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How to Write Winning Cover Letters and Get More Interviews
When you've seen just the job you want and all that stands between you and getting it is a cover letter what are you going to do?
Don't just sit there staring at a blank piece of paper ...there is something much better you can do.
If you could just get started, it would be so much easier...
Having a great start with some well-chosen words and phrases would make all the difference. Your letter would really stand out and set you apart from all the other applicants and get you to the interview.
Winning cover letters would give you the best chance to show them what you can do.
If you are NOT getting enough interviews to give you a choice of job offers, then you NEED to read this free short Cover Letter Report NOW!
Click for your FREE 15 Page Cover Letter Writing Techniques e-Report for more cover letter writing help - its yours with my compliments!
Go GRAB IT NOW and don't forget to save it to your desktop.
Most people find letter-writing in general quite difficult; made all the more so when it comes to writing about themselves. How do you get the balance of a cover letter just right without either boring the reader rigid, or sounding too cocky?
Because it can be so difficult, some people put all of their emphasis into preparing their Resume or CV. Whilst this too is important, many recruiters or hiring managers will turn to the covering letter first to understand the applicant and determine their reasons for applying.
For tons of ideas, tips and samples go to our Winning Cover letters page. Or there are some more great tips and cheap deals for you with free sample cover letters to copy over at Cover Letter World
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What Cover Letter Writing Info Is Here
- Application Letters Or Just Cover Letters
- Application Letter Writing Tips
- Top 10 Winning Cover Letters Writing Tips
- Marketing Cover Letter Example
- Cover Letter For Senior IT Manager's Job
- Writing Thank You Letters
- Cover Letters Are More Important Than CVs Or Resumes
- Analyze The Adverts Before You Write Your Winning Cover Letters
- How To Creat Interest & Action With Your Cover Letter
- My Favorite Cover Letter Resources
- Extra Special Lens To Read
- Cover Letter World Feed
- Great Stuff on CafePress
- Amazonian Titles
- Please Let Me Know What You Think
Application Letters Or Just Cover Letters
Application Letter Must Haves
Before we discuss what your job application letter should contain in order for the employer to take notice and review your resume, it is critical that understand the importance of having an application letter and what will make it successful.The most commonly made mistake in CV or resume submissions is not including a copy of your application letter. If you are emailing your resume, the application letter can be included in the body of the email, or attached (although employers typically are wary of attachments in email submissions). If you are faxing or mailing your resume, assure that the application letter comes before the resume and is therefore the first item to be seen.
Omitting a application letter from your job application appears very unprofessional to your potential employer; whilst having a well-written, personalized application letter allows the employer to get an insight into who you are, how you communicate and how you present yourself as a professional.
So when sending your employment application in your CV or resume should be accompanied by a letter of application, and these two items form a complete package. Your letter will help you to:
- sell yourself by pointing out key features of your CV.
- include material that is not in the CV, especially personal qualities that you listed when making your preparations.
- show a prospective employer that you know how to write a letter. While this may be of decreasing importance in an electronic age, many employers do still value it as a test of your ability to communicate in writing.
If you are NOT getting enough interviews to give you a choice of job offers, then you NEED to read this free short Cover Letter Report NOW!
Click for your FREE 15 Page Cover Letter Writing Techniques e-Report for more cover letter writing help - its yours with my compliments!
Go GRAB IT NOW and don't forget to save it to your desktop.
Application Letter Writing Tips
How To Write A Successful Application Letter
1. Address the letter to the appropriate person by name. The biggest mistake professionals make is not taking the time to address their application letter to the appropriate person, such as the recruiter or the hiring manager. Take the time to address your application letter to the appropriate person; if the job description does not include a person as a contact, take a cue from the text and address the letter to the team listed as the contact. Using generic lines, such as "To whom it may concern," is not acceptable on a application letter.
