A Cover Letter Must Sell Your Skills And Expertise
	Cover Letter Etiquette - The Facts
	Cover Letters Are All About Facts
	Effective Cover Letters Are Professional And Succinct
	Formatting your cover letter
	The 5 Elements Of A Highly Effective Cover Letter
	The Fundamentals Of A Dynamic Cover Letter
	Tips For Creating Professional Cover Letters
	Unique Cover Letters Can Enhance Your Job Search

A cover letter is a lot like a sales letter and your skills and expertise are what is for sale. A cover letter is an ideal way to market your skills and to reach potential employers. You only have a short amount of time and space to sell your attributes so you need to make it count.

Ideally, a cover letter should be no more than a page in length. Employers don't want to read a lot of information. The main points, your selling points need to jump of the page and capture the reader's attention. You may only need to make a few brief points but they need to be high impact and leave a lasting impression.

Don't just list your skills and expertise; this is what they will read in your resume. Show them what's on offer with carefully constructed powerful sales messages. Lets look at an example of what you might include in your cover letter.

You have identified your skills and expertise in the following manner.

Good communication and written skills

Developed sales and marketing initiatives

Productive in high-pressure environments

Innovative creative thinker

Adaptable and reliable

Now lets look at how you could work this into the first paragraph of your cover letter and relate it to the company and position you are applying for. The first paragraph is a teaser for the rest of the letter and your resume. It needs to grab attention by showing what you have done, what you can do and what you will do for them.

Dear Mr. Smith

My skills are an excellent match with the position you have advertised. During my time as a marketing manager, I have successfully coordinated sales and marketing initiatives and expanded growth considerably across new markets. These experiences along with my other attributes would be invaluable to the position you are looking to fill. I look forward to putting my expertise to work to assist with the development and implementation of your numerous upcoming project objectives.

This example encompasses all of the necessary information that will help to sell your skills and expertise to potential employers. The rest of the letter will provide more examples of what you can do and more company specific information. The first paragraph is vital to the success of your job hunt so you can expect to spend some time perfecting it.

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Cover Letter Etiquette - The Facts

• Fact - `To whom it may concern' or `Dear Sir' will not cut it. Address your cover letter personally. Find out who is going to be reading it and address that individual. You may have to call the office in order to find out the information. This can be used as an introductory call and let them know you are interested and will be sending your resume. You never know how this kind of networking will pay off for you.
• Fact - The first paragraph is the most important. Don't bother with lengthy introductions, start by selling yourself. Grab your potential employers attention straight away by letting them know what you can do, what you qualified to do and what you can do for them. Employers are not really interested in much else initially so you need to get straight to the point.
• Fact - Cover letters more than a page long will do more harm than good. Keep your cover letter to a definite 1 page maximum. If it takes longer than this to convince your potential employer you deserve an interview then you properly won't get one. Less is more when it comes to cover letters, keep it simple and to the point. Employers don't have time to read blocks of information; they want brief bullet points that highlight your skills.
• Fact - Generic cover letters don't work. For every job you apply for you need to write a fresh cover letter. Demonstrate specific company, positional or product knowledge. Link your abilities to the job description, company goals or position requirements. While you may reach an extended audience with bulk generic letters, it is pretty much a pointless exercise. Generic letters will not land you a job.
• Fact - Typos, spelling errors, inaccurate information and poor grammar will land your resume in the bin. The reality is that you are being judged by your cover letter. This is all they have to base their opinion on. Would you hire someone who sent a cover letter without checking it thoroughly? These mistakes are common even though they are simple to fix. Take the time to eradicate these errors or you will find yourself in the unemployment line for a lot longer than you need to be. Check over your information and then have someone else read over it. Before you send anything, check it again.
• Fact - Specifics sell. Connect with the reader from the first instance, address your letter personally. Address the advertisement specifically and use relevant examples that relate to the company, position or job. Use specific words that have been used by the employer in their advertisement or company/project mission statement. Be specific about what you have done and what you can do for them. The more specific you are the more you will demonstrate your expertise.
• Fact - Cover letters are a marketing tool. Apply marketing principals to your cover letter writing. After all, you are trying to sell yourself in a highly competitive market and you need to highlight your competitive edge as effectively as possible. Use proven high impact words to draw attention to your skills. Self-promotion is a must when it comes to writing your cover letter.
• Fact - Its up to you to take action. Your cover letter should include a specific action to be taken, but it will be you that follows through on that. State how you plan to follow up on the introduction and then do so. Its ok to ask for a meeting, if you don't you will never know.
• Fact - It's the little things that make a big difference. Before you deliver your cover letter to a potential employer, you need to be sure you haven't overlooked the basics. Some people spend so much time crafting their letter to perfection then forget something simple like a contact number, personal signature; call to action, personal details. Make yourself a checklist with all of these little things to ensure you don't make the same mistake.

