3 Steps to an Eye-Catching Cover Letter

This article focuses on the top 3 ingredients you need to put in your cover letter to make it noteworthy. But first, let's remind ourselves about what a cover letter is and what role it plays. Well, a cover letter is a concise letter - no more than a single page with plenty of space on the sides, top and bottom filled with 3-5 paragraphs which, in turn, do not each exceed 4 lines of text to keep that airy feel - that you send together with your CV when applying for a job. If it's well done, it will help your CV get noticed by creating a good impression and generating interest for your professional achievements.

Let's not beat around the bush: the cover letter plays a crucial role in terms of winning that job interview you aspire to. That short piece of text introduces you in the context of a role you believe you are qualified for. It is written in simple English to eliminate any risk of misunderstanding, confusion or irritation. You will find advice about cover letters which recommends making them formal: I say make your letter respectful - of your reader's time and intelligence. And respectful of you - your track record, the time you invested and the care you took when applying. Remember also that your cover letter is the only opportunity for a bit of personal touch which your CV cannot do. Unlike a CV which convinces about your abilities, a cover letter can convince about your enthusiasm for the position, show your high level of interest as well as your sound knowledge about the role.

I therefore want to suggest to you that your cover letter is both a prequel and a sequel to your CV. On the one hand, it introduces the CV, wetting the reader's appetite about your capabilities - if not, your CV will end up in the bin. But it is also, and I appreciate that this may sound bizarre, a sequel: because the cover letter never goes into the level of detail which the CV addresses, it is therefore only an interpretation of the information you share in your resume. What it isn't is a repetition: if it were, the risk would be that the CV might appear boring to the reader and they won't finish it. A last word: some cover letter advice will suggest that you feature in your letter information which is NOT in your resume. I disagree strongly: my view is that anything you mention in your letter will be elaborated on in your CV. You don't want to awaken your reader's interest and then not satisfy it.

OK, so now that we've clarified the important role of the cover letter as part of a job application, let's look at what I call a 1-2-3 process around your opening, body of the letter, and how to close.

1. You open with why they should hire you.

Explain clearly what role you are writing about. Refer clearly to the position you are applying for (including, possibly, where you saw it advertised or where you learnt about it) so as to leave no doubt in your reader's mind what job this letter is about. But of course you are not writing just because you happened to see an ad or hear about XYZ position: you mentioned the position to make it clear which one you are discussing but, more fundamentally, because you are ideally suited to it. You need to say this - in one or two sentences tops - upfront. This sets the tone for the rest of the letter. You are not writing about a job, you are writing because they need you. If you make your case well, your reader will not be able to help looking overleaf at your CV and you will be one step closer to the interview.

2. You tell them what you can do them and how.

Now follows a series of 2-3 short paragraphs which elaborate on your suitability. This part promotes your achievements as a professional and, if you feel confident enough to mention those too, your qualities as a person. This is the part which interprets the CV as I wrote above. In substantiating how your capabilities meet their requirements, take care to echo some of the words of the advert or job description: that will make the connection between you and the job all the clearer and stronger.

Remember my "so what?" question when I was discussing CV writing? It's valid here too: a cover letter is short, so you need to be even more selective about what you mention there. So don't just tell them what you can do: illustrate how you work with references to past achievements. This means you start telling your reader a story - a story whose end is in the CV if they want to find it out.

3. You close with a bit of flourish.

A lot of cover letters end by thanking the reader for their consideration (of you as an applicant). That is all right but your reader won't take any notice of this formulaic conclusion. So let me advocate a short paragraph ahead of this "Many thanks for your consideration & kind regards" type of mention before you sign: a short paragraph so you re-state your case for getting the position. Just like you can't have repetition between the cover letter and the CV, you cannot either have repetition between your opening statement and your closing paragraph. This means that some degree of creativity may be called for and this represents a delicate exercise - so delicate in fact that many dare not. But if you do and you succeed, you will stand out from your competition: for that reason, and given the state of the market, let me therefore encourage you to give this challenging exercise a go at the very least. The right kind of pizazz will enhance your reader's opinion of you.

A final word: some cover letter experts recommend you mention that you will follow-up and to give an indication of when you will do so and how. My view is: do mention that you will follow-up because it shows this application matters to you given that you believe your skills are a match. Following up makes perfect sense and shows your commitment to this overall effort. Do say how you will be in touch but don't mention when - I think that makes you look just a tad too keen.

There you have it: a review of the role of a cover letter in a job application process together with a 1-2-3 approach to putting together a text which will catch your reader's eye. How does that land with you? I'm sure you have written many cover letters: does this sound like what you're doing? And if not, I hope my suggestions will have provided food for thought.

Author of the "5 Gear Shifts to Accelerate your Career!" report, Alexandra helps ambitious and high-performing professionals tackle their frustration at work so that they resolve a complex problem, find a way out of a difficult situation or achieve a personally-meaningful objective.

As a Career Accelerator, Alexandra works with gifted individuals to obtain the promotion they deserve, orchestrate an in-house move to a different group, succeed fast in a new role as well as get clear about their next job and how to find it.

Alexandra's clients get to do more interesting work which they enjoy, avoid becoming stuck in one job when in fact they want variety, and learn to lead and work through others if they wish to. That way, they make a greater difference to their firm and, of course, grow their income!

