How to Write a Cover Letter A Road Map

How to Write a Cover Letter A Road MapHow to Write a Cover Letter A Road Map50Picture It. Youre a recruiter with numerous open jobs and dozens or even hundreds of job seekers that applied to each position. Someone who knows how to successfully write a cover letter will stand out. Indeed, a well-written cover letter can give you a deeper glimpse into each candidate. Switch perspectives. Now you are a job seeker, convinced that you should write a cover letter though stifled by the incessant blinking cursor that mocks you from that leer document.Heres aroad map to help you successfully write acover letterKeep In MindCover letter writing is not an exact science, though therbeie are commonly agreed upon best practices for the majority of job scenarios. Remember to include your best judgment in the process.You should never have a generic cover letter that you submit for any job.Use common sense and imagine the first impression that your cover letter creates. For example, if it is too long, a recruiter may feel it will be a chore to read.Do not just summarize your resume in your cover letter.Generally, always send a cover letter with your resume, even when not requested. It is far better to submit a cover letter that is never opened than to skip this step and get skipped for an interview.FormatUse business letter format and include your basic contact information, the date the letter is written, and the contact information for the addressee. Generally use this format whether submitting your letter in person or online as an attachment or in a form.Use simple font and black text. Match the font to your resume, and choose something like Arial, Times New Roman, or other simple fonts.Always try to get an actual personenname to which you can address the letter. To get this name, learn through your networking, look in the job description or in the Careers section of the company website, or when in doubt, call the company and ask if you may inquire as to the person who should receive your materials unless the description requests no phone calls. If all else fails, use Dear Sir/Madam.Think of your letter in terms of three or four paragraphs and no more than one page. Less is often more.Use a professional closing such as Sincerely, Best Regards, etc.Sign and print your name for paper documents, and if you do not have the technology available to include your signature on an online document, you can simply print your name in closing.Cover Letter Road MapHead out Im excited about you.In your opening statement, let the reader know why you wrote the letter. For example, Per my conversation with X connection, I am excited to submit my candidacy for the X position in X company.In one or two sentences, describe specifically what attracts you to the position and the company. If there is no position description, do the best you can to tailor your letter as much as possible. It is too generic to say, I align myself with your business philosophy. Let the reader know you understand who they are and the unique value of the open position. Bonus Note a key positive piece of news recently released about the company. You want them to think, Wow, he/she gets usDynamically connect these points about the company to a highlight in your accomplishments that will intrigue the reader to read on.Continue on Heres why you should be excited about me.In a deeper analysis than can be deduced from your resume, highlight two to three examples from the experiences on your resume that showcase your relevant talents, skills, and accomplishments.Make sure you connect these experiences to the needs of the position and relate them to your points in the first short paragraph when possible.Reach your destination Lets get together.Thank the reader for his/her time and consideration.Indicate your anticipation of the next steps of the process. For example, I look forward to further discussing the ways in which my skills can contribute to the needs of your team.State the be st ways to contact you by noting your main email address and phone number.How To SubmitIf using email or an online form, submit your cover letter as an attachment rather than in the body of a message. Emails get lost quickly, and attachments get filed and shared easily. This also gives you another opportunity to showcase your professional communication skills in the actual message.Do not name your document simply cover letter. Include your name and cover letter.At the end of the day, dont let your fear of writing a perfect cover letter keep you from creating one or submitting your materials in a timely and competitive fashion You can do itTodays guest post comes from Christy Robb. Christy is a career development and lifestyle coach and writer who aims to empower people with tools, resources, and a mindset that supports them in realizing their ability to recalculate old assumptions about work and life in order to achieve mental and emotional freedom and take action on their true des ires. Having operated on both sides of the table as a coach and a recruiter, her work brings a unique perspective to her clients and readers on strategies for success in todays world of work. Read her blog, Meaningful Meandering, find her on Twitter (Christy_Robb) and Facebook (Christy Robb Career Lifestyle).