When completing a job application online, it's easy to bypass the cover letter and save time by simply attaching a resume. However, doing so removes a key element that could make the difference between a rejection from the employer and being called in for an interview. In this uber-competitive job market, candidates need to do all they can in order to sell themselves and get a leg up on the competition. Here's how to write an effective cover letter.
Writing the Cover Letter Body
When sitting down to write the letter, remember the two rules of thumb: clarity and consistency. Busy HR managers don't have the time or patience to read minds or try to make sense out of a poorly written cover letter. Three short paragraphs (including the concluding statement) of four or fewer sentences are enough to state the case and provide a brief glimpse at current job skills and past accomplishments.
Though it may seem time consuming, ditch the standard cover letter template in favor of a customized letter for each employer. Highlight key skills in the job description and sell matching qualifications. Tell the employer reasons for wanting to work at the target company. If a name is attached to the position description, address the letter to the person's name rather than a generic "Hello" or "Dear HR Manager."
Place focus on what the candidate can do for the employer – the idea is to "sell" a particular skill set that the employer is looking for. In other words, "I have (these) skills – here's why you want to consider me." Don't overdo – keep focused on skills specific to the job description and always be clear and concise. Spellcheck and proofread to ensure the letter is free of errors.
Concluding the Cover Letter
A well crafted cover letter is all for naught without a strong concluding paragraph. A final effort to sell specific skills relative to the position, the last paragraph should include such phrases as, "I am excited about the Marketing Coordinator position," "I am confident I could become an asset to your company" and, "At your convenience, I would appreciate the opportunity to speak with you in greater detail about this opportunity." Never sound desperate; maintain professionalism at all times.
Do not indicate a specific date to contact the hiring manager for a follow-up to application submission. If the candidate can find a name or contact info attached to the job description in the first place, HR managers are busy enough sorting through piles of applications than to set aside time for each candidate who says they will contact them. Bottom line, if the company feels the candidate is a good fit, the hiring manager will make the call, not the other way around.
A new and novel approach to the traditional cover letter is to create a video briefly highlighting job skills and accomplishments; typically this video letter complements a video resume. However, certain occupations benefit more than others – for example, video resumes and cover letters in sales and marketing benefit more than those in information technology. Regardless of how it's done, a cover letter should always be clear, concise, and used as an opportunity to "sell" skills specific to the position description.
Daniel Gansle - Daniel J. Gansle is the author of 2012: Day of Reckoning, graduate of Anthropological Studies and expert in ancient Mayan culture.