2. Know what the goal of your application letter is and express it clearly, and concisely. Sell yourself in the best possible light; make sure that you sound like a confident professional. Concentrate on the positives, and highlight those qualifications that make you a perfect candidate for the job. Even if you feel insecure in your qualifications, or feel that you may be slightly under-qualified for the job, put your best skills forward.
3. Customize your letter to the position you are applying for. It is very important that your application addresses why you are the best person for the job you are seeking. This includes indicating the job title in the application letter.
4. Do NOT make generic statements, or statements indicating that you might be interested in any open position with the company, as these make you appear unprofessional and unprepared.
5. Answer these two questions: why do you want this particular job, and what can you do for the company? These two questions must be addressed in the application letter in order to let your employer know that you are serious about your interest, that you have considered the opportunity and how it fits with your professional goals, and what you are willing to bring to the table in order to benefit the organization you want to work for.
6. Proofread your letter, or better still, get someone else to read it over carefully. They are more likely to spot errors than you are. Errors and misspellings give a very poor impression to the potential employer.
7. Close the application letter by indicating to your potential employer when you intend to follow up your application. Do not end the letter by asking the employer to call you at their convenience. Let the employer know that you want to follow up, when and how you will do so. This confirms your interest in the position, and your professional etiquette. Note, if you say you intend to follow up, then you MUST follow up when and how you indicated in your application letter.
Get some great Application Letter Samples
Top 10 Winning Cover Letters Writing Tips
Get These Right And You're On Your Way
These top 10 winning cover letters writing tips come from a highly experienced Career Coach and Recruitment Consultant. Before spelling out what these are, just remember that in nearly every case your cover letter is the first document that most prospective employers will look at. They will be looking to understand your reasons for applying, as much as whether you 'fit the bill'. So the job of your cover letter is to make sure it introduces you as an interested and capable candidate.
But much more than that actually; your cover letter's primary job is to provoke the reader's interest and it can only do that if the right choice of words has been made.
Once you have their interest it must provide sufficient relevant information so that they want to know more about you. Of course, your cover letter can only create the initial interest it cannot get you the job.
The Top 10 Cover Letter Writing Tips:
1. You must customize every cover letter so that it is specifically written for this particular job;
2. Use an easy style of language with carefully chosen 'trigger' words and no jargon;
3. Emphasize exactly how you are able to contribute to the company or organization;
4. Illustrate your knowledge, interest and enthusiasm for the advertised job;
5. Explain why you are interested in joining their organization;
6. Illustrate how your skills match the job description;
7. Check your cover letter carefully for any spelling errors or other typos;
8. Use the formal style of address when you send your letter by name to the person advertising;
9. Your cover letter must show that you know what this employer wants;
10. Your strengths are well defined and have the edge over the competition.
If you follow these top 10 cover letter writing tips you will be well on the way to getting the interview and then the job you want.
If you are NOT getting enough interviews to give you a choice of job offers, then you NEED to read this free short Cover Letter Report NOW!
Click for your FREE 15 Page Cover Letter Writing Techniques e-Report for more cover letter writing help - its yours with my compliments!
Go GRAB IT NOW and don't forget to save it to your desktop.
Marketing Cover Letter Example
This Is More 'Flamboyant' Than Usual
Note how this covering letter is not the standard "I wish to apply..." letter.
It's true that some jobs demand a more flamboyant approach than others and every cover letter needs to be interesting; however 'Marketing' by its nature can be illustrated most effectively when you adopt a 'marketing' style for your job application cover.
As a marketing cover letter it should pique the reader's sense of interest, illustrate the way the applicant understands the advertiser's need and create the desire to find out more. How do they find out more? By inviting you to an interview of course.
"Dear Mr. Pleasant
MARKETING MANAGER - DAILY PLANET 8TH JANUARY 2007
Being a keen and regular theatre and concert-goer, I have often visited Brindleton City Arts & Conference Centre and was therefore most interested and excited by your advertisement for a Marketing Manager. I should like to throw my hat into the ring by enclosing my CV for your attention.
