Cover letter care: Write your best cover letter. Here’s how in 8 easy steps

What is a cover letter? 

A cover letter is an introductory letter/communication that informs the reader why you have sent a particular attachment such as your resume. This letter/message provides additional (more) information.

1. FIRST IMPRESSIONS COUNT
The letter is your chance to impress a potential client or an employer.  This letter is about highlighting your experience, your personality and your enthusiasm.

2. GOOD START
Start with a professional yet warm greeting.

3. Keep it formal (professional) 

Even though the trend generally is to be more informal, the cover letter is still considered to be a formal situation so keep it to Dear Mr Jones  or Dear James Jones. Hi and What’s up are clearly too informal also known as too casual. If you don’t know the name of the person – Dear Hiring Manager also works but where possible find out that name.

4. REMAIN RELEVANT

   In other words, keep to the point and short. Why are you contacting this employer, what skills make you perfect for this job and where can they find more information about your work experience.

5. KEY WORDS

   We are now in the era of key words. Key words used by the employer when advertising a position and you should hit back with key words.  Most job adverts will give you extremely clear clues about the kind of skills the best candidates need to possess. If you have them, mention them. Remind the employer that you have the skills the employer is looking for, is advertising for. Highlight examples from your experience as to why you are the right person for the job.

6. AVOID THE KISS OF DEATH: CUT AND PASTE

   Some employers want to see how good you are at following instructions, directions. If you are asked to mention specific points or include key words in your reply – make sure you do. If you don’t, your application will suffer the kiss of death, ending up in the bin. These types of requests are made not only because the employer wants to see this information but also to see who can follow instructions and who is not taking a cut and paste approach.

7. ADD AN INVITATION

   Let them know about your availability and invite them to contact  you to discuss further. This is a polite way to make it clear that you are enthusiastic about this employer and this job.

8. REFLECT, REVIEW AND REWRITE

   In other words, really go over your cover letter with a fine toothcomb. Reconsider what you have written, review it and reedit it before  you send it out. Here is a checklist to think about:

(a)   Did you deal with all the points in your cover letter?

(b)  Look at the letter from the point of view of the hiring manager – would you be impressed. If you have a trusted friend – get them to pretend they are the hiring manager and be open to their suggestions. Two pairs of eyes is always good even if you think you have perfect sight and insight.

(c)   Do you really fit the bill? If not it would be a better use of time to apply for a job that better matches your abilities, experience and skills. Ask your friend to review your cover letter and the advert to see if you really are suitable to apply.

(d)  Is it short? Keep it short and concise – maximum one page – it is a highlighter, a teaser for your resume. Do a word count and see if you can keep it in the 300 word range.

(e)   Have you followed the directions to a T?

(f)   Typo Terrors – have you checked thoroughly for these. When you think you are okay – read the letter out loud one more time.

(g)  Keep it original – no cutting and pasting.

(h)  Be professional – this is a letter from one professional to another professional. Professionally polite is key.

(i)    Never overdo buzz words.  Keep it natural yet professional.

LASTING IMPRESSION
This is the first view the employer gets of you – so give it your best shot.

If you want a particular job then you need to write a particular cover letter. Customize, customize your cover letter to the particular job