How to Build a Better Cover Letter so You Get More Calls

Always include a tailored cover letter with your résumé.

Yes, your résumé is a summary of your qualifications, but your cover letter is your sales pitch to the employer.

Your letter will be more effective when you follow these 9 steps.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer
• Good dictionary and thesaurus
• Potential employers' literature/ads
• The name of the person to whom you are writing
• Résumé Builder Work Book and Guide

1. Follow the employer's advertised instructions regarding how to address your cover letter and résumé!

2. If there are no instructions, search for the name of the person to whom you should be sending your cover letter and résumé. If you've exhausted every way to find out, then use a subject line.

3. 

   Use a lead that indicates how the employer will benefit by hiring you. You might say, "You need a *** who will *** and ***; I can do that for you!" Try centering and bolding your lead.

4. Introduce yourself properly and then quickly reiterate the highlights of your qualifications.

5. Show that you've researched the company by using its language and making reference to something that is unigue to it.

6. Demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and effectively in writing.

7. Motivate the employer to call you for an interview with a call to action such as, "Please call me to set up an interview where we can discuss how I can help you achieve your goals."

8. Finish with a reason to follow up. For example, you could write, "I will call you the week of November 10 to confirm that you've received my résumé." When you write something like this, you can honestly tell the receptionist that "Mr. Smith is expecting my call."

9. Keep it to one page.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember to place your contact information (name, phone number and e-mail address) on your cover letter and every page of your résumé. Then, if the pages get separated or one gets misplaced, the recruiter will still have the information he needs to make contact with you.
• Use your cover letter to tell the recruiter something that is not on your résumé
• Don't use generic cover letters.
• Don't use your cover letter to explain reasons for leaving previous jobs, especially if you were fired.
• Simply following the preceding steps and tips does not guarantee you'll get your dream - or any - job. You will, however, increase your chances of an interview!

[jpersing]

on 3/15/2009 Good tips esp the last one "finish with a reason to follow-up. Thanks.

[40skydiver]

on 8/12/2008 Good article.