|
|
Eleven Tips For Writing A Good
Cover Letter
Nimish Thakkar, MS, MBA,
CCMC, CPRW, SaiCareers.com,
New York
December 22, 2005
A few common traits characterize
cover letters
that attract employers' attention. This article attempts to summarize a
few common tips for writing a good
cover letter.
Tip 1: Be concise, yet interesting
The pursuit of writing a
compelling
cover letter doesn’t necessarily have to translate into an
excessively lengthy document. Unlike
resumes, most
cover letters are
limited to a single page. Also, since hiring managers are inundated with
hundreds of
cover letters, it is very important to write the
cover letter in an interesting manner (without compromising professionalism).
Tip 2: Present yourself as a possible solution
Employers recruit new
employees to solve problems or to fulfill the company’s existing
needs. The
cover letter could be a great way to demonstrate how you
can be the “perfect solution.”
Tip 3: Demonstrate knowledge
A good
cover letter should provide ample
evidence about your knowledge and expertise -- industry, company,
products, or projects.
Tip 4: Provide endorsements
Almost every successful commercial employs expert
endorsements to promote products. In your case, the
cover letter
could be a great place to use positive statements made by previous
employers, colleagues, peers, customers, or vendors. These [short] testimonials can significantly
strengthen your case (because someone else is talking about you).
Tip 5: Express enthusiasm and interest
Appearing enthusiastic
-- an important trait of a good
cover letter -- about your profession
(and the potential employer/position) is very important.
Tip 6: Connect with the reader
Utilize a writing style that
helps you connect with your reader. In other words, speak with your
reader through the
cover letter.
Tip 7: Make compelling arguments
Isn’t it all about positioning you
as the ideal candidate for the job? A good cover letter will make
every attempt to differentiate you from the competition.
Tip 8: Proofread
Be sure to proofread your
cover letter
several times. Get help from trusted friends and colleagues if
possible. Remember, poor grammar and spelling can work against
you.
Tip 9: Introduce your resume
A good cover letter will arouse
the reader's curiosity and motivate him/her to review the
resume as
well.
Tip 10: Initiate a “call for action”
It is very important to ask for an
interview. A good
cover letter will always end with a polite request
for an interview.
Tip 11: Thank the reader
Be courteous
and thank the reader for spending their valuable time (you can’t take
their time for granted).
Related Information:
Write A Dynamite Cover Letter To Improve Your
Chances
What To Avoid On A Cover Letter
Cover Letter Sample
--------------------------------------------------------------
We hope you enjoyed
the following article: "Eleven
Tips For Writing A Good Cover Letter"
-------------------------------------------------------------
|
|
