How to Write Cover Letters That Sell Resumes

There's nothing more frustrating than sending off a bunch of resumes and not getting a call back from the businesses you sent it to. Many people don't know how to write a cover letter or even know that it's important to have one. However, having a cover letter will help sell your resume and get you closer in the door.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer
• Internet access
• Word processing program

1. Research where to properly send your resume to. It makes no sense sending your personal information to the wrong person. In many cases, the human resource department of the company you are sending your resume to has a manager that's in charge of reviewing resumes. It's best to send your resume directly to this person. This requires that you do some research to see who this person is.
2. Read up on the company you're submitting a resume to. Before you construct your cover letter, make sure that you find out everything you can about the company. This means reading the company's prospectus, brochures, even public records. It can't be stressed enough the importance of knowing what the company represents. Find out what their mission statement and company slogan is. Check to see how many people are employed at the company. This information can be researched by either using the internet or asking the employees who work there.
3. Start constructing the cover letter. Make sure to keep your fonts set on 12 point. anything more or less can keep the person reviewing your resume from reading any further. On the top portion of a cover letter, include your name, telephone number, address and email address. This should be situated where it's centered. If you have a website that's job related and only show you (like a homepage) then include this also.
4. Add the company information and date. It's best to press return (or enter) 3 times, change where the margin begin, and start with the date. Press the return 2 more times and include the information you gathered from your research. An example of this would be:
   
   October 19, 2007
   
   Karen Moses
   ABC Widgets
   Sales Department
   1111 Main St.
   Anywhere, Anyplace 12345
5. Start the cover letter presentation by addressing the human resource manager by their name. Press the return 2 times and begin by stating how you heard about the job opening and your reason for sending your resume. Here's an example:
   
   Dear Karen Moses,
   
   I response to the advertisement posted in Sunday's newspaper, please accept this letter in application for the (position you want) currently available within your company. My resume is enclosed for your review.
6. Begin the next paragraph by highlighting why the company should hire you. This is the meat and bones of your cover letter and is considered the body. It should state why you are the right candidate for the position that's open. It should also include a little bit about yourself. This isn't the space to add information that can be found in the resume however. An example of this would be:
   
   As you can see from my diverse skills, I'm a strong candidate for this position. I have the tenacity to handle even the hardest situations and is able to meet any deadlines you may have proficiently. Doing the tasks that I'm able to perform gives me freedom and a sense of responsibility.
7. End the cover letter by stating the reason for sending the resume. The last portion of a cover letter that will sell your resume is dedicated to asking for a interview. That's it! There should be no other information included in this paragraph. Here's an example:
   
   I am sure that I'll be a key asset to your organization. I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss my credentials with you at a mutually convenient time. Please contact me at your earliest convenience where we can discuss our future. Thank you for your consideration.
8. End your cover letter the right way. I always used the ending statement by saying "Respectfully yours" Of course you can change it however, don't be too cute with this. Press the return 3 times and type in your full name. Press the return button and tell the person what's included with the cover letter. In between the Respectfully yours and your name, sign it by using black ink. Here's an example:
   
   Respectfully yours,
   
   
   Jake Sneed
   
   Enclosure: Resume

Tips & Warnings

• Include a brief testimony in the body of the cover letter to illustrate how important you can be for the company.
• Avoid being too wordy!
• Don't use the word "I" too many times