Pair Your Powerful Resume with a Great Cover Letter

Every great resume deserves a great cover letter.

A cover letter is crucial because it's the first thing the hiring manager sees. And you only have seconds to grab his or her attention. So, you have to make sure the cover letter stands out from the dozens--or maybe even hundreds--of others that cross the hiring manager's desk each week.

You might ask, why bother at all with a cover letter? If I only have a few seconds to grab a recruiter's attention, why not do it with a resume? The answer is, that even the best resume is a rather dry listing of accomplishments and abilities. By definition, it's a summary.

But with a cover letter, you have an opportunity to let a little bit of your personality shine through and to talk directly to the hiring manager. Plus, it's your chance to show off a little of what you know about the company and to tell why you're interested in the job.

Use the steps we've outlined here and you'll be well on your way to a dynamite cover letter.

Tip #1: MAKE A CONNECTION

There are 3 basic parts to making a connection:

1. Draft a strong opening paragraph.

2. Show your personality.

3. Research and target your audience.

* Draft a Strong Opening Paragraph.

You must capture the hiring manager's interest immediately. The best way to do this is with a dynamic opening sentence and paragraph. Be sure to refer to the position you're vying for, and state why you are qualified for the job.

Remember to frame your statements in terms of how you can benefit the company, not the other way around.

If you can, mention the name of someone the hiring manager knows and respects. For example, you could say, "Joe Smith recommended that I contact you about your opening for a shift manager." Or, "My associate, Janet Brown, told me such wonderful things about Jones Company that I couldn't wait to send you my resume."

Rhetorical questions that make the hiring manager think can also work well. This should be a question that can lead into some way that you can benefit the company. For example, "Are you struggling with the rising costs of [fill in the blank]? I can cut your costs by 30%. Here's how..."

Beginning with a quote is another good way to grab the reader's attention. Although you must choose your quote wisely. And then you have to make sure you transition into the rest of your letter gracefully.

It's also important to know what tone to set in this opening paragraph. In some cases, this may depend on the industry in which you're trying to get a job. For example, a friendly, informal tone may work well if you're applying to a small, entrepreneurial company. While a more formal, professional tone might work better for a large law firm or corporation. On the other hand, a bold statement might work really well if you're seeking a leadership or sales position.

* Show Your Personality

While your writing style should be matched to your audience to some extent, as explained above, it should also reflect your personality. Start to give your prospective employer a sense of who you are and what you value.

* Research and Target Your Audience

You want to sell the hiring manager on the belief that you're a great fit for the company. The only way to do this is if you know enough about the company to understand what makes it tick. Be sure you've taken the time to learn a bit about their mission, their products, their history, and their goals for the future. This will help you communicate hiring you will benefit them.

Always address the cover letter to a specific person.

Take the time to call the company if necessary to learn the name of the person doing the interviewing. This, in itself, says a lot about your initiative and attention to detail.

Tip #2: SELL YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Your cover letter should sell you as the product. So, make sure you know what skills the company needs and then describe how you have what they are looking for. Pick one or two of your best accomplishments or abilities, and highlight them in your letter. Sure, they're listed on your resume too, but this tactic makes sure the hiring manager sees them right away.

If it makes sense to list a few accomplishments, then list them as bullets. This will draw the reader's attention to that section of the letter right away. And after all, what you have to offer is the most important part of this letter.

Tip #3: CLOSE THE LETTER

Powerfully Ideally, you want to leave your reader hungering to know more about you. But you also want to be proactive. So, rather than ending your letter with the common statement, "I look forward to your call," say you'll call them in a few days to arrange a time to meet. If you don't have a phone number, and couldn't find on during your research, then try to provide an incentive for them to call you.

Some people say they're going on vacation or out of town after a certain date and ask to meet prior to that. Others say they'll be in an area at a certain date and time and ask for the interview during that period. Be creative, but make it as real--and company- oriented--as you can.