Alexandra will share with you stories and insights from her gratifying but eventful 23-year career in global finance, from Paris to the City of London via New York's Wall Street which you can use to accelerate your career faster than on your own!

Alexandra is the author of the career management e-book "5 Gear Shifts to Accelerate your Career!" Get your copy by going to Alexandra's website at http://coachingforinspiration.com/.

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Breaking It Gently: Crafting a Positive Job Resignation Letter

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5 Mistakes to Avoid in a Cover Letter

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What Does Your Email Cover Letter Say About Your Job Search?

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Breaking It Gently: Crafting a Positive Job Resignation Letter

First, you have to explain why you want to leave the company. There may be a pile of reasons out there, but nothing seems to fit you in order to break up with them smoothly. Second, you have to ask for unemployment benefits and letter of recommendation to your next employer.

Whoever said that quitting a job is easy?

In case you're on the dilemma between pleasing your current employer and your co-workers, and doing the job you're happy about, then these tips on crafting a job resignation letter might come in handy:

1. Tell, don't vent out

It is important for a company to know why you're leaving, so be graceful and tell the reasons straight to the point. But mention it briefly, and without hint of emotional distress. However, if you're not really living for good, it's better to keep the grievances yourself. The thing is fairly simpler than you thought of. Say it in one or two sentences, never spill grim details and use polite words.

2. Offer them help during the transition period

This may not be necessary, but it will always be appreciated. Especially if you know that your post will be vacant for long, telling them that you are still willing to be involved until the next person comes is one of the best ways to end it up. However, this doesn't oblige you to perform your responsibilities until they found a replacement. Just say it out of generosity, let them know that you'll be willing to help whenever possible.

3. Timing is everything

Hand the letter a month before you resign if you don't want to be on bad terms with your employer. It is only fitting and ethical to give them time to process your papers and find someone to fill in your soon-to-be-vacant post. Just put it this way: if you don't give them prior notice, it's as good as saying to their face that "I don't care about your company. What I just want is to get out here fast!" Now, isn't that a pretty slick impression for your next employer?

4. Ask about benefits and recommendations

But don't ask demandingly. Just make a mention of it on your job resignation letter, and your employer will already get what you mean. If you will leave while on good terms with them, you're almost sure that it will be processed fast and without any hassle. If they don't, at least you are always comfortable to come back and ask for it.

5. Keep in touch

This is one of the wisest things to do. Emphasize on the notice that you will be keeping the communication line open for them and give them your contact details. As your former employer, they have all the opportunity to make or break you in your prospective company. Better if you will also give your contacts to your co-workers in case you want to put them as your reference. It is networking that will build you toward the work you want to have, so store plenty of linkages.

No matter how you wanted to cut the bond with your current employer totally, always remember that a smooth separation takes some time and preparation. A job resignation letter is not just an instrument to cut professional ties. It is also a medium toward understanding and continual growth.

Melinda Edwards works as a career consultant and has been invited in many forums and events on human resource management. She is also a time management expert who effectively performs her roles both as a career woman and a mother.

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How to Write a Cover Letter That Guarantees You the Job

Before writing the letter, do your research. Get digging and find out as much information as you can about the company you are applying to. Depending on how badly you want the job, you may want to get more than what is on the company website's profile page. The organization's site, press releases, social media, the newspaper are good places to start.

So how do you write the cover letter?The average employer spends less than 15 seconds on each cover letter they have on their desk. Your letter ideally should generate enough impact to get them interested, (and retain the interest) in less time than it would take for them to dismiss it. To do this, personalize your letter.

In the address, use proper titles and name. Use the information from your research. For example, check the 'management' or 'staff' section of the company's website and see if you can track down a name to use. The advert may even have name of the contact person. For Example:

"Dear Mrs. Kamau" or "Dear Mr. Ouma"

If a name is unavailable, then use a title for example, "The Human Resource Manager." Try to be as accurate with this title as possible.

This paragraph should be brief but have enough of an impact to retain the reader's interest. State the position you are applying for, mentioning where you saw the advert for the job. For example,

"I wish to apply for the position of Financial Assistant advertised as vacant on the March 23rd edition of the Business Weekly."

Explain what interests you about the job in a brief sentence. Try to maintain a balance between sounding enthusiastic about the prospect while retaining a respectable level of professionalism.

Your goal here is to show your worth and how you can be useful to this particular position should you be selected for the position. The question you are trying to answer essentially is "Why You?" Emphasize your strengths and focus on showing the relationship between your skills and experience to the vacancy.

You can also describe your previous achievements and how they relate to the vacancy, and identify two or three brief reasons why you should be called to interview. The research you did in step one should come in handy at this point as it gives you a considerable number of points you can exploit.

Refer the reader to your enclosed CV for additional information. If done right, this combo should just about get you in, and you should be getting the call in no time.

End the letter with details on what exactly you plan on doing as your next step. If you plan on following up with a telephone call, say so. If you plan on waiting to hear from the employer, let them know. Conclude by saying you look forward to discussing your career with the recipient.

The format of the letter will depend on the company to which you are applying. In most instances however, a certain level of professionalism will go a long way to creating a lasting impression.

Many people know how to write a basic cover letter. I'm pretty sure you could whip up one in less than five minutes if you had to seeing as you've probably written a few by now. If you have written more than a few however, then you might want to read on and improve the effectiveness of your letters.

