How to Make a Cover Letter Stand Out on Job Applications
Writing a cover letter that grabs the reader's attention is crucial. Avoid flattering language and command attention with strong action verbs. Use short sentences and keep your letter under one page. Inform the company of your desire to meet them. Your cover letter may be one of hundreds that is being reviewed. Do not resort to graphics or bold color choices that will distract from your message of coming into the employer's service as an expert.
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Instructions
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Initiate the review process by including specific skills in your introductory paragraph. You will need to keep the person's attention so that they continue to read your resume. Never send a resume without a cover letter Address the letter to a contact person listed or a hiring official at the company. Clearly explain your ability to provide professional services directly linked to the qualifications they require. Remember your letter is one of many that they will read. Do not waste time with explaining your past work history, or educational research areas that are contained within the resume.
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Relate the qualifications you have to the position description. There is no need to explain why you are writing them with comments like "I have attached my resume..." or "Please contact my references...".There are more interesting things they need to know about you. They will look at your resume, and contact references when you have captured their interest with evidence that you are an integral contributor to their working environment. Distinguish yourself as a contributor to their process by offering to contact them within a specific time frame. Assume responsibility for making contact by email or by phone.
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Make your cover letter a quick read with quantifiable information. Expand on the accomplishments of your past work history by referencing time spent developing a skill, such as "... one month training, three years supervising data management for logistics department at Synergy, Inc." In your editing process, eliminate all vague or contradictory phrasing such as "I hope you will invite me to interview." Inform the reader that you have every intention of coming for an interview. Leave the reader with no question of your skill level and commitment to excellence.
Be aware of the voice in your letter. Give another editor a copy of the job description and ask them if you have addressed the position's required qualifications. Read it aloud to and get feedback. "It's good!" is not quality feedback; ask someone else. Take time before sending the letter. Review the letter after stepping away from writing process. Send it to print only after it has passed your critique and given validation of your success.
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