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Cover Letters Are All About Facts

The Do's and Don'ts of cover letters.

Do address a specific person with your cover letter salutation.

Don't assume anything. Use non-gender specific titles if you don't know the name of the contact.

Do get to know the company and role your applying for

Don't waste your first paragraph with a boring introduction.

Do sell yourself right from the word go

Don't re use information in your resume

Do use high impact proven marketing words, action verbs.

Don't use clichés

Do seek professional help for writing your cover letter.

Don't go overboard with your content, 1 page maximum.

Do use a formal and professional format for your cover letter.

Don't bother with fancy page layouts and creative fonts or colors.

Do consider using bullets, underlying and bold highlights

Don't forget to sign

Do check for spelling and typos

Don't forget to add your address and contact details

Do thank the reader for their time and consideration.

Don't forget to double check spelling and typos.

Do check names, company address and titles before sending.

Don't expect them to take action

Do take responsibility and take action yourself

Don't forget to enclose your resume.

Do use creative copy

Don't over do it with big words

Do keep it simple and professional

Don't use block paragraphs

Do break up your content with bullets, spacing and line breaks.

Don't use form cover letters, generic letters do not work.

Do write an original letter for every job

Don't generalize your attributes.

Do use specific quantifiable examples.

Don't forget to follow up

Do use specific company and positional information.

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Effective Cover Letters Are Professional And Succinct

Two of the most important things to consider when writing a cover letter are professionalism and clarity. These are qualities that will help you land interviews and jobs. An effective cover letter highlights your selling points in a professional and succinct way. Your cover letter should be easy to follow, concise and to the point. When it comes to cover letters professionalism is the whole package. It is the way you deliver your cover letter, how it is structured, the content and the copy as well as your follow through.

You should strategically plan how you want to present your information. What are the most important points and how do you want to get them across? It is important that your main selling points are easily assessable and clear. Use bullet points to make your points stand out. Keep them short, focused and targeted. You want the letter to flow and the reader to move comfortably through it. Before you finalize your letter, read it out loud to ensure it flows succinctly. After you have written your letter sleep on it and come back to it the next day to refine it.

Effective cover letters follow a specific formula; it is the formula for success.

• Introduction - This is your first contact with a potential employer and it needs to be professional and succinct. Address the person that will be reading your cover letter and resume. This will grab their attention early on and show that you are serious about the job. It also shows you have taken the time to do some research.
• Opening - The first paragraph may be the most important you write. This is the hook, your chance to introduce the reader to your unique selling points. An opening paragraph should be dynamic but succinct. You have a lot of information to pack into a small amount of space so you need to make sure you are expressing yourself in a clear and concise way. This paragraph should assert your connection with the role, proven ability (unique selling point) and a relevant benefit for the company.
• Body - The body is where you tie together your unique selling points, proven results and projected benefits. You don't have a lot of time to convince your potential employer you are right for the role so what you say needs to hit home. The body should be no more than 1 or 2 paragraphs of carefully crafted copy. Make your points clearly. Use conversational but professional language and connect with the reader by demonstrating relevant knowledge.
• Closing - The closing paragraph should include a final reiteration of how your skills are a match with the role. You should thank the reader for their time and consideration and clearly state what your next move will be. "I will follow up next week to ensure you have received my resume" or "I am available for a personal meeting and will follow up to discuss this further"
• Follow through - Professionalism is following through on your claims. Following through with a thank you note is also a nice touch.

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Writing Cover Letters - Formatting your cover letter

Many people write letters in direct response to advertisements they have viewed and target their letter to the specifics of the advert.

To ensure that you make it into the probables pile, follow the following format:

* Avoid over familiarity, just because the advert names the recruiter, many people do not react well to the salutation Dear Marc or Dear Anita.
It is over familiar and does not show adequate respect to the recruiter.

* Quote the source of the advertisement and the date on which it was published when beginning to outline your cover letter.

* Make your position clear from the outset. By this we mean writing the following introductory sentence. 'I was particularly interested in your advertisement because I have extensive experience in the challenging world of Instruction and Teaching'. With a strong statement such as this the reader cannot help but to continue reading.

