How to Write a Professional Cover Letter
By Rosa E. Vargas, Creating Prints
Updated 01-25-08
Writing a professional cover letter can be an overwhelming task. But, like everything else, if you put the work in, it will yield the results you desire. What makes a professional cover letter effective? It is in the marketing of the benefits your employer wishes to attain via your employment. Find out what that is and you will lure the results you desire.
The Plan
1. Finding out what the employer wants: Finding out what the employer wants is part of the research necessary to write a professional cover letter. If you already performed the correct research for your resume, then your job is almost done! Research job postings, descriptions, and the company’s Web site. Make sure you understand what their goal is and then sell them the vision that you will absolutely give them what they need.
2. Sound sincere: Don’t just repeat what you read during your research. Truly understand their need, put yourself in their shoes, and then “sell” them their desired results. Do try to sincerely flatter them by complimenting the company and the position with company facts.
3. More personal than the resume: Your cover letter should further accentuate your qualifications in a manner not possible via your resume. Your resume is a powerful and succinct document that is written with a direct and quick tone. But, your cover letter will allow you to address the reader in a more personal fashion and if done well, it will make a further connection with your new employer! Remember, personal and professional!
4. Remember to keep it employer focused: Remember that your cover letter, resume, and interview must be employer-focused. How important is this? Well, do you like to read about yourself, about things that can enhance your life, your career, your prosperity? : - ) And, so, list benefits your new employer will reap and back them up with experience and skills.
5. Professional design: Make sure your cover letter matches your resume’s and reference letter’s design. Nice impact counts!
6. You must immediately grab attention: How many cover letters do you think this employer receives for the same opening? Hundreds! You must open your letter with a unique, active, and attention capturing sentence that is written to your prospective employer's needs. How can you do this? A few things you can be sure of ...
A) Don’t use the pronoun “I” or "My" or "Mine" to begin your sentence. A great eye opener is using the company's name or the addressee's name. Do try to limit your use of tpronouns in your entire cover letter. B) Don’t begin with an ordinary “I am applying for” sentence. You will gain, in response to, and to aide you, are a few great substitutes. I am sure you can come up with great ones. You could begin with an inspiring quote, information, a career comment. The beginning is vital. Remember to be subtle, because you don't want to seem bogus.C) Don’t overwrite. Sentences that are short and to the point are much clearer. Don’t try to over impress with language. Yes, make sure it is professional, articulate, and correct but not verbose.D) Don’t use too many vague adjectives (only makes you sound phony). 7. You must be direct about the position you are seeking: Name the title you are seeking in your first paragraph, how you heard about it, and offer to fulfill it to their fullest desire by listing quantifiable data and keywords (industry buzzwords).
8. Highlight key and relevant contributions: Use the body of your cover letter to reiterate what you will produce. Communicate this value with words, skills, and phrases that are that industry’s standard. For example, the word “customer” is a universal--used and understood in all businesses. However, to make a stronger connection, if you are working for a hotel you would use the word “guest.” If you are working for a doctor, the word “patient.” If you are a trainer, the word “client.” An association or organization, the word “member.”
Do you follow? And so, use words to describe what you have done, what you will do, what you can do and make a connection with your reader.
Be clear and direct in your closing. Don’t convey, “goodbye and thank you for reading and I hope you call me.” Call an action! Be it, “I will call you to set up an appointment…, I will follow up with an e-mail to…, I will stop by on…” Let them know you are serious, and you are taking charge – just be nice about it!
If you have questions or need assistance please call or e-mail us. Hire us to write your resume and cover letter and make sure you reach your employer and capture their interest.
