Whether it's a letter that accompanies your direct job application, is used for networking or is for introductions to an executive recruiter, it is a critical part of your brand presentation and career marketing.
When properly written, a cover letter serves as a personal introduction and the tricky part is to make an impact with rehashing your resume.
A well-written cover letter or marketing letter should highlight your personality, qualifications, achievements, and more importantly, enthusiasm.
Avoid creating a cover letter more than 3-4 paragraphs and honestly, you can still write an effective letter that is shorter than that. So here's how you go from "who is this?" to "let me call him/her" in just a few words.
PARAGRAPH #1: Get their attention immediately with a powerful intro statement in your introductory paragraph. Use this paragraph to give the reader an overall impression about one or more of the following:
- What achievements have been consistent in your career?
- What value or benefit do you bring to the employer?
- What is your professional/ corporate reputation?
- What are your core competencies or areas of expertise?
Examples:
Low-Impact: "Your recent posting for the Director of Sales position closely matches my qualifications and experience. I have enclosed a copy of my resume for your review and consideration."
High-Impact: "Implementing marketing initiatives that increase product and service sales, expand market share and improve corporate brands are ways I add value. With extensive experience and deep expertise in sales management and new product development, I am well-qualified to serve as your next Director of Sales."
PARAGRAPH #2: Pique the readers' interest and support your bold introductory statements with hard evidence of achievements. Using a recent accomplishment or career success story from your current position is an easy way to do so.
Examples:
Low-Impact: "In my current role as Chief Operating Officer, I oversee a $25 million which impacts the programming and services for over 5K customers in the Washington DC area."
High-Impact: "More recently as the COO of the NCCP, I was instrumental in stabilizing the organization during a season of uncertainty and internal chaos.By forging partnerships and strategic alliances, I garnered $15M+ in operational support and increased the organization's industry standing in less than six months."
PARAGRAPH #3: Make sure that your top accomplishments and career milestones really stand out in the cover letter.
Examples:
Low-Impact: "Was efficient by developing and implementing a shipping system."
High-Impact: "Saved company over $250K annually by proactively renegotiating new service agreements with existing vendors." (Technology Manager - ABC Communications)
PARAGRAPH #4: Sell your soft skills in two or three final statements in the cover letter.
Examples:
Low-Impact: "My leadership and relationship building skills are finely tuned to bring you to the next level."
High-Impact: "While my enthusiasm for Teleconnect Solutions, Inc remains, the telecommunications market has experienced a dramatic decline. Consequently, I am seeking new professional challenges that could benefit from my strong, decisive leadership and top management performance."
CLOSING PARAGRAPH: Be assertive. Never make the mistake of ending your cover letter on a passive note. Remember that today's job market is too competitive for meek and overly reserved candidates.
Examples:
Low-Impact: "I look forward to your call."
High-Impact: "I would welcome the opportunity to speak with you about the contributions I could make to your company. I will contact you on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 to schedule a possible meeting."
In closing, never forget to thank the reader for their time and consideration.