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The Elements of an Outstanding Cover Letter

Next to your resume, your cover letter is the second-most critical part of your employment-search package. It has been estimated that only about 50% of hiring managers or recruiters actually read cover letters, which might leave you asking, "Why bother?" But how do you know -- how can you know -- in which 50% the hiring manager you are targeting falls?

Play it safe. Write a cover letter for every resume you send out. And like the resume, tailor the letter to the company you're targeting. Nothing will shut down a reader's interest like a cranked-out, one-size-fits-all cover letter. And hiring managers and recruiters see so many of them, they can pick out the ones that are not tailored to them practically after they've read the salutation.

To understand a cover letter, it is necessary to understand its role. The cover letter's primary purpose is to illustrate the value you will bring to the company you are targeting. Think of the employer as having some problem or difficulty, and ask yourself what that difficulty is. Then ask yourself how you can demonstrate that you can help the employer resolve that difficulty. In so doing, keep in mind that what you say must always be relevant to that particular employer's needs. And finally, ask yourself the key question: Are you thinking of the employer's needs as primary? Susan Britton Whitcomb, in her book "Resume Magic", concurs: "Are you putting the employer's needs ahead of your own?"

Once you have defined the problem or difficulty the employer is having, illustrate from your professional history an instance where you resolved a similar problem. Suppose you were writing to a company that had seen its overall sales eclipsed by a rival. In your opening sentence, you could express your understanding of the problem's origins, and demonstrate that you had been following the employer's ups and downs for quite some time.

Your next paragraph could connect directly with your experience dealing with the same scenario at one of your own previous employers. What did you do to regain lost market share? How quickly did sales come back? What part did customer satisfaction scores play in the recovery, and how did you figure in that scoring?

Finally, show the employer that his/her needs are more important than your own by reiterating your successes in your field. Tell the employer how much you want to help turn those numbers around. Remind the employer how strong a fit you would be on the employer's team. And close with a suggestion to meet, either by your calling the employer or an invitation for the employer to call you.

See how long it takes before that employer contacts you for an interview.

Read more ...

The Elements of an Outstanding Cover Letter

Next to your resume, your cover letter is the second-most critical part of your employment-search package. It has been estimated that only about 50% of hiring managers or recruiters actually read cover letters, which might leave you asking, "Why bother?" But how do you know -- how can you know -- in which 50% the hiring manager you are targeting falls?

Play it safe. Write a cover letter for every resume you send out. And like the resume, tailor the letter to the company you're targeting. Nothing will shut down a reader's interest like a cranked-out, one-size-fits-all cover letter. And hiring managers and recruiters see so many of them, they can pick out the ones that are not tailored to them practically after they've read the salutation.

To understand a cover letter, it is necessary to understand its role. The cover letter's primary purpose is to illustrate the value you will bring to the company you are targeting. Think of the employer as having some problem or difficulty, and ask yourself what that difficulty is. Then ask yourself how you can demonstrate that you can help the employer resolve that difficulty. In so doing, keep in mind that what you say must always be relevant to that particular employer's needs. And finally, ask yourself the key question: Are you thinking of the employer's needs as primary? Susan Britton Whitcomb, in her book "Resume Magic", concurs: "Are you putting the employer's needs ahead of your own?"

Once you have defined the problem or difficulty the employer is having, illustrate from your professional history an instance where you resolved a similar problem. Suppose you were writing to a company that had seen its overall sales eclipsed by a rival. In your opening sentence, you could express your understanding of the problem's origins, and demonstrate that you had been following the employer's ups and downs for quite some time.

Your next paragraph could connect directly with your experience dealing with the same scenario at one of your own previous employers. What did you do to regain lost market share? How quickly did sales come back? What part did customer satisfaction scores play in the recovery, and how did you figure in that scoring?

Finally, show the employer that his/her needs are more important than your own by reiterating your successes in your field. Tell the employer how much you want to help turn those numbers around. Remind the employer how strong a fit you would be on the employer's team. And close with a suggestion to meet, either by your calling the employer or an invitation for the employer to call you.

See how long it takes before that employer contacts you for an interview.

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Show Some VISION In That Cover Letter!

Jobseekers who gain interviews are those who tailor their presentations directly at the company advertising the opening. They show that the jobseeker understands the needs of the company and that s/he offers the solution to those needs. Companies today are seeking people who can show they have a vision for the position and the issues created by the job opening, and can demonstrate their prior experience successfully implementing that vision.

The average cover letter usually goes something like this:

Dear Ms. Blank:

In response to your ad in Sunday's Weekly Blab for a CEO, I wish to express my interest.

Throughout my career, I have participated in workflow analysis, performed ATM reconciliations, resolved customer inquiries and differences, and presided over meetings. I have traveled to South America and the Middle East, and discussed markets with customers there.

I look forward to hearing from you and setting a time to discuss my qualifications and how I can contribute to your magazine. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Janet Jobseeker

The only good thing about this letter is that it's short. But it also came out of a book. Janet isn't in there, nor is there any indication she knows anything about the position or responsibilities of a CEO. She certainly shows no vision for the job.

