Five Tips For Writing Attention-Grabbing Cover Letters
Posted by
Staff Editor
•
A cover letter is perhaps the trickiest letter you will ever have to write as a job seeker. It can’t be too long so as to bore the reader while at the same time; it can’t be too short either. If you really look at it, you won’t be writing anything more than who you are and why are you writing the cover letter, yet you still want to make it impressive by making it different from the tons that might be fighting to be on top.
So what are the secrets to writing that magical cover letter?
Top Five Tips To Writing Cover Letters That Get Results
Let’s look at the five most important tips that will make your cover letter get attention:
1. Please don’t use a standard cover letter (read: template) with blank spaces for addresses and date insertions. For god’s sake, avoid this as it is going to drive the recruitment manager nuts. If they have read a thousand resumes before they get to yours and they find a cover letter which is not exactly and specifically made for them, they will possibly lose interest and not continue with your resume any further. But seriously speaking, this kind of template gives a feeling of being disregarded to the reader. Can you afford to let this happen?
2. Don’t let all the goodies out of the bag in the cover letter itself. Writing all about yourself in the cover letter is meaningless when you are enclosing your resume as well. Also, a lengthy cover letter is boring and frustrating. The most a hiring manager will do is throw it aside for the circular file. This effectively means you are out of the running. So avoid lengthy cover letters, and keep it brief and to the point.
3. Clearly specify the job code (if it is provided), and give the reference as to whether you are writing the cover letter in response to an advertisement. This prevents your letter from being delivered to the wrong person/department. The right person will understand the position that you have applied for, which makes it easier for him or her to contact you.
4. Personalizing and proofreading the cover letter – this goes without saying. You may argue that perfect spelling and grammar in the cover letter are not evidence of your talents, skills and abilities. Well, look at it this way; what will you do if your talents get buried under unintentional and silly errors? Better yet, how will you know – because if they are, you certainly aren’t going to get called for an interview.
5. Grab attention in the opening sentence itself - This will grab the reader immediately and entice them to read your cover letter carefully and with interest. Think of this as sales – if you don’t get the reader’s attention from the very start, the sale (i.e. – your candidacy) is lost.
Because the cover letter is the first contact that you will have with a company or recruiter, it is absolutely essential that it gets the right kind of attention from the get go. By following the five tips above, you will ensure that your resume ends up at the top of the “yes” heap.
Become a member to take advantage of more features, like commenting and voting.
I'm not going to be the 100th person to ask for an example...but lets see some crummy cover letters to see specifically what NOT to do!
Nancy Holub
•
These are things I know but I am still waiting for that great cover letter that I can change to my own personality. What you are offering here is a don't do and nothing to show what I can do.
Steven Stevenson
•
I have been out for 2 years. I think I will try some reverse thinking like putting something out on the curb and placing a sign saying "do not steal this". It will disappear. Start with "PLEASE DO NOT READ THIS COVER LETTER"! just to get the attention. Gotta try something
Ancy Mathew
•
Very good tips for the cover letter. Can I get help for getting a good cover letter.
Maria Chacon
•
A good example of a cover letter would be helpful
Sal Ferraro
•
I agree with the rest of the population good sample or two would be great. Thanks, Sal
Thomas LoBianco
•
In many cases, "To Whom" the cover and resume are going is not stated... What then?
Bruce
•
The five tips are great. However, without a couple of concrete samples of letters employing these suggestions, it is hard to truly get real value out of the comments. Might you please provide samples of what are deemed to be good, eye catching cover letters? Thank you.
Phillps BAKARE
•
Thank for this information. Can you please give one or two examples or give some introductory words for the cover letter?
Geraldine P.
•
Thanks for the information, it would be a big help, can you give examples? if so, it would be appreciated, thank you.
Jeffrey A.
•
Please give examples. It would be a great help. Thanks
loid
•
Thanks for the tips but a sample cover letter is greatly appreciated
Joan S.
•
A few examples of a Cover Letters would be greatly appreciated.
Mel C
•
Please may you forward to me at least 2/3 examples of good and powerful resumes that i can view. Thank you.
Betty V.
•
The information is very helpful but you have any cover letter example that I can see?
Aileen Cordette
•
I would love to see a sample of a cover letter.
Alicia A.
•
Thank you for the info. It is clearly understood to be specific for the job qualification I'm applying for along with added credentials stated on the resume.
Patricia C.
•
It is great, it helped me very much. But, would be great to see an example, covering the 5 tips you mentioned
Useful information, but it definitely needs an example to back it up. Thanks.
Bobby Haynes
•
Thank You
Geraldine
•
Can you submit an example of a good cover letter that is short and to the point.Jerrie
Nalini Vijayakumar
•
Great information on cover letters. However, as many have suggested already, an example would be more helpful. Thanks.
Cheryl
•
This is great and all but some examples of the opening sentence would be helpful. I know that's very important but not sure what's the best way to go about it.
Become a member to take advantage of more features, like commenting and voting.
Register or sign in today!