10 Steps for Writing Good Cover Letters
A cover letter is a brief letter you send to a prospective employer as part of your job application. It expresses your interest in and qualifications for a position you seek. Many job seekers wonder if they should include a cover letter with their resume when applying for a job. You should always opt for a cover letter unless an individual at the company has personally asked for just a resume. In this situation, you’ve already made a personal connection, and the cover letter could be overkill. Below are ten steps for writing good cover letters:
1. Write a targeted letter rather than a form letter
Tailor each cover letter you submit specifically to the job you’re applying for. Employers don’t have time to connect the dots between your generic form letter and the skills they’re looking for in a new hire. A targeted letter improves your chances of catching the reader’s attention.
2. Address your cover letter to a specific person
Your cover letter and application are more likely to be read if you send them to an individual rather than a department or to “whom it may concern.” Use a professional salutation, such as “Dear Mr. Smith” or simply “Mr Smith:” – unless you are an acquaintance of the addressee and are comfortable using a first name. If you don’t have a contact name, call the organization and ask who to address the letter to. If you’re unable to find a specific addressee, open your letter with “Dear Sir or Madam.”
3. Write with a goal and purpose
In the first paragraph succinctly let the reader know how you heard about the job and why you’re writing. Tell the reader if you found the position on a job board or a current employee referred you. Let the reader know if you’re writing because you’re impressed with their organization’s work in a specific area or if you share a common interest. State which job you’re applying for in this section.
4. Prove your value to the employer
Demonstrate how your skills and experience make you a good fit for the position. Instead of rehashing your resume, give one or two strong statements that prove how valuable you’ll be if hired. Provide specific and measurable examples when you can. Here’s an example: “I’ve successfully rehabilitated 95 percent of my patients while practicing physical therapy at Midtown Hospital. If hired as a physical therapist for your organization, I could offer insight about the techniques I used that contributed to this high rehabilitation rate.”
5. Close your letter effectively
Don’t ask the reader to look at your enclosed resume. Readers will do this if your cover letter sparks their interest. Instead, thank the reader for taking time to read your letter and say how and when you’ll follow up. For example, “I will call you on Friday, July 3 at 2:00 p.m. to follow up on my application.” Asking employers to contact you is another unnecessary step – they’ll get in touch with you if they want to.
6. Create a professional cover letter
Follow the basic rules of letter form and structure. Include your address, the date, the name and title of the addressee, the organization’s address, an appropriate salutation, the body, a professional closing such as “sincerely,” and your signature. If you’re mailing the letter, use high quality paper and a matching document size (9” x 12”) envelope.
7. Keep your cover letter short and sweet
Aim for a cover letter that is no more than half a page in length. Include three paragraphs in the body. The first is your introduction, the second consists of the evidence of why you’d be a good fit, and the third is your closing. Limit the length of each paragraph to three or four sentences.
8. Use a positive tone throughout your cover letter
As with the rest of your job search, the cover letter warrants an upbeat, professional tone. Hiring managers will be put off if you’re condescending or boastful in your cover letter.
9. Proofread your cover letter
Reread your cover letter to make sure it doesn’t have any spelling or grammatical errors. Don’t use contractions, long-winded sentences, or passive language. A well written and error-free cover letter prove that you’re organized and able to write – two skills that many employers value.
10. Take action after you’ve sent your letter
If you say that you’ll follow up with the employer at a specific time, make sure you do so. Keep a list of all organizations you’ve sent cover letters and resumes to. It may take employers weeks before they get to your application, and you can’t afford to sound confused if you receive a call from an employer that is no longer fresh in your mind.
By: Gale Bowman
7-29-2009
After graduating from Notre Dame, Gale realized that young professionals need a source of reliable information as they face “real world” challenges. Gale manages WhatCollegeForgot.com and is pursuing an MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.
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