But what if she'd sent something like this:

Dear _________________:

If you are seeking a CEO who is interested in a position with an organization that values the status quo, then I am NOT the person for you. My goal is an executive-level assignment where entrepreneurial leadership, turnaround management, vision, continuous process improvement, and organizational development are keys to success. Be it a start-up, turnaround, international expansion, or accelerated growth company, I have the experience, ethics, and strength of character to build, lead, and win. Here are some examples:

* Transformed the vision, direction, and trajectory of division and increased annual revenues from $200 million in 2006 to a projected $500 million in 2011.

* Boosted revenue for International & Surgical division 17% in 2010, despite current global economy, while reducing operating expenses $3 million, improving gross margins 190 bps, and growing operating income 38%.

* Launched sales, marketing, and software operations arms of a start-up medical technology company and created $20 million in revenue.

* Increased X-Ray sales and marketing volume in US, Canada, and South America 15% in a declining market and improved contribution margin 11%.

The list of my career successes spans the Americas, Eastern Europe, MEA and Asia/Pacific markets. I thrive in high-profile, fast-paced, and diverse organizations where I am free to identify opportunities, build relationships, negotiate alliances, and rocket new ventures to unprecedented financial results.

If you are in need of a strong and decisive CEO, I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you to better understand your specific needs and more thoroughly detail my accomplishments. As my resume states, I am a "groundbreaking senior-level executive known for successful management by providing clear direction, ownership for key priorities, lofty goals, and firm commitment to those goals." This is the value I bring to your organization.

Sincerely,

Janet Jobseeker

Throw away the canned cover letter and show some vision for what you can do for that specific company. The results may surprise you.

Jack Mulcahy has written hundreds of resumes for people from all walks of life. Each resume he writes shows the unique selling proposition so necessary to market the job seeker. To learn more about Jack and how he can work to help your resume gain interviews, visit his website at http://www.resumesbyjack.com/.

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Don't Make These Mistakes on Your Resume and Cover Letter

When you're competing in the job market, you don't necessarily need to be the best qualified - you need to LOOK the best qualified, so you can prove it in the interview. Errors on your resume and cover letter can get you automatically disqualified before HR has even considered your qualifications. (This happened to a friend of mine - she was at the interview when they spotted one spelling error on the resume, and that was the end of the interview).

Here's what you need to know.

1. Have people you trust look over your resume and cover letter for typos, misspellings, and other errors. Don't trust spellcheck or other computer programs to catch everything, because they won't.

2. When capitalizing words, remember, only capitalize proper nouns (Paris, Microsoft, Stratocaster - as opposed to city, software, electric guitar), the beginning of sentences, and titles (but not short prepositions or a/an unless they're the first word.

Examples: A Walk to Remember, A Tale of Two Cities, The Fountainhead, When in Rome, Sleepless in Seattle, Of Mice and Men

3. Make sure your bullet points "agree".

For example

Managed budgets up to $100KSupervised up to 50 staff members

Not

Managed budgets up to $100KSupervision of up to 50 staff members.

Since "managed" is a past-tense verb, all the first words should be past tense verbs. "Supervision" is a noun and therefore doesn't agree. Also note the period at the end of the last bullet. Whether you choose to put periods at the end of your bullet points is up to you, however, pick one and stick to it throughout the resume. Also, bullet points don't have to be complete sentences. And be careful about the number of bullet points. If you only have one or two, just make it a normal, unbulleted sentence. If you have more than five, try combining a couple and take out extra words. Aim for three to five.

3. Use a professional email address - something that reflects your name. Skip the "hotmama69@email.com" or "fantasyfootballstar@email.com". "Jane.Doe@email.com, or jdoe, or jane.doe27 (if there are a lot of Jane Doe type addresses). Use that address for everything job related.

4. Do not include anything on your resume that would indicate something that could be used to illegally discriminate: age (so if you graduated from college in 1969 you might want to leave the date off), race, ethnicity (Member of the Italian American Association), sexual orientation, or disability.

5. Don't put your references on your resume (for their privacy). You don't even need to include the line "References available upon request." It's superfluous - everyone has references and employers are already planning to ask for them once they interview you.

Hi, I'm Maria, The Working Girl. Check out my blog, http://workinggirlworld.wordpress.com/ for up-to-date, valuable information on competing in today's job market, and feel free to leave a comment if there's something you'd like me to write about!

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The Elements of an Outstanding Cover Letter

Next to your resume, your cover letter is the second-most critical part of your employment-search package. It has been estimated that only about 50% of hiring managers or recruiters actually read cover letters, which might leave you asking, "Why bother?" But how do you know -- how can you know -- in which 50% the hiring manager you are targeting falls?

Play it safe. Write a cover letter for every resume you send out. And like the resume, tailor the letter to the company you're targeting. Nothing will shut down a reader's interest like a cranked-out, one-size-fits-all cover letter. And hiring managers and recruiters see so many of them, they can pick out the ones that are not tailored to them practically after they've read the salutation.

To understand a cover letter, it is necessary to understand its role. The cover letter's primary purpose is to illustrate the value you will bring to the company you are targeting. Think of the employer as having some problem or difficulty, and ask yourself what that difficulty is. Then ask yourself how you can demonstrate that you can help the employer resolve that difficulty. In so doing, keep in mind that what you say must always be relevant to that particular employer's needs. And finally, ask yourself the key question: Are you putting the employer's needs ahead of your own?

