Just as there are key elements to writing a good story, there are key elements to writing an effective cover letter. When one is applying for a job, the process can become tedious. Finding a free cover letter online, or by using a cover letter template provided in word processing software, makes the process seem easier and is less time consuming. However, this method is a sure way of not landing an interview or getting offer a job position. By following a few simple steps, one can become more adept at cover letter writing and soon the process will be as easy, and more fun, than downloading a cover letter ever was.
The first thing to incorporate into a cover letter is research. One needs to find out whom is actually doing the hiring. Using a specific name address when writing a cover letter makes it much more personable and creates a connection with the person reading it. Next, one needs to research information about the company which they are applying for. This research can be used to help pinpoint out a candidate's skills would best assist the company. By doing research into what the company needs, a person can write a cover letter which highlights their skills and really sell themselves on being perfect for the job. If one does fiftieth minutes of research, it could save hours, days, weeks, or months of job hunting in the future!
The second point to creating a successful cover letter is to be focused, clear, and concise. A hiring manager has dozens, if not hundreds, of cover letters to go through for each available position. One wants to grab their attention, but they don't have a lot of time to invest reading one's life story. Stick to the details and be as clear as possible. Doing so also demonstrates good communication skills, which is a positive attribute in any career. One wants to be able to share themselves with the employer, but do it in a way that leaves them wanting more. Just like a good book. Which also ties into the first sentence. Every good story needs a first sentence that grabs the reader and holds on until the end. Without that first sentence, then the reader is not going to hang in there for more than a line of two. A cover letter needs the exact same thing. In order to shake the hiring manager out of the comatose of applicant hunting, make sure that first sentence really shine.
The word choice one uses in their cover letter says a lot about them too. It is critical to ensure that each word written into a cover letter makes the kind of statement one wants to make. The words of one's cover letter is the first impression with the potential employer, and thus it has to paint the picture that one wants. Not only does a cover letter have to expand on all the skills the hiring manager is looking for, without being too wordy, a cover letter also has to contain pizzaz and enthusiasm. The word choice is what is going to make or break a cover letter so be sure to go over it with a fine tooth comb. Send the cover letter to relatives, friends, acquaintances; anyone who can help to edit and make it really stand out.
The last two tips for a job-winning cover letter are not well known. In fact, one of them has been recommended against since the work place was invented. The recommendation is simple, ask for an interview. Don't just passive-aggressively hint around to it. Actually request to be invited in to interview and state that one is looking forward to the event. Being confident, and motivated, are things that employers look favorably upon and there is no better way to demonstrate those qualities than to include them in the cover letter.
Finally, be sure to follow up on any job lead. That may require a phone call to the hiring manager, a thank you fax, e-mail, or card, or even a follow up cover letter! There are some companies which specifically request not to be contacted outside of submitting a resume and cover letter, and if that is the case then don't push one's luck, however for any other position it's always a good idea to follow up.
A dynamic cover letter can be an important part of your college internship or full time job search, and is not really used by a lot of college students. It is like the introduction to a sales or marketing packet with one slight difference - you are selling yourself. In order to do a great sales job, there are some basics that are essential.
When getting ready to create your cover letter it is important to remember that this is your letter of introduction and it should be unique to you and your potential employer. The first paragraph, therefore, should be to the point and capture the employer's attention. It should point out the positive contributions and attributes you will bring to the company and it should paint a clear picture of your uniqueness. Highlight the things that set you apart from other potential candidates.
As you move into the second paragraph, you should share details about your professional and academic qualifications. However, before writing anything down, take a minute to think about what kinds of qualifications and skills the job requires. What is the hiring manager going to want to see in his or her ideal candidate?
Now you can start writing the second paragraph. Many people point out their job responsibilities and duties, which can be very mundane. Instead, take the opportunity to highlight your contributions, accomplishments and achievements, especially those that are relevant to the position you are applying for. For example, if you are applying to be a sales manager, you could name an accomplishment such as: "I led my team with XYZ Company to double sales and profit by the end of my first year. Our team received Sales Team of the Year for the entire company worldwide, as a result." If I am looking to hire someone, that just caught my attention. Even if I am interrupted or don't read much further, I know I want to at least speak to you. If you don't have that much experience in the field, highlight the skills that you have that are transferable to the position you are applying for and use the same writing principles.
Your third paragraph should explain why you should be considered by this company for this position. Describe your qualifications and show your knowledge of the company. You should take the time to research the company. In your letter, show that you are familiar with the company. Research the company I advance by looking them up on the internet by name or by checking sources such as Forbes or Fortune 500 online. If the company is smaller, thoroughly explore their website or try to obtain any written information, such as brochures, financial reports to give you a picture of who they are and what they do.
If you have a fourth paragraph, it should proactively ask for an interview or a meeting and reiterate that you feel strongly that you would be a perfect or great fit for the job. Convey these thoughts confidently but not in a conceited or overpowering way. Also be proactive by stating that you will call/contact the individual/company at a specific time, such as next Tuesday or by the end of next week, to follow up.
Once you have done all this hard work and completed your letter, it is essential that you follow-up. This can't be stressed enough. You may be following up by phone or email, but either way, it is important to follow up. I have often heard employers say that they hired a particular potential employee because that individual continued to follow up so much and so well, that it was obvious that she would work hard for the company as well.
Both Mario Churchill & Robert Halgren are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Mario Churchill has sinced written about articles on various topics from Credit Cards, Anger Control and Credit Cards. Mario Churchill is a freelance author and has written over 200 articles on various subjects. For more information on