Crafting an Eye-Catching Cover Letter

1. Crafting an Eye-Catching Cover Letter

2. 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)

3. 4 Attention-Getting Ways to Start Your Cover Letterby Lori Cates Hand, Jist Publishing • Refer to a prior conversation with the hiring manager. “Thank you for taking my call last Thursday and discussing your graphic arts opening.” • “Drop” the name of the person who referred you. “At the suggestion of Dana Smith, I am contacting you regarding an Internship. . . • Lead with one of your most relevant successes. “Under my leadership as marketing manager, sales increased . . . • Quote a recent industry statistic or relevant article. “I was interested to read in Business Monthly that. .

4. 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

5. Nine Easy Tips Any Job Seeker Can Use When Crafting a Cover Letter • Information by Robert Half International

6. 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

7. 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!

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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

14. 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

15. 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!