Never underestimate the importance of a cover letter. The cover letter will determine whether a potential employer will even bother to look at your résumé. But composing a cover letter that works requires some hefty writing skills. If you try to tackle it on your own, keep these things in mind:
Keep it short and sweet. Cover letters should be one page in length, with about three paragraphs total. The writing should be punchy and crisp. Remember, cover letters are a form of marketing. Make it easy for recipients to be interested and find what they’re looking for, and easy for them to find reasons to keep reading.
Draw the reader in immediately. The first paragraph should be an attention-grabber. Use an interesting fact, ask a question or mention a personal connection to someone at the company. Write in a way that engages the reader from the very first sentence.
Pack it with punch. Create the “wow” factor by highlighting accomplishments. Don’t simply state what you did in your last job, but what you achieved.
Write well. Cover letters are a prime place to demonstrate that you have strong grammar, writing and communication skills.
Don’t recreate your résumé. You might underscore one or two points on your résumé, but be selective and don’t turn the cover letter into a laundry list.
Have someone else read it before you send it. A second set of eyes is always a good idea, and after someone proofreads it, ask that person if it’s effective.
Finish with a statement that keeps the conversation rolling. A good cover letter has an action close, one that asks to take the next step. If you’re afraid of coming on too strong, say something like “I look forward to hearing from you.”
Follow up. Don’t be afraid to take control of your job search. If you’re hesitant because an ad reads “no phone calls,” send an e-mail to follow up.
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