Once you have defined the problem or difficulty the employer is having, illustrate from your professional history an instance where you resolved a similar problem. Suppose you were writing to a company that had seen its overall sales eclipsed by a rival. In your opening sentence, you could express your understanding of the problem's origins, and demonstrate that you had been following the employer's ups and downs for quite some time.

Your next paragraph could connect directly with your experience dealing with the same scenario at one of your own previous employers. What did you do to regain lost market share? How quickly did sales come back? What part did customer satisfaction scores play in the recovery, and how did you figure in that scoring?

Finally, show the employer that his/her needs are more important than your own by reiterating your successes in your field. Tell the employer how much you want to help turn those numbers around. Remind the employer how strong a fit you would be on the employer's team. And close with a suggestion to meet, either by your calling the employer or an invitation for the employer to call you.

See how long it takes before that employer contacts you for an interview.

Read more ...

Sample Cover Letter - College

Being a senior in college means that you're coming to the end of dealing with all of the classes and now all you want to do is put your education to use. With the economy being the way it is, that might be a bit harder than one would think. The job market is saturated in almost every field and thus you need to stand out from the rest of the pack. One way to do this is learning how to write a cover letter!

Below is a cover letter sample that could be used as a template for your own cover letter.

You're Contact Information:

Address

City, State, Zip Code

Phone Number

Cell Phone Number

Email

Employer Contact Information:

Name

Title

Company

Address

City, State, Zip Code

Date

Dear Mr. or Mrs. Last Name,

I am a senior at the XYZ State University and am interested in interviewing for a job as an Information Technology Specialist with ABC. I believe that ABC has the ideal culture that will allow me to grow further in my career and goals of becoming an innovative and inspiring computer programmer. The skill set that I have learned in college is fresh and I believe can greatly contribute to ABC.

My extensive course work in my computer science major at XYZ State University has allowed me to develop, sharpen, and gain knowledge of new and existing technologies. I have also studied broader elements such as business writing, Spanish, and other classes that I believe will greatly benefit your company. My previous work experience as a Java Programmer has allowed me to gain a footing in the advanced techniques of the programming arena. With this experience I am better able to jump write in the other programmers and will require little training.

I firmly believe that I would be a good fit in ABC's innovative and historical environment. Thank you for taking the time and consideration of my resume.

Sincerely,

Your Signature

Your Typed Name

===============================

Please keep in mind that you will have to make changes in order to fit the specific position you are applying for. You may want to add more detail to some of your skills but don't write paragraphs about one skill. Remember, this is just a template but is a great starting point for someone who has never written a cover letter or someone that doesn't know how to write a cover letter.

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4 Words You Shouldn't Use In Your Cover Letter

Certain words appear in almost every cover letter. I've explained below why you don't want to use 4 of these too-common words and what some alternatives might be.

If you want to make your cover letter stand out, do some editing and make sure to avoid these words completely. You might be surprised at the result.

1. HOPE

e.g. I hope to hear from you soon.

OR

e.g. I hope to be able to contribute my skills to ABC company.

Why not?

Hope springs eternal. The company doesn't care about your hopes and dreams. They care about what you can do for them.

Alternatives:

I look forward to speaking with you further regarding my qualifications.

OR

My ability to take clear, decisive action will allow me to make an impact at ABC company from day one.

OK, now we're talking!

2. HONE

e.g. This summer, I honed my research and writing skills through a position at XX law firm.

Why not?

You and every other person honed something. It's an outdated and overused expression. Tell them what you did and they will figure out that you honed your skills. If you absolutely must, use "strengthened," "developed," or even "sharpened."

Alternative:

My research regarding constitutional rights violations culminated in a report and recommendations that guided the ACLU in future actions.

It's obvious this person is using some powerful research and writing skills.

3. DRAWN

e.g. I am drawn to ABC company because of its outstanding reputation and high quality service.

Why not?

You get drawn to a person across a crowded room. Companies don't care to hear that you are drawn to them. And a bonus tip: companies with outstanding reputations don't need to be told that you want to work there because of their outstanding reputations.

Alternative:

The relationship management skills I built while working in a state office are a match for ABC company's commitment to outstanding customer relationships.

That's so much better, isn't it?

4. FEEL

e.g. I feel the relationship management skills I built while working in a state office are a match for ABC company's commitment to outstanding customer relationships.

Why not?

Can you see how adding "I feel" at the beginning of this sentence killed it completely? Tell a psychologist how you feel. Tell a company what you can do for them. If you must, use the word "believe" instead of "feel." But see if you can avoid this type of language altogether.

Alternative:

The relationship management skills I built while working in a state office are a match for ABC company's commitment to outstanding customer relationships.

Delete these four words from your cover letters and I promise you more creative and powerful language will show up.

http://www.theessayexpert.com/

For writing that gets results.

Brenda Bernstein, Founder and Senior Editor, BrendaB@TheEssayExpert.com

Brenda Bernstein, Certified Advanced Resume Writer and accomplished editor and LinkedIn trainer, holds an English degree from Yale University and a J.D. from the NYU School of Law. Over her 15 years as Senior Editor at The Essay Expert, Brenda has coached hundreds of professionals and companies to write resumes, essays and other materials that result in sought after job interviews, admission to top schools, and measurable business success.

