What Makes a Successful Cover Letter?
The cover letter can have a big impact on determining if you get a job. Jason Fried, founder of the software company 37 Signals, based in Chicago, says that his company doesn't read resumes but concentrates on cover letters. "(Cover letters) immediately tell you if someone wants this job or just any job," Jason said in an article for "Inc." magazine. Delivering an effective cover letter is mandatory in a tight job market with heavy competition.
Other People Are Reading
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A Good Introduction
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The successful cover letter delivers a strong introduction identifying you as a candidate for the job. It can give emphasis to your enthusiasm where your experience may be lacking. Try to address your cover letter to the specific person who will be reading it. You may need to take some time to find out exactly who that is, but it is worth the effort; a cover letter that misspells the person doing the hiring's name will make a negative impression that will be difficult for you to overcome. Your introduction should make it clear that you are interested in the job and state any relationships that you have to the company where you are seeking employment.
Length and Content
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All good cover letters are one page in length. They generally include three paragraphs, with the second paragraph being the basic body of the letter, where you explain your skills and qualifications that are specific to the job for which you are applying. Where your resume is generic, the cover letter needs to be more specific, matching you to the job. The cover letter should be written in the voice and style of a standard business letter.
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Strong Writing
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You should use your best writing skills when drafting a cover letter. Most employers will judge you by the words you use and the statements you make in this document. A well-written cover letter may also determine if your resume even gets read. Great wordsmiths demonstrate superior written communication skills, which are in demand with most employers today. The cover letter should make a compelling case quickly for what you will do for the company and stand out from the many other cover letters that the employer is likely to receive.
The Conclusion
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Wrap up the cover letter by providing your contact information and the best times to reach you. You may also give dates and times that you are available to be interviewed, which can be particularly important if you are working in another job. State that you are looking forward to pursuing the opportunity further. If you will be contacting the employer, name a specific time and date that you will be doing so. Then, make sure that you follow up and call at that specific time.
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