How to Target a Cover Letter to the Job
When employers post a job opening, they are flooded with responses from eager applicants. The difference between your resume sitting in a trash can and you sitting at an interview table can be the result of a cover letter targeted for a specific position.
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Instructions
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Prepare to Write a Targeted Cover Letter
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Read job descriptions carefully. When you find an open position that you are interested in applying for, pay attention to the keywords.
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Finish your resume before writing your cover letter. Your cover letter is your introduction to your resume and you will need to know what information to include and exclude.
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Spend time personalizing your cover letters. Take the extra time to target each cover letter to individual positions or companies. Be prepared to spend up to 30 minutes on each letter once you have a basic format down.
Draft a Targeted Cover Letter
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Follow proper business letter format. Remember that business letters feature comprehensive headers that include your name, address and contact information as well as the date and the name, address and contact information of the recipient.
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Identify your purpose in the first paragraph. Introduce yourself and explain specifically why you are contacting the employer. Hook them into reading further with reasons why you are a strong candidate for the position.
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Use the job description as a basis for the description of your qualifications and skills. Employers post job requirements looking for specific traits, and you need to target your response to convince them that those are the specific set of skills that you possess.
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Provide the employer with your contact information. Offer potential employers a phone number and email address that you check frequently.
Contact the Potential Employer After Sending a Targeted Cover Letter
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Call the employer to make sure that they have received your information. Attempt to speak directly to hiring personnel. If you cannot speak to them directly, leaving a message reinforces your interest and gives them a reason to look at your information.
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Attempt to make an appointment in the closing of the letter. Offer to meet to further discuss the position, state your availability for an interview or suggest that you meet to evaluate a portfolio.
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Tips & Warnings
Many major online job search engines can store multiple versions of cover letters and resumes, so that you will only need to revise them minimally when targeting them for a new position.
Be aware of the personal information you provide when sending out applications, cover letters and resumes to avoid potential cases of employer discrimination. You are not required to give your age, marital status or sexual orientation.
