A reader asked about cover letters this week and I thought others might be interested in the reply. “How do you get your cover letter to rise above the others? In other words, how do you get noticed?” Here are proven ways to spiral your document above the rest. Too many job seekers put all their time into the resume and hastily prepare a cover letter. Big mistake!
First, do your homework and find out how the organization prefers to receive information. Sometimes “gist cards” are used: 5×7 index cards with specific information such as name, address, contact info, list of skills/talents, type of work preferred, geographical preferences, and education background. Other organizations may scan Facebook, LinkedIn, etc. Find out how information is preferred before contacting them and proceed accordingly.
Now, let’s focus on the important cover letter. When conducting a job search, the cover letter goes on top of the resume like a tablecloth covers a dining surface. It introduces you as someone who is professional, organized, succinct and well spoken. It establishes connection and rapport with the reader. It shows you are interested, enthusiastic, sets a friendly tone and invites further communication. It mentions that a resume is enclosed and perhaps refers to a pertinent section of the resume. EX: As you can see in the objective statement of the enclosed resume, I seek a team environment where I can contribute proven skills in X, X, and X.
Don’t copy verbatim what you see in job search books. Employers have endured their share of cookie cutter letters that sound like they’re straight from the guides. Be yourself and be grammatically correct. Use your own words and style. It’ll be far more interesting and appealing.
Keep it short, a few paragraphs to one page max.
Ensure the paper color is professional (whites, buffs, beiges, ivory, or muted grey) and stick to quality stock.
Nix the fancy fonts and avoid mixing multiple fonts in the same letter.
Err on the side of brevity. Best advice, “When in doubt, leave it out!”
The cover letter should be addressed to an actual person. Call the hiring company and find out a name if you don’t know it. Check name spelling to ensure accuracy.
The cover letter purpose is to whet the appetite of the reader and invite him or her to learn more about you and what you offer.
I’ll walk through the basic 3 cover letter paragraphs and conclude with a cover letter example.
The first paragraph shows interest and enthusiasm in the position being offered. Sometimes an attention getting one-liner is appropriate. For example, “I’ve spent the past five years in the state penitentiary (caught your interest, huh?)…cooking as a chef in the statewide corrections system.” After you get the employer’s attention, show you’ve done your homework. Review their website, know where they’re located and become familiar with their products, sales, future plans. If you can’t think of a clever or interesting opening line, stay professional and tailor the cover letter to your enclosed resume.
The second paragraph highlights a few of your accomplishments and embedded skills that “fit” with competencies the employer seeks. An example might look like:
“Your advertisement states you’re seeking an experienced sales person with proven retail skills, knowledge of the regional retail market, and a strong network in the industry. The appeal for me was instant due to my love of retail, experience as an in store designer, national sales trainer with new store start up and buying experience.” This paragraph is your chance to communicate value and benefit you bring to the job. Tell the employer that you look forward to doing the same for him or her.
Another way to handle paragraph #2 is to make one strong introductory sentence followed by indenting and listing 2-4 other accomplishments that would intrigue and interest an employer. Here’s how that paragraph might appear: “With 10 years experience in the retail field, I’ve traveled extensively, conducted in-store training, selected merchandise, and taken on key roles in new store startups. Selected accomplishments include:
Indent and add two to three statements of accomplishments you’ve achieved. Make sure the first word is an action verb. See examples below.
- Trained and supervised ten sales associates to ensure product knowledge, professional customer relations and attention to detail.
- Acknowledged by supervisor for creativity, brand expansion, and investing necessary time to ensure quality results with promotions and sales events.
The third paragraph communicates your availability for further conversation, perhaps a meeting, or time to talk by phone or electronic means. “Enclosed (or attached) is my résumé for your review. Since I’m in the greater Hartford area, I can meet with you at your convenience. I’ll contact your office within one week to arrange a convenient time. If you wish to contact me, I can be reached daily at 555.876.4321 or email abcd@xxx.com. I look forward to further conversation and the opportunity with meet with you soon.
Regards,
Name
Resume enclosed
Here’s a sample cover letter combining all three paragraphs:
Date
Name of Recipient
Company name
Inside Address
City, State Zip Code
Dear Mr. or Ms. Stonewill,
I’ve spent the past eight years dressing smartly styled women throughout the region as an in-store designer and image consultant for a major national brand clothier. In reading regional business news, I notice that you’re expanding properties into the northeast which is of great interest to me.
Your advertisement states that you seek an experienced sales person with proven retail skills, brand knowledge, sales and marketing expertise, and a strong network in the industry. The appeal for me was instant due to my love of retail, experience as an in-store designer, national sales trainer with new store start up and buying experience. Selected accomplishments include:
- Managed all hiring, merchandise placement and detail associated with five successful retail store start ups.
- Built customer and brand loyalty while expanding retail skills.
- Traveled extensively throughout the region conducting over 35 internal store trainings. Hired or promoted over 20 sales associates.
- Trained and supervised over 50 sales associates ensuring product knowledge, professional customer relations and attention to detail.
- Acknowledged by supervisor for creativity, brand expansion, and guaranteeing quality results with personnel and sales events.
Since I’m in the greater Hartford area, I can meet you at your convenience. I’ll contact your office within one week to arrange a time to get together. If you wish to contact me, I can be reached daily at 555.876.4321 or 555.987.4332 (cell); email is abcd@xxx.com.
Sincerely,
Name
Resume enclosed (or attached)
Note: There is no margin for error when it comes to misspellings and poor grammar. Be sure to check and double proof your work. When you think it is letter perfect, give it to a couple people who have a solid grasp of language and communication. It’d be great if they happen to be a crackerjack grammarian or won their school spelling bee once upon a time.
Above all, don’t write yourself out of the running because of sloppy habits, late night efforts and lack of attention to detail.
If you’re in a job search, and have questions or situations that are nagging or worrying you, send a question or comment below. I’d be glad to reply on or off line. -JC