* From here create the main body of the letter demonstrating how your skills and experience directly match the requirements of the post. Avoid very long sections of text. Keep your sentences short, positive and punchy.

* End with a positive statement that makes your intentions very clear. Something like 'I look forward to hearing from you and using the opportunity to discuss this opportunity further'.

If you use a format such as this, you will create a cover letter that is both professional and targeted, leaving the reader with a clear indication of your intentions.

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The 5 Elements Of A Highly Effective Cover Letter

What makes a cover letter effective? What makes employers want to learn more about a candidate? Why should any recruiter give your resume more time than the next candidate? Why should an employer select you for an interview? What sets you apart from your competitors and how do you show all that in a cover letter? The secret is simplicity. It is your job to make the employers life easier. Your cover letter needs to provide all the right information in an accessible manner so that the person reading it can decide almost instantly whether you are worth pursuing or not. This means making your unique selling points jump off the page. Effective cover letters get straight to the point.

Your cover letter should include relevant results orientated information in a concise easy to follow manner. It should read almost like a sales letter that calls to action your potential employers. You should look at your cover letter like a marketing opportunity and enlist some proven marketing strategies to help you land the job of your dreams. Know your audience and target your letter appropriately. How you present your information is as important as what you actually have to say.

5 elements

• Keep it simple - clear, concise and to the point. You should stick to short sentences and avoid content that is ambiguous and disjointed. Your points should follow a clear structure and be reader friendly. Anything more than 1 page for a cover letter is pointless. Everything you have to say you should be able to say it in 1 page. Use bullet points to break up the content and give it a more appealing appearance.
• Personalize - address the recruiter directly e.g. Dear Mr/Mrs Smith. It is worth the time it takes to call and find out who your application will be read by. Include company specific information and avoid emailing cover letters unless asked to. The more company and positional knowledge you show the more attention you will draw to your application. Always address your letter personally rather than using a common salutation like "To whom it may concern" as this kind of greeting will not concern anyone.
• Attention - capture the recruiters' attention in the first paragraph; make them want to learn more about you. Show them what you have to offer. Use the first few lines to demonstrate how hiring you will be beneficial to the company. Highlight how your skills are a match for the position. Promote yourself and be confident.
• Benefits - link your skills and experience to tangible benefits you can provide for the company. What can you do for them? How do you plan on doing it? What will they get out of hiring you? This is essential if you want to get an interview. Employers want proof that you can do what you say you can. Provide that proof with results you have achieved in other roles.
• Call to action - finish with a specific action you would like them to take, e.g. "I would like the opportunity to discuss this matter further with you" or "I would like to set up an interview with you next week to talk more about this opportunity. Be specific with what you want to happen next even if it is just you committing to a follow up call.

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The Fundamentals Of A Dynamic Cover Letter

Your cover letter and resume are like a direct sales and marketing package that is designed to sell your individual skills, qualifications and experiences to a potential employer. Employers are looking primarily at what you can provide for the company, how your skills and experience can benefit them. The purpose of a cover letter is to sum that up clearly and concisely so that the recruiters' job is that much easier.

The fundamentals of a dynamic cover letter that convert into interviews are simple. Keep it brief and to the point, demonstrate knowledge and abilities and present professionalism. A dynamic cover letter will encompass all these things and include relevant content that will initiate a response. You don't have a lot of time; in fact, many employers won't read past the first paragraph unless you grab their attention early.

Keep it brief

Time is money so you need to be concise and to the point, no more than one page of copy is required for a dynamic cover letter.

Your sentences should be short and clean and paragraphs cohesive and meaningful. 4-5 short paragraphs are more than enough for a cover letter.

Demonstrate knowledge and abilities

To begin with, you should outline the position you are applying for and how you came across it. E.g. "I am writing to apply for the sales assistant position you have advertised on Job Net. This role is an excellent match with my qualifications."

In the first paragraph, you should demand the reader's attention by demonstrating what you can do for them. What can you offer them that will set you apart from other applicants? Your unique selling points are what will incite the reader to look at your resume.

Outline in a sentence or two a few of the benefits you can offer potential employers, results achieved and accomplishments that are relevant.

Paragraph 2 should expand on this, with a sentence outlining qualifications and experience relevant to the position.

If you don't have experience in the specific field, focus on skills that are transferable.

Use dynamic language and copy to sell yourself. High impact words can enhance your message, be careful not to over do it though. These are often called action verbs. They are words that are proven to make an impact on the reader.