Specialties: Resumes, Cover Letters, College Application Essays, Professional Bios, LinkedIn Profiles

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Sample Cover Letter - College

Being a senior in college means that you're coming to the end of dealing with all of the classes and now all you want to do is put your education to use. With the economy being the way it is, that might be a bit harder than one would think. The job market is saturated in almost every field and thus you need to stand out from the rest of the pack. One way to do this is learning how to write a cover letter!

Below is a cover letter sample that could be used as a template for your own cover letter.

You're Contact Information:

Address

City, State, Zip Code

Phone Number

Cell Phone Number

Email

Employer Contact Information:

Name

Title

Company

Address

City, State, Zip Code

Date

Dear Mr. or Mrs. Last Name,

I am a senior at the XYZ State University and am interested in interviewing for a job as an Information Technology Specialist with ABC. I believe that ABC has the ideal culture that will allow me to grow further in my career and goals of becoming an innovative and inspiring computer programmer. The skill set that I have learned in college is fresh and I believe can greatly contribute to ABC.

My extensive course work in my computer science major at XYZ State University has allowed me to develop, sharpen, and gain knowledge of new and existing technologies. I have also studied broader elements such as business writing, Spanish, and other classes that I believe will greatly benefit your company. My previous work experience as a Java Programmer has allowed me to gain a footing in the advanced techniques of the programming arena. With this experience I am better able to jump write in the other programmers and will require little training.

I firmly believe that I would be a good fit in ABC's innovative and historical environment. Thank you for taking the time and consideration of my resume.

Sincerely,

Your Signature

Your Typed Name

===============================

Please keep in mind that you will have to make changes in order to fit the specific position you are applying for. You may want to add more detail to some of your skills but don't write paragraphs about one skill. Remember, this is just a template but is a great starting point for someone who has never written a cover letter or someone that doesn't know how to write a cover letter.

Read more ...

Show Some VISION In That Cover Letter!

Jobseekers who gain interviews are those who tailor their presentations directly at the company advertising the opening. They show that the jobseeker understands the needs of the company and that s/he offers the solution to those needs. Companies today are seeking people who can show they have a vision for the position and the issues created by the job opening, and can demonstrate their prior experience successfully implementing that vision.

The average cover letter usually goes something like this:

Dear Ms. Blank:

In response to your ad in Sunday's Weekly Blab for a CEO, I wish to express my interest.

Throughout my career, I have participated in workflow analysis, performed ATM reconciliations, resolved customer inquiries and differences, and presided over meetings. I have traveled to South America and the Middle East, and discussed markets with customers there.

I look forward to hearing from you and setting a time to discuss my qualifications and how I can contribute to your magazine. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Janet Jobseeker

The only good thing about this letter is that it's short. But it also came out of a book. Janet isn't in there, nor is there any indication she knows anything about the position or responsibilities of a CEO. She certainly shows no vision for the job.

But what if she'd sent something like this:

Dear _________________:

If you are seeking a CEO who is interested in a position with an organization that values the status quo, then I am NOT the person for you. My goal is an executive-level assignment where entrepreneurial leadership, turnaround management, vision, continuous process improvement, and organizational development are keys to success. Be it a start-up, turnaround, international expansion, or accelerated growth company, I have the experience, ethics, and strength of character to build, lead, and win. Here are some examples:

* Transformed the vision, direction, and trajectory of division and increased annual revenues from $200 million in 2006 to a projected $500 million in 2011.

* Boosted revenue for International & Surgical division 17% in 2010, despite current global economy, while reducing operating expenses $3 million, improving gross margins 190 bps, and growing operating income 38%.

* Launched sales, marketing, and software operations arms of a start-up medical technology company and created $20 million in revenue.

* Increased X-Ray sales and marketing volume in US, Canada, and South America 15% in a declining market and improved contribution margin 11%.

The list of my career successes spans the Americas, Eastern Europe, MEA and Asia/Pacific markets. I thrive in high-profile, fast-paced, and diverse organizations where I am free to identify opportunities, build relationships, negotiate alliances, and rocket new ventures to unprecedented financial results.

If you are in need of a strong and decisive CEO, I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you to better understand your specific needs and more thoroughly detail my accomplishments. As my resume states, I am a "groundbreaking senior-level executive known for successful management by providing clear direction, ownership for key priorities, lofty goals, and firm commitment to those goals." This is the value I bring to your organization.

Sincerely,

Janet Jobseeker

Throw away the canned cover letter and show some vision for what you can do for that specific company. The results may surprise you.

Jack Mulcahy has written hundreds of resumes for people from all walks of life. Each resume he writes shows the unique selling proposition so necessary to market the job seeker. To learn more about Jack and how he can work to help your resume gain interviews, visit his website at http://www.resumesbyjack.com/.

Read more ...

Cover Letter: Grab the HR Manager's Attention

Who is the first person to see your resume when searching for a new job? It is usually the Human Resources Manager. That person probably will see dozens of resumes for a new job posting. It is imperative that you grab their attention with the cover letter to make them pause and look at your resume.

You don't want your resume to be tossed to the side because of a sloppy cover letter or because you left out pertinent details. That is the quickest way to lose the prospect of a top executive position-or any position for that matter.

