Tip Line

The cover letter is one of the most critical components of your job search.  It provides the first impression to a hiring manager.  The cover letter must be brief, to the point, and demonstrate your skills and knowledge and how they can add value to this particular company.  The cover letter must set the tone for your communication style so when you interview and when your résumé is read and a thank you letter sent, you are being seen as a person of integrity.  The cover letter also sets the stage and demonstrates your written and verbal communication styles.  All three documents, the cover letter, the résumé, and the thank you letter must have the same look and feel.

The cover letter or letter of introduction has been around society for a long time.  When communicating with others over long distances was impractical, letters of introduction were often sent between parties to open dialogue.  In today's business climate the cover letter is still the most effective method of communications and introduction available.  Cover letters and written communications provide the reader with the ability to comprehend at their pace the contents of the letter.  It is imperative that your cover letter be clear, concise and to the point as well as professional, appropriately structured and represents who you are.

Answer the following questions:

What is the average word count in your cover letter?

Do you know how many words are in the most effective cover letters?

Are you using an introductory cover letter as an opening to have your résumé read?

Does your cover letter explain in detail what you have to offer?

Is the salutation, Dear Hiring Manager an appropriate opening?

The secret to an effective cover letter is in knowing the correct answer to these questions and being able to construct the appropriate letter, to cover the appropriate situation, while sending it to the appropriate party.

My cover letter service is an extension of my Résumé Service and provides the training and coaching on the "hows" and "whys" to writing the appropriate cover letter, one that shows a clear line of integrity throughout all of your communications.  The cover letter and résumé are often the first impression you make on a potential hiring manager.  Stop losing time and money by sending cover letters that do not generate interest in you.  My services include assisting you with writing the letters from provided templates and a review of your first 5 cover letters to make sure you got it!