The third paragraph should further relate your skills to the company's requirements. Do your homework and demonstrate your understanding of the company. Company knowledge is essential to a good cover letter. It shows you have taken the time to find out about the company, its goals and culture. Employers want to know you are prepared to put in the work and go the extra mile.

Show how your unique abilities are a match with company goals and the position's requirements. This is very important; employers want to know how your unique skills are going to benefit them. These need to be presented in a tangible way.

The final paragraph is a call to action. You need to present a request for further contact such as an interview. Outline how you plan to follow up and how they can contact you. Also, add a final touch of enthusiasm or confidence in your match with the position. Always follow through on what you say your going to.

Present Professionalism

Stick to simple designs and standard fonts.

Double check spelling, grammar and typos.

Always do what you say your going to and follow up.

Pay attention to the little things that make a big difference, don't forget to add contact details, check the spelling of company names, titles and address.

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Tips For Creating Professional Cover Letters

The cover letter is perhaps the most important job document you will use in your search for a career. It is your first point of interaction with potential employers and it your first chance to gain the competitive edge. How you present this letter and its content will be a deciding factor in whether or not you get a phone call or an interview. If you present a great cover letter the employer is more likely to look positively at your resume. Your cover letter is an insight into your personality and it can influence the relationship you have with your potential employer.

These tips will help you to craft a professional cover letter that will convert into results.

• Professionalism - This is fundamental to success in any job, business, project or working relationship. It is essential in terms of how you present your cover letter, the content, delivery and follow up. Professionalism means getting it right in regards to company names, spelling, structure, copy and design.
• Competitive Edge - This is not only what you portray in the content of your cover letter but also how you present yourself. A cover letter outlines what sets you apart from your competitors. This is the time to showcase your individual attributes, experiences and qualifications. It is not just about listing these things, that is done in the resume but linking your unique abilities to benefits for the company.
• Attention Grabbing - This needs to be done in the first paragraph; even more effective is the first line where you should address a specific person i.e. the recruiter by name. You need to get their attention and keep it long enough for them to decide they want to learn more about you. The most effective way to do this is by highlighting your competitive edge and outlining how that relates to results in their company. You should refer to why you are writing and where you heard about the job in the first paragraph so that the reader knows your purpose for writing.
• Qualifications and Experience - These are your selling points, include them in the body of the cover letter. Relate these to results you have achieved with past companies and to the current position you are applying for. Be specific and go for results that are tangible.
• Copy - The way you write is just as important as the content. Marketing and sales language is high impact and will demand attention. Use impact words such as professional, results, experience, proven, reliable, quality, motivated, committed and effective. These are the kinds of buzzwords that have proven effective in marketing. Refer to detailed qualifications contained in your resume either in the body of the letter or in the final thoughts.
• Action - Include a call to action in your cover letter, propose a meeting, phone call or a follow up. Whatever you state in your cover letter will be expected so if you say your going to call do so. Don't be afraid to ask for an interview.
• Final Check - It is important and useful to seek advice regarding your letter. Have someone go over your draft and critique it. When you are satisfied with the letter, have someone go over it for typos, spelling and grammar. Finally, recheck it yourself before attaching it to your resume and sending it off. Mistakes of this nature can be costly so do not send anything you have not checked meticulously.

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Unique Cover Letters Can Enhance Your Job Search

Each and every job you go for is unique. Every company you apply to work for has its own individual culture, goals and philosophies. A generalized cover letter does not account for this and will not get you past the front door. Unique cover letters can enhance your job search. That is they should be uniquely tailored for every different job you go for and they should reflect your unique skills, experiences and attributes. They should also look as appealing as possible to potential readers, meaning they should be easy to read and time effective.

Most employers don't have the time to read through a heavy load of information. Keep your cover letter as brief as possible. Include the most relevant, important information and keep it clear and concise. Potential employers want to know whom you are, what you can do and why they should consider you and they don't want to have to read through an essay to glean this knowledge.

The structure of your cover letter is also a very important selling factor. You need to make it as easy as possible for potential employer to find the information they want. Short clear sentences, small paragraphs and simple professional language will contribute to this. Bullet points are also a good way to highlight your main points. In a cover letter use full sentences and be careful not to just repeat material already covered in your resume. You can also bold key points or words and underlining will draw immediate attention to the information. This kind of structure allows you to present your unique selling points effectively.

All of these things just make the readers job that much easier and your information is more readily available. It also sets your letter apart from all the block paragraphs and information over loaded documents. Your cover letter needs to be unique in terms of the content, structure, language and the way you present it. A unique cover letter will set you up for success.

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