Your cover letter needs to be as well thought out as your resume. A great cover letter needs to enhance your resume by highlighting the qualifications you have for the job you are applying for. Things to consider are:

Effectively research the position you are applying for. Highlight your qualifications for the position in your cover letter. Make sure you include any achievements in that area of expertise.
Introduce yourself in the first paragraph. Tell them about yourself (briefly) and why you would be the perfect person for the job.
Keep the cover letter to one page and make sure all spelling, punctuation and grammar are correct. HR managers will quickly toss you aside if the cover letter is illegible.
If sending via snail mail, don't forget to sign the cover letter.
Make sure your resume and cover letter are on good quality paper. I prefer 'White'. 'Ivory' tends to look dingy or dirty when compared with another candidate's white resume. You don't have to list all of your jobs for the past 20 years. But, make sure your qualifications and other skills are included in a manner that shows the value you can offer an employer.

Your resume and cover letter should also be created in the same format. Borders, colors and contact information should look the same on both documents.

A strong, confident resume will go a long way in getting you in the door. You then have to carry that same confidence with a face-to-face interview. There are still a lot of executive positions in the job market, but qualifications alone won't get you there. Be sure to explain your problem solving skills, how you have helped any previous companies save money, or if you have experience with managing multiple people.

Take a second look at your resume. If you think it needs improvement, consider using a resume writing service that will make your resume shine. Most professional resume services will offer packages that include a cover letter, as well as the resume itself. Let the professionals help you stand out from the rest so you won't get tossed in the corner.

Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, BS/HR, is a Certified Professional & Executive Resume Writer/Career Consultant and President of Professional Resume Services, Inc. She is a nationally published writer and contributor of 12 best-selling career books. She has achieved international recognition following yearly nominations and wins of the prestigious T.O.R.I. (Toast of the Resume Industry) Award.

As a proud member of CDI, NRWA, PARW, and AORCP, Erin also sits on CDI's Credentialing Committee for new certification candidates and serves as a Mentor for CDI's Member Mentoring Committee. Reuse of this article is encouraged but must include a link to http://exclusive-executive-resumes.com/.

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Writing the Perfect Cover Letter

The very first thing an employer will read is your opening sentence in a cover letter. Writing the perfect cover letter is one of the most challenging processes when applying for a job. This letter needs to grab the attention of the reader, get their interest and maintain it. The preparation and presentation of a letter is often an underestimated skill. How will you grab the attention of the reader and make them interested in reading the whole letter and your resume.

So what makes a great cover letter?

Opening Sentence: Grab the reader's attention. Your first sentence is the hardest to write and has to be engaging. Consider your selling points, are you experienced, qualified or have a successful, demonstrated record. Don't be afraid to be positive and direct. This letter is about you and what you are capable of. The job market is increasingly competitive and you have to be satisfied that you are putting the best possible case forward to a potential employer.

Be Professional: An employer wants to know what you can offer. What is unique about you and how you can contribute to their organisation? They are not interested in your marital status, how many kids you have or why you have moved to this location. Be clear, professional and concise.

Be Relevant: This is an opportunity to explain to an employer the relevance and importance of your experience and / or training. Draw from your resume the key areas in which you can make a transition and focus on emphasising what you have to offer this specific employer. This approach is very important if you are highlighting recent experience in that field, however equally important when you are entering a new industry sector and demonstrating the relevance of transferable skills.

Be Concise: If your cover letter is three pages long it is too long. If it states the same information as your resume it is a waste of space. Make sure you carefully consider what your potential employer wants to know about you. Write clearly and concisely using statements and sentences that are focussed on the information you want to present and the specific requirements of the position.

Your resume is a statement of fact while the cover letter is an opportunity to really sell yourself. Apply a strong structure with opening and closing paragraphs that clearly states what you are looking for and why. Writing a one page cover letter can take longer than your three page resume.

John Matthews from The Writing Wizards has assisted more than 10,000 clients seeking employment for more than 10 years. This has been through preparing professional resumes, Government applications and interview coaching for ten years.

Visit the site and find a full range of services, information, tips and free downloads: The Writing Wizards page http://www.writingwizards.com.au/

Read more ...

Writing the Perfect Cover Letter

The very first thing an employer will read is your opening sentence in a cover letter. Writing the perfect cover letter is one of the most challenging processes when applying for a job. This letter needs to grab the attention of the reader, get their interest and maintain it. The preparation and presentation of a letter is often an underestimated skill. How will you grab the attention of the reader and make them interested in reading the whole letter and your resume.

So what makes a great cover letter?

Opening Sentence: Grab the reader's attention. Your first sentence is the hardest to write and has to be engaging. Consider your selling points, are you experienced, qualified or have a successful, demonstrated record. Don't be afraid to be positive and direct. This letter is about you and what you are capable of. The job market is increasingly competitive and you have to be satisfied that you are putting the best possible case forward to a potential employer.

Be Professional: An employer wants to know what you can offer. What is unique about you and how you can contribute to their organisation? They are not interested in your marital status, how many kids you have or why you have moved to this location. Be clear, professional and concise.

Be Relevant: This is an opportunity to explain to an employer the relevance and importance of your experience and / or training. Draw from your resume the key areas in which you can make a transition and focus on emphasising what you have to offer this specific employer. This approach is very important if you are highlighting recent experience in that field, however equally important when you are entering a new industry sector and demonstrating the relevance of transferable skills.

Be Concise: If your cover letter is three pages long it is too long. If it states the same information as your resume it is a waste of space. Make sure you carefully consider what your potential employer wants to know about you. Write clearly and concisely using statements and sentences that are focussed on the information you want to present and the specific requirements of the position.

