How to write a cover letter

HOW TO WRITE A COVER LETTER

Your cover letter is your chance to sell benefits, not work history. What is a benefit you ask? The answer is anything that will answer the employer’s question of,

“Why should I spend more than 30 seconds reviewing this resume?”

To help you develop a dynamic and engaging cover letter may I suggest following these guidelines:

Develop a list of benefits you will bring to the company.

  1. Do you have a unique ability to control costs?
  2. Do you have a unique ability to develop ways to generate revenue?
  3. Do your skills allow for you to solve problems quickly?
  4. Do your project management skills allow for more efficiency?
  5. Have you managed people that have been successful?
  6. Develop a list of accomplishments or skills that you have to support the benefits you have developed.

It is OK to repeat a few of the accomplishments you may have listed on your resume

Using the lists you have created, develop clear and concise sentences that will evolve your checklist into an formed letter.  In writing your letter, keep these suggestions in mind:

  1. Be sure that you are using action words
  2. Align the date on the right margin
  3. Align your name and address on the left margin
  4. Align the company’s name and address on the left margin under your information
  5. The salutation should be formal and address your contact as Mr./Ms./Mrs. (Last Name)
  6. Use no more than three (3) paragraphs
  7. Align your closing on the left margin
  8. Be sure that you have equal space between the top and bottom of the letter
  9. Keep your letter to one (1) page

Cover letters are hit or miss in today’s job market. I have to admit that they are effective if done correctly however can easily be looked over depending on the person who is evaluating your information.

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