The Cover Letter:
1. Always write a new cover letter, or edit a previously used one, to customize the occasion by identifying the employer and the opportunity you are seeking.
2. Make certain that you understand the requirements for the position, then explain in 3 sentences or less, why you would be successful in it. Support any claims that you make. Sample Claim: "A successful sales professional with 23 years experience". Would be supported by: "In five years with my last employer, I opened 21 new distributor accounts and increased sales by 1400%."
3. To stay focused, so that the cover letter is a quick read for busy HR people, stick to this format:
a. No more than 3 paragraphs
b. No more than 3 sentences per paragraph
c. One page only.
4. Double-check your spelling, subject/verb usage, and punctuation. Every employer wants employees who are good communicators. This is also where you can demonstrate your detail orientation which is another valuable asset. Don't be afraid to be yourself and let your personality show in your writing, while remaining professional. Employers are able to sense "chemistry" and attitude through your choice of words.
5. Save all of your pages together, as one document, with the cover letter as #1, resume as pages #2 and #3 (if #3 is needed) and name your attachment.
Example Document Name: Paige Turner, Editor
Example Document Name: Claus Tolerance, CNC Machinist
NOTE: To make it easy for hiring managers and recruiters to share and review my document electronically, I would use my Document Name in the Subject Line of the e-mail, UNLESS the employer's reply instructions indicate otherwise.
The purpose of CAREERPARK is to bring prospective employees and employers together in a forum where assistance is given to everyone. EMPLOYERS, if you have a comment, want to share some advice, or need advice on some aspect of finding employees, please let us know. PROSPECTIVE EMPLOYEES, if you find this information helpful or if you would like us to address additional job-hunting topics, please let us know. Don't forget to Post Your Resume at
CareerPark.com!
Good Luck!
Laura
Laura Parker is president and owner of Parker Advertising Service, Inc., a full service recruitment and employee communication advertising agency which services clients nationwide.