Your resume is a statement of fact while the cover letter is an opportunity to really sell yourself. Apply a strong structure with opening and closing paragraphs that clearly states what you are looking for and why. Writing a one page cover letter can take longer than your three page resume.

John Matthews from The Writing Wizards has assisted more than 10,000 clients seeking employment for more than 10 years. This has been through preparing professional resumes, Government applications and interview coaching for ten years.

Visit the site and find a full range of services, information, tips and free downloads: The Writing Wizards page http://www.writingwizards.com.au/

Read more ...

Show Some VISION In That Cover Letter!

Jobseekers who gain interviews are those who tailor their presentations directly at the company advertising the opening. They show that the jobseeker understands the needs of the company and that s/he offers the solution to those needs. Companies today are seeking people who can show they have a vision for the position and the issues created by the job opening, and can demonstrate their prior experience successfully implementing that vision.

The average cover letter usually goes something like this:

Dear Ms. Blank:

In response to your ad in Sunday's Weekly Blab for a CEO, I wish to express my interest.

Throughout my career, I have participated in workflow analysis, performed ATM reconciliations, resolved customer inquiries and differences, and presided over meetings. I have traveled to South America and the Middle East, and discussed markets with customers there.

I look forward to hearing from you and setting a time to discuss my qualifications and how I can contribute to your magazine. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Janet Jobseeker

The only good thing about this letter is that it's short. But it also came out of a book. Janet isn't in there, nor is there any indication she knows anything about the position or responsibilities of a CEO. She certainly shows no vision for the job.

But what if she'd sent something like this:

Dear _________________:

If you are seeking a CEO who is interested in a position with an organization that values the status quo, then I am NOT the person for you. My goal is an executive-level assignment where entrepreneurial leadership, turnaround management, vision, continuous process improvement, and organizational development are keys to success. Be it a start-up, turnaround, international expansion, or accelerated growth company, I have the experience, ethics, and strength of character to build, lead, and win. Here are some examples:

* Transformed the vision, direction, and trajectory of division and increased annual revenues from $200 million in 2006 to a projected $500 million in 2011.

* Boosted revenue for International & Surgical division 17% in 2010, despite current global economy, while reducing operating expenses $3 million, improving gross margins 190 bps, and growing operating income 38%.

* Launched sales, marketing, and software operations arms of a start-up medical technology company and created $20 million in revenue.

* Increased X-Ray sales and marketing volume in US, Canada, and South America 15% in a declining market and improved contribution margin 11%.

The list of my career successes spans the Americas, Eastern Europe, MEA and Asia/Pacific markets. I thrive in high-profile, fast-paced, and diverse organizations where I am free to identify opportunities, build relationships, negotiate alliances, and rocket new ventures to unprecedented financial results.

If you are in need of a strong and decisive CEO, I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you to better understand your specific needs and more thoroughly detail my accomplishments. As my resume states, I am a "groundbreaking senior-level executive known for successful management by providing clear direction, ownership for key priorities, lofty goals, and firm commitment to those goals." This is the value I bring to your organization.

Sincerely,

Janet Jobseeker

Throw away the canned cover letter and show some vision for what you can do for that specific company. The results may surprise you.

Jack Mulcahy has written hundreds of resumes for people from all walks of life. Each resume he writes shows the unique selling proposition so necessary to market the job seeker. To learn more about Jack and how he can work to help your resume gain interviews, visit his website at http://www.resumesbyjack.com/.

Read more ...

Sample Cover Letter - College

Being a senior in college means that you're coming to the end of dealing with all of the classes and now all you want to do is put your education to use. With the economy being the way it is, that might be a bit harder than one would think. The job market is saturated in almost every field and thus you need to stand out from the rest of the pack. One way to do this is learning how to write a cover letter!

Below is a cover letter sample that could be used as a template for your own cover letter.

You're Contact Information:

Address

City, State, Zip Code

Phone Number

Cell Phone Number

Email

Employer Contact Information:

Name

Title

Company

Address

City, State, Zip Code

Date

Dear Mr. or Mrs. Last Name,

I am a senior at the XYZ State University and am interested in interviewing for a job as an Information Technology Specialist with ABC. I believe that ABC has the ideal culture that will allow me to grow further in my career and goals of becoming an innovative and inspiring computer programmer. The skill set that I have learned in college is fresh and I believe can greatly contribute to ABC.

My extensive course work in my computer science major at XYZ State University has allowed me to develop, sharpen, and gain knowledge of new and existing technologies. I have also studied broader elements such as business writing, Spanish, and other classes that I believe will greatly benefit your company. My previous work experience as a Java Programmer has allowed me to gain a footing in the advanced techniques of the programming arena. With this experience I am better able to jump write in the other programmers and will require little training.

I firmly believe that I would be a good fit in ABC's innovative and historical environment. Thank you for taking the time and consideration of my resume.

Sincerely,

Your Signature

Your Typed Name

===============================

Please keep in mind that you will have to make changes in order to fit the specific position you are applying for. You may want to add more detail to some of your skills but don't write paragraphs about one skill. Remember, this is just a template but is a great starting point for someone who has never written a cover letter or someone that doesn't know how to write a cover letter.

Read more ...