This is a letter accompanying your resume in job application. It is a very influential tool to get an interview. Since the average advertised job opening usually gets around 200 applications of more, the hiring personnel will usually shortlist the applications. The applications without any letter are the first ones to go. The logic is that if you are too lazy to write one, you’ll be too lazy to work.
The next to go are the poorly written letters. The logic is the same, if you are too lazy to write a good one, you’ll be too lazy to do a good job too. If they are happy with it, then they will look at your resume. After that the shortlist is completed.
One way to better your chances of getting a job is to tap into the hidden market. What is The Hidden Job Market? The general consensus is that it is made up of jobs that are not advertised. Many articles and reports have been written about this hidden market, the statistics quoted range from 80 to 85%. So, if 80-85% of jobs are not advertised, how does employers fill them?
Well, most of these jobs are advertised via word of mouth. If a position is open, then the employer will ask around if anyone knows someone who can fill the position. If the employer gets enough recommendations (usually around 3 to 10), they will start the interview process. If the employer does not get enough recommendations, they will turn to the recruiters. If you have done your networking well, you will be told of such an opening.
Now, here is another important advice, when you do get recommended to fill a position via your network of friends and recruiters, do include your letter. Most people do not include a letter in this situation. If you do, you immediately set yourself apart from the others.
How to write a cover letter?
Follow these rules.
Always write to a specific person, not "to whom it may concern", or Dear Sir/Madam". To find out, call the HR department and find out whom the HR manager is, or the name of the manager in charge of the department you want to work under. Use your network; do you know someone who is in the company or industry? Can they help you?
Always make sure you are 100% correct in spelling, grammar and facts. Use the spell and grammar checker from your word processor. If you are not very good or need more help, get someone to edit the letter.
Research the target organization and include information or facts relating to your would be job or industry.
Analyze the job. Check for the noted and assumed needs and determine the most important skills the employer is looking for.
Address how you will meet the employers' needs.
Use a strong opening sentence. Do not use the standard openings like "I wish to apply for the position of … advertised in …". For example, if the job is for a sales manager, write something like "A proven track record in developing new business and increasing sales…" Design you opening to get the person to really read what you can do. Address the employers' needs identified earlier.
In the body of the letter, show them that you can meet the needs of the employer. Use the job advertisement and your network; do you know someone who is in the company or industry? Can they help you find out what are the important skills required for that job?
Make your letter visually appealing and coordinated with your resume. Do not overdo the style elements. One type font is never wrong (unless you are in the arts.)
Be concise. This is not you autobiography. Keep it to one page.
Conclude the cover letter with "the contributions I'll bring to your company …"
Make sure you include a P.S. in the letter. This is a little sales letter trick that works very well. In a sales letter it is often use as a call to action. Use it here as well. Say something like "I would love the opportunity to meet in person for an interview. I can be reached at ...".
Use high quality paper.
Top Recommendation
3001 Business & Sales Letters "It's all simple to use...a well thought out and effective tool...we like it a lot." PC Guide, November 2002
If you want to write a letter fast, I highly recommend that you use the templates provided in 3001 Business & Sales Letters because they have (as the name suggest) 3001 Business & Sales Letters templates. This award winning software has by far the most comprehensive list of templates. Here is a list of the templates they have ordered by categories.
As I can see it, the templates will cover every conceivable business situation. With this product, all you have to do to be good at Writing Business Letter is to cut, paste and do a little bit of modifications. It even gives you phrases (see screen shot) when you need it to help you construct sentences. See the following business sample letter to see how this program will help you write any letter you want. It is by far the best value for your money.
As far as cover letters and job related letters goes, here are some of the topics included:
Respond to a job advertisement and request an interview
Respond to a request for your resume
Use networking in a job search
Write a cover letter to introduce a resume
Write a letter in a job search
Acceptance letters to restate and close the deal
Follow-up letters to help you stand out and get noticed
Job-offer letters
Request letters to request a raise or promotion
Response Letters to negotiate benefits or a higher salary
Although it is out of the context of my web site, a discussion about cover resume letter will not be complete without talking about the job search process and resumes. So below are the links to my:
In this audio CD, Brian goes into key strategies and methods for finding and keeping your ideal job. He teaches you how to write a resume that gets results and the job you are looking for. How to interview like a champion and negotiate the higher pay. And how to get a better, higher paying job immediately. If you are looking for a job right now or planning to change jobs, this is for you.
This audio CD really gets to the point on how to get ahead in your career. It draws from the wisdom and experience of those in the know about career success. It offers 21 short chapters of clearly presented and easy to absorb material. I recommend it to anyone in any field who aspires to be promoted.
Resume and Cover Letter Secrets Revealed by KevinDonlin, is considered by many to be the "bible" on writing resumes and cover letters. This amazing do-it-yourself "how-to" manual tells you everything you need to know about writing resumes and cover letters, and includes dozens of real-life samples. It also gives you instant access to winning job-search strategies and proven job interview tips and techniques. Kevin guarantees that if you use his guide you'll find a job within 30 days. If you need a high quality "how-to" information resource, that was written by an expert in his field, this is your answer.
This book is highly recommended (along with Winning Resumes) for anyone who is in the market for a new job. It covers many crucial topics that will aid you in the writing of a powerful, attention-grabbing cover letter. Mistakes to avoid while writing a cover letter, numerous examples of successful cover letters, tips and exercises for assessing your skills and accomplishments, and examples of prospect letters, informational letters, and thank you letters are some of the topics that are covered. If you are only going to get one Cover Letter book, this is it.
