Thursday, March 7, 2013

What Should A Cover Letter Include?

Remember when?. You needed to find a job or wanted to change your career and direct everything in a completely different direction. There have been so many different rules to follow for a successful job search over the past few decades. In the beginning you only needed a brief application to apply for a job, you would either be scheduled for an interview or they would take the time and speak with you and would likely be hired instantly. But, those days are long gone as we have learned through the struggle of looking for work. I am told that I now need a resume and a cover letter; I have been pretty savvy on the resume thing. But, what should a cover letter include? I am lost on this one; I know it's a letter. But how should it read.

My professional opinion is that if you are submitting a very nice resume that is custom made just for you your cover letter should represent you in the same manner. Since my header on my resume is so nice and looks very professional, then why would I not copy and paste the header for the top of the cover letter as well. This way it gives a nice presence of your entire packet that you submit for the position that you are applying for. It would look something like this; your name on top in bold and a larger font, probably (18 - 20). This would be followed by your contact information; next is a very prominent title of the position you are applying for "Customer Service / Sales" let the employer know which position that you are interested in.

Address the letter formally, company name and address and the greeting should be directed to the hiring manager. Call the receptionist and tell her?. I am submitting a resume but I would like to address it to the proper person; and ask her if she would provide the name of that particular person. They will usually give it to you; it is just so generic to send something so important to - "To whom it may concern". That is so tacky and shows that you were not willing to take the time to do that little job right; so how does that reflect on you.

"You don't get a second chance to make a first impression".

Now the body of the letter should tell them which position you are interested in or applying for. This next paragraph will explain what you have accomplished, where your areas of expertise are and this would also be a good time to briefly state additional areas that you may offer them such as management/leadership along with your customer service abilities. This is your time to shine! Stay away from all of the "I's and me's", it is not about you; but what you have to offer and what you can put on the table. Make them want to read more without boring them with - I want this, I can do that, I, I, I, make it a statement. Powerful and confident; make a great impression.

Following this should be 3 - 5 one line (bullets) of more notable accomplishments, examples:

? Restructured and streamlined job functions resulting in re-capturing $10M ? Consistently performed through challenging business operations, meeting and exceeding expectations.

After this, the next paragraph should have a nice closure with statements on anticipating a response from them, looking forward to hearing back from them, thanking them for their time. And even stating that your skills meet their needs, again - shine in a professional manner; now leave a closure with your name, phone number, and resume enclosed. Stay away from the junk that may only be important to you and not a hiring manager. If done in this manner, this is what a cover letter should include and at this point things should go very well for you. Good luck and best wishes.just

What should a cover letter include, do you know? Maybe a 2nd opinion would help,Take advantage of a free one-on-one consultation with Janis Barat at ResumeProfessionals.org. A respected member of the BBB and providing quality service for over 5 years, visit us ResumeProfessionals.Org
... see for yourself

Source: http://articles.submityourarticle.com/what-should-a-cover-letter-include--319806

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