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How to Write a Professional & Dynamic Cover Letter
You need to send out a cover letter? Don't panic! Follow these simple instructions and you will create a dynamic cover letter that will get you noticed.
A cover letter is a personal communication tool between you and your potential employer. This is your first opportunity to show that you have done your homework, that you truly desire the position, and to grab the attention of that recruiter. When writing your cover letter keep the following in mind: What kind of person are they looking for? What kind of employee are you? How can you help them?
Write your cover letter as if you were speaking to the recruiter and you will develop a rapport with your reader that will demonstrate the difference between you and the next candidate. How much personality, passion, and creativity you place into this letter and still be able to maintain professionalism - will help you stand out.
Step #1 - Letterhead
Letterhead, use the same stationary that you have used for your resume. Design them the same way. This will give your cover letter and resume a very professional look. Make sure your letterhead includes your contact information. Purchase quality resume and cover letter paper. Impressions count!
Samantha Samuels
2700 North Semoran
Winter Park, Florida 32792 |
Step #2 - Date
Date in the upper left corner. Do not abbreviate.
Step #3 – Company and contact, type the name of the person you are sending your letter to and their title, the company address and name. Then, type the name of the person again with a greeting. Always try to address the hiring manager personally. If this is not possible, you may say Dear Hiring Manager, Dear Manager, or Dear (title).
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R. E. Vargas
Owner
Creating Prints
2113 South View
New York, NY 10022
Dear Mrs.Vargas:
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Step #4 - Introduction
A) Open by stating the position you are seeking and mention where you heard about this position. Begin this letter in a sentence that shouts, "Here I am and I am the one you want." You can open with a compliment, a reference, a story about your desire to be employed by them.
B) Name the Company in your introductory paragraph, so they realize you have customized this cover letter. Make sure that when you write why you wish to work for this company, you write it in a way that highlights the benefits for them – not you!
C) Mention that you are interested, excited, or whatever other positive emotion you wish to communicate to your reader.
D) Follow with an insight about the company. A great way of getting information on the company is through the company's Web-site, a newsletter; someone who works in the company, and articles.
Step #5 – Body
This can be one paragraph or two, depending on how much you bring up to support your qualifications. Sometimes a cover letter may need to be longer. Write it as short as possible without compromising your message.
A) Explain to them why you are the best candidate for this position. Give an overview of your resume; do not re-write your resume. Your cover letter should be more personal than your resume, more dramatic, more enticing.
B) Mention experiences to support your statements. Don’t give too much details here because you want them to read your resume. Give them enough so they learn that you fulfill their needs and that you have exceeded the qualifications they desire. Make sure that you have focused on how you will benefit the company - not how this job will benefit you. Remember, you are the product and you are marketing yourself, so you must meet the needs of THE EMPLOYER.
Step #6- Closing
A) Be clear and concise. Tell them what action you will now take or what action you wish for them to take. Be it, calling you, you calling them, following up by E-mail, making an appointment, or stopping by their office. Be direct and clear about your next step.
B) Mention whether your resume is attached or enclosed.
c) Thank them in your last sentence, then type Sincerely, Very truly yours, or Regards. Then enter four lines and type your name.
* A great font size is 10pt to 12pt. If you are planning to fax your cover letter and resume use fonts that are Scannable. A few Scannable fonts are: Arial, Bookman, and Times Roman.
If you don’t have these on your computer, choose a font that does not produce letters that touch one another, nor fonts that are too fancy in design. If you will be personally presenting your letter, then you can be a little more creative with your fonts. If you are going to be e-mailing your cover letter, please see our E-resume page or call us for more information. Good luck and remember that you must promote yourself in order to make a great impression.
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Sincerely,
Rosa E. Vargas
Creating Prints.
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For more information please call 1-866-438-8600.
For a Free cover letter critique, please send it via E-mail.
For a FREE resume critique or if you have questions or comments, click here.
If you are interested in hiring a writer, Creating Prints will write you an excellent cover letter at a very affordable rate. We will save a template of your cover letter on a disk. You can then customize and update it whenever you need to.
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