How to Write a Convincing Cover Letter

An eye-catching cover letter can help you land an interview.

The cover letter that precedes your resume provides you with a chance to speak directly to your prospective employer. This is your opportunity to let him know why you belong at his company and what you have to offer. While your resume will provide the facts and details, your cover letter is a more-personal way to connect with your prospective employer. If you're convincing enough with this letter, you may have piqued the company's interest enough to score an interview.

Things You'll Need

• Information about the company or job
• Statistics or information about your accomplishments

Instructions

1. Draw your reader in with the first few sentences. Let your prospective employer know why you are applying and what you have to offer the company. If you were referred by someone, you should drop her name at the very beginning of the letter. If you are responding to an advertised job opening, concisely explain why you are perfect for the job. If you're inquiring about jobs that are not posted, make a strong case for why you belong in the company and why it should make room for you.

2. Utilize quotes or statistics to describe exactly why you are a valuable asset, or to demonstrate your knowledge of the company. If you've read a recent article indicating that the company is expanding into Asian markets and you have a strong clientele base in those countries, quote the article and provide statistics proving your success in that area.

3. Describe in detail what you would do for the company if you were given a position there. Share your past accomplishments, then detail how you could apply those skills to the company. Let it know exactly what it has to gain from hiring you. Stick to concise points, using a list or bullet points if necessary, to make the letter easy to read.

Tips & Warnings

• Avoid generalities. Rather than saying you can help increase sales, identify a distinct method you can use for doing so and share the revenue you have gained from your past sales.

References

• Knock 'em Dead Resumes, 8th Edition; Martin Yate, C.P.C., 2008
• 30 Minute Resume Makeover; Louise Kursmark; 2008