How to Write a Cover Letter

You don’t always need a cover letter — in fact, some recruiters request you do not send one.

But the cover letter is the best way to to play up the most important parts of your resume, while including information inappropriate for a resume. The letter also demonstrates your writing ability, and shows you were willing to take a little extra time with your application.

Here are some tips for writing a great cover letter:

Start by introducing yourself. Stick to what relates directly to the job. My name is Joseph Blow, and I have 10 years experience in Advanced Widget Management.

Mention the position for which you are applying. Forgetting this is a common error. Chances are excellent that the recruiter is working to fill several jobs. I am writing about the Senior Widget Manager position advertised on EmploymentCrossing.com.

Grab the reader’s attention. Cover letters are dull. If there is anything that sets you apart from other applicants (and which applies directly to the position), mention it right off the bat. Don’t bury the lede. I am the author of the best-selling book How to Manage Widgets.

Sell your qualifications. Don’t just recap your resume — the recruiter already has it. Imagine if had only three sentences to convince and attractive person to go out on a date with you. Now translate that to convincing a recruiter to hire you. I will use my training, plus years of technical and management experience at some of the best firms in the widget industry, to help make your firm the top-rated manufacturer of small-to-medium-sized widgets.

Be specific about the position. Read the job description carefully, and refer directly to the specific qualifications listed. I am fluent in Microsoft Widgetware, but I have plenty of experience with WidgetPro, the software used by your team.

Assume you will be contacted. I have attached a copy of my resume, and you may find samples of my work at widgetmanagerblog.com. I look forward to having the opportunity to speak to you about my qualifications in person.

Make sure your name, address, and contact information are on your cover letter. Yes, all that is on your resume. Be redundant. Make it easy to contact you.

Only list your salary history or your salary requirements if you are specifically asked to do so. Let the firm get to know you, and get excited about you, before the topic of filthy lucre is raised. If you do list your past salaries, don’t lie.

Grammar, punctuation and sentence structure must be perfect. If you can’t write, find a friend who can.

Use the same paper and print quality you would use on a resume. Don’t go cheap — you’re trying to impress people.

Got any more advice? Let us know in the comments!

Tags: cover letters, job application advice, job search advice, resumes, writing

Resume & Cover Letter Bloopers

Here is another web meme, found in the wilds of the Internet. It claims to have been published in Fortune magazine. Anyway, it’s funny.

These are (supposedly) real comments and notes culled from resumes and cover letters. All misspellings and typos are original.

“I demand a salary commiserate with my extensive experience.”

“I have lurnt Word Perfect 6.0 computor and spreasheet progroms.”

“Received a plague for Salesperson of the Year.”

“Reason for leaving last job: maturity leave.”

“Wholly responsible for two (2) failed financial institutions.”

“Failed bar exam with relatively high grades.”

“It’s best for employers that I not work with people.”

“Let’s meet, so you can ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ over my experience.”

“You will want me to be Head Honcho in no time.”

“Am a perfectionist and rarely if if ever forget details.”

“I was working for my mom until she decided to move.”

“I have an excellent track record, although I am not a horse.”

“I am loyal to my employer at all costs. Please feel free to respond to my
resume on my office voice mail.”

“I have become completely paranoid, trusting completely no one and
absolutely nothing.”

“My goal is to be a meterologist. But since I possess no training in
meterology, I suppose I should try stock brokerage.”

“I procrastinate, especially when the task is unpleasant.”

“Personal interests: donating blood. Fourteen gallons so far.”

“As indicted, I have over five years of analyzing investments.”

“Instrumental in ruining entire operation for a Midwest chain store.”

“Note: Please don’t misconstrue my 14 jobs as ‘job-hopping’. I have never
quit a job.”

“Marital status: often. Children: various.”

“Reason for leaving my last job: They insisted that all employees get to
work by 8:45 am every morning. I couldn’t work under thos conditions.”

“The company made me a scapegoat, just like my three previous employers.”

“Finished eighth in my class of ten.”

“References: none. I’ve left a path of destruction behind me.”

Got any good ones? Let us know in the comments!

Tags: bad resumes, cover letters, humor, resume writing, resumes

Breaking the Rules with Your Cover Letter

When I was an office manager, way back when Huey Lewis and the News was still topping the charts, the veep of human resources took me under his wing. We would sit in his office with a stack of resumes, and anything on colored paper, or with a photo or lollipop attached, or which deviated in any way from the strict rules of traditional resumes or cover letters, ended up in the “round file,” headed to our special “landfill storage facility.”

Recently a friend of mine sent me the following cover letter, which he wrote and actually used recently. Here it is in full:

Dear Sir or Madam,

The “Freelance Proofreader” position that [company redacted] posted on [job site redacted] caught my attention, and I would like to apply for the job. Please find my resume with salary history attached to this email.

I’m a professional proofreader and copywriter with over five years of experience writing, editing, and proofreading both web and print media (catalogs, brochures, product descriptions, etc.). I began my career in children’s entertainment as a copywriter for MGA Entertainment where I wrote and proofed instruction manuals for children’s toys and games. I am well-acquainted…

OK, enough with this dull cover letter. You’ve probably read 50 of these smarmy, cookie cutter things already today and your eyes are glazed over. I’m going to go out on a limb and just be real for a change.

I am not just a proofreader. I am THE proofreader. I see the typos, misspellings and style inconsistencies that most people don’t notice – even on bumper stickers. I routinely re-write product descriptions I see while shopping online, then send my suggestions in to the company – just for fun. When a co-worker can’t spell a word or identify a font, he or she knows who can – me. I love that your company is producing materials that will make a positive impact on today’s youth, who are going to be tomorrow’s leaders whether we like it or not. Don’t get me wrong, I loved writing copy for the Bratz fan club, but telling 9-year olds how to apply make-up and pick out color schemes isn’t going change the world a whole lot. Your product is. I want to be a part of that.

I’m good at what I do because I love my job, and my 5+ years of professional copywriting, copyediting and proofreading experience highlight this success. I’m presently seeking a permanent, full-time position with an employer who will appreciate the enthusiastic attitude I bring to work each day, my dazzling leadership abilities, and the way I can proofread a booklet, brochure, catalog… like the pro that I am. Print out my resume, take a look at it – I’m exactly what you’re looking for, trust me. Feel free to call me at your earliest convenience, or better yet, call me right now so we can schedule an interview where I will absolutely wow you, especially after I take the proofreading test.

Thank you for your time and consideration and I look forward to hearing from you soon!

Sincere Regards,
[name redacted]

Now on the one hand, I would say never send a cover letter like this. Human resources people are allergic to “creativity” and “cleverness.”

On the other hand — I love this letter. Cover letters are supposed to provide a quick glance at who the applicant is, and why he or she should be brought in for an interview. And this letter does that.

It could be argued that the content in this letter, the attitude and the sales pitch, are more appropriate for the interview itself than the cover letter. That’s true. But in this economy, perhaps going outside the bounds is the only way to get noticed.

What do you think — showy creativity or professional restraint? Let us know in the comments!

Tags: cover letters, job application advice