Tip 6• Avoid asking for a specific

salary or making other work-related demands such as:

I prefer working from home every Friday

I need at least $25 an hour.

Don’t Make Demands

Tip 7• Don’t stretch the truth about

your accomplishments.• Even minor misrepresentations

can come back to haunt you during the reference or background check process.

Be Honest

Tip 8• Ask a teacher, trusted friend,

or family member to review the document.

• “I am an extremely fast leaner”• “Instrumental in ruining entire

operation for a Midwest chain store”• “I am a rabid typist”• “Seeking a party-time position with

potential for advancement”• “Consistently tanked as top sales

producer for new accounts”• “Received a plague for Salesperson of

the Year”

Check For Errors

Tip 9• When applying for a

position electronically, paste your cover letter into the body of the e-mail message you send to the hiring manager.

• If this is not possible, attach your letter to your resume.

Find A Place

• When well-crafted and targeted to the opportunity and employer, a cover letter can give you a significant edge over the competition.

• Don’t miss this chance to make a strong first impression about yourself and set yourself apart from other contenders!