Tip #4: MAKE IT PLEASING TO THE EYE

Finally, it's important that your cover letter be easy to read and professional looking.

Kathi MacNaughton, a freelance writer and editor, has years of management and recruitment experience. For tips & advice on writing powerful resumes & cover letters, see http://www.powerful-sample-resume-formats.com. Copyright 2004 Kathi MacNaughton. All rights reserved.

---

Employment Under A Microscope

A certain amount of oversight is involved in almost any... Read More

Fear of Being Outsourced? Fight Back

Me, outsourced? Impossible. How could they replace a business-humor columnist?... Read More

Unemployment Blues: Mind Over Mood

Our lives are tranquil and smooth so seldom, it seems.... Read More

Self-Preservation Techniques For The Unemployed

Looking for work can be difficult, frustrating, anxiety-provoking, and demeaning.There... Read More

Make em READ Your Cover Letter Using This Killer Secret!

Got your attention? Great. That was my intention. Who wouldn't... Read More

Why You Should Never Complain About Former Bosses

You're at a job interview. You're doing great, answering questions... Read More

Get Your Dream Job!

Anyone who is a jobseeker knows that looking for a... Read More

Make Your Resume Keyword Rich and Scanner Friendly

If you haven't looked for a job recently, there are... Read More

Successful Job Search: Knocking Out The Competition

Most of the time, competition stimulates us, gets our juices... Read More

Ten Great Careers That Don?t Require A Four Year Degree

One of the great myths associated with the "American Dream"... Read More

Resume Writing Tips

Make sure that your resume is up to date with... Read More

Online Business: The Underground Railroad for Corporate Escapees

Millions of people everyday spend eight hours or more in... Read More

What Is Your Greatest Weakness?

The fastest way to make a good interview go bad... Read More

The Recruiting Truth...Time Is Not On Your Side

In today's marketplace things are constantly changing and so are... Read More

Writing A Resume That Gets You Noticed

As the old saying goes, "you never get a second... Read More

4 Internet Job Search Mistakes to Avoid

The Internet is the most powerful employment tool on earth.... Read More

6 Vital Tips For Creating A Superior Resume

1: Keep It ShortConsidering that initially HR personnel only spend... Read More

Crafting A Stellar Career Summary For Your Resume

Are you a career changer? Or, are you satisfied with... Read More

Ready to Move -- Anywhere!

"I have lived in this city all my life. My... Read More

Ten Courses Of Study If You Want To Be Your Own Boss

For many Americans, an important component of the American Dream... Read More

How to Think Like a Headhunter to Find Your Dream Job!

In this ever changing world, we need to think out... Read More

The 10 Second Window of Opportunity, Resume Hour Glass

Do you know that a hiring manager just spends 10... Read More

Bringing Our Family to Work

Let's face it, most of us consider professional success and... Read More

Do You Have a Hotsy-Totsy Resume?

I begin this article with a bit of slang description.... Read More

Business Experience is YOUR Security Cover

Some may want to interpret "independent" to mean WITHOUT others.... Read More

Behaviour To Climb The Stepping Stones To Career Success

The heading of this article could just as well have... Read More

Networking - A Key Factor in a Successful Job Search

In today's economy, job seekers need an edge beyond their... Read More

Why Bachelors Make Bad Decisions: Five Tips to Move from Reality Television to Your Career Change

The Bachelor is one of the many reality shows that... Read More

Surviving Corporate Politics Part 2: Keeping Up Appearances

Never a 2nd chance to make a 1st impression, or... Read More

Now, Do You Have Any Questions?

"Who is that hot babe in the picture?" isn't the... Read More

Practice Speaking

For many people, interviewing is not a natural act any... Read More

How to Conquer Job Hunting Apathy

Jack, downsized from his last job, was frozen in a... Read More

Relocation Issues...Who Will Pay?

In light of recent unemployment figures, and a continual downturn... Read More