#ufprchat

From bc.edu

Written by @msgatoradr

How do I write a cover letter that will get me noticed?

Begin by searching your computer’s files for the last cover letter you wrote. Surely it will give you a good start, right? Wrong! Now select the file, right click and hit DELETE.

I know it’s painful to let go of your hard work, but the truth is that the right cover letter for this company isn’t going to be a letter you wrote for a past job. And I hate to inform you that the cover letter for this job won’t be the appropriate cover letter for future jobs either. The key to the elusive masterpiece cover letter is customization and personality—followed closely by proper grammar and punctuation.

Your introduction should do two things:  make the reader want to continue down the page and make clear what position it is that you want. You will not surprise and delight any hiring manager with, “My name is Jennifer Smith, and I think I would be an excellent candidate for the account manager position at your company…” For one thing, this is a letter—not a phone call.  The reader can see your name in your signature line. For another, of course you think you’re an excellent candidate for the position. Avoid making obvious statements. Below are a few examples that use different introductory strategies:

• Use flattery based on research: “Company X’s website solidifies your organization’s position as one that is committed to staying relevant and in touch with its customers. I am especially impressed by Company X’s active social media presence and research pertaining to corporate social responsibility. I want to be part of an organization that communicates honestly, transparently and strategically with its target audiences, which is why I hope you’ll consider me for the Communications Specialist position advertised on LinkedIn.”
• Let your passion and pizzazz shine: “Writing is not only a job to me; it is my hobby and my art. Believe it or not, I am the type of person who gets a bizarre sense of satisfaction from clicking my red pen and proofreading the newspaper for errors while sipping my morning coffee (Dunkin’ Donuts). Being selected for your Senior Editor position would allow me to do what I do best:  write and rewrite.”
• Make connections: “I am a long-time customer of Company X who frequently recommends Product Y to people I meet. But when my friend Jennifer Smith told me how much she loved working there as an account manager, I decided this would be the perfect opportunity for me to put my passion for your products to good use.”

Once you’ve convinced the hiring manager not to toss your letter into a rejection pile, you need to take full advantage of his/her attention. Don’t use the body of your letter to rehash what’s noted in your resume. Instead, make the key points of your resume come to life by discussing additional details, an anecdote or some other achievements as they pertain to the particular job you’re seeking. In other words, help the hiring manager connect the dots between your past experience and your potential future at this company. What should you avoid saying?

• How great you are—Let your achievements and experience speak for themselves. No one likes a braggart or know-it-all.
• Your sob story—Trying to get pity from your reader will accomplish nothing. Don’t state that the reason you’re looking for a job is because your spouse got laid off and you can’t afford to be a stay-at-home parent anymore.
• Your salary requirements—Salary discussions should be had only after you’ve been offered the job.
• Anything negative whatsoever—Don’t bash your current company, a previous boss, or your co-workers. Keep your cover letter’s tone upbeat. Otherwise, you could inadvertently give the reader the impression that you can’t get along with others or deal effectively with stress and change.

Now that you’ve described who you are, what you want, and why you want it, tell the reader how to contact you. Your conclusion doesn’t need to be anything earthshakingly profound; simply wrap things up and let the hiring manager know how to get in touch.

• “I can think of no better job than one that would allow me to simultaneously use my writing, customer service and public relations skills. It would be a privilege to speak with you about this position or about any other opportunities for which you think I might be a good fit. Please contact me at (555) 555-5555 or jennifer.smith@gmail.com.”

Some other tips to keep in mind:

• Limit the length of your cover letter to one page (one and a half pages maximum). After all, you need to save some material for your interview.
• If you’re sending your cover letter via e-mail or web form, make it interactive. Add hyperlinks to your work, website or e-mail address where appropriate. (If you don’t have a personal website, offer the hyperlink to your LinkedIn account. Don’t have one? Make one! Showing the hiring manager that you have a professional online presence can work in your favor.)
• Proofread, proofread, proofread! (Bribe a friend to proofread for you as well.) Break down every paragraph to identify how you can make them more concise. Print a copy of your letter, and circle each verb to help brainstorm more active and intriguing synonyms. However, keep your language simple—don’t use “big” words just for the sake of using big words.
• Offer a professional e-mail address—Gmail and Roadrunner are acceptable. AOL and Hotmail are not. Don’t use childish or “creative” screen names like GatorGirlie124—just stick with some combination of your first and last name.
• Read more articles like this to get some additional ideas.

Above all else, remember that a cover letter is your opportunity to make a positive, lasting first impression. I wholeheartedly believe that sending five well-written and targeted cover letters is more effective than blasting 50 cover letter templates for which you’ve “filled in the blanks.” Good luck, and happy job hunting!