The advertisement conveys a great sense of energy and pride in your organisation - this is exactly the type of environment to which I have contributed in the past.
As requested, I have set out below a list of achievements but would emphasise that some of these would not have been possible but for the strong team spirit which has been a feature in most of my roles. I have always encouraged corporate effort and prefer to think of myself as a member of the orchestra rather than a one man band!
Over the last five years I have:
* Created a modern and European marketing plan for one of the UK's leading ballet companies, leading to a profitable tour of N America.
* Held budgetary responsibility for £350,000
* Acted as Marketing Manager for one of London's best known theatre groups, where I won sponsorship from Midshire Bank Scottish Airways, National Railtech, Power Generators plc and many smaller companies.
* Also worked for a year as a self-employed consultant in Germany devising marketing strategies for Government funded cultural activities.
I am confident that I have established my ability to succeed in a tough and financially pressured environment.
Since I would anticipate that sponsorship will continue to be essential to the success of any arts related activity I am sure my track record of developing and maintaining business contacts should serve us well. My extensive network will be a useful starting point for Brindleton.
I also believe that a positive European outlook will be essential and my experiences of working overseas, together with good spoken French and German, would allow me to market your conference facilities sensitively and efficiently.
I look forward to the opportunity of discussing my contribution with you further.
Yours sincerely
Jeremy McStone"
Not too flamboyant for a marketing job cover letter, but one that is more imaginative than the usual application cover letter.
Cover Letter For Senior IT Manager's Job
- Emphasizes your strengths and qualifications
- Demonstrates your intelligence by providing a sample of your written communication skills
- Establishes your credibility
- Creates your professional image.
Amazing Cover letters - Who Else Wants Their Phone Ringing Off The Hook With Quality Job Interviews? In just 3 1/2 minutes you will have an amazing cover letter guaranteed to cut through YOUR stiffest competition like a hot knife through butter!
The LAZY way to get more job interviews... Introducing the brand new, "Amazing Cover Letter Creator"... does all the writing for you! More Details...
IT Jobs Cover Letter
Mr B R Needham
JSA Management Consultants
West Street,
Harpenden
CR23 5FF
18 June 2008
Dear Mr Needham
Ref - Senior IT Management opportunities
Having substantial experience of fulfilling senior level IT management roles, I would be particularly interested in any suitable opportunities that you may be aware of.
Highlighted below are areas of relevant experience: -
Proven track record for defining, owning and delivering high value, high quality and cost effective business focused IS strategies, covering all functional areas of international businesses, to aggressive timescales and within budget.
15+ years' experience of working with and influencing Senior Executives by driving the business case approval process and thereafter managing the concurrent relationships and expectations of multiple stakeholders.
Substantial experience of driving change within large companies, making huge impacts on efficiency and competitiveness with tangible, benchmarked results to prove that the innovative solutions proposed have quickly provided massive benefits, improved customer satisfaction and given foundations for future business growth.
Successful in cost effective management of programmes, ensuring the right balance of people and experience to match specific requirements. Guaranteeing quality standards, budgets, timescales and customer satisfaction are monitored and met.
Strong people leadership skills combined with a confident and determined personality have ensured that employees are well motivated and their strengths identified and enhanced within a team environment.
Enclosed is a copy of my Curriculum Vitae. My current basic salary is £68,500, plus bonuses (15% of salary per annum), private health and dental cover, fully expensed car, non-contributory pension and share options.
I look forward to discussing any suitable opportunities with you in the near future.
Yours sincerely,
Philippa Robertson
Writing Thank You Letters
6 Reasons Why Thank You Letters Are Important After Your Interview
1. Very few people are actually thanked for doing their job, especially when that job is to interview someone.
2. The receipt of a thank you note can reinforce a decision to hire you.
3. A Thank you letter allows you to restate your interest and commitment to the job.
4. Thank You Letters can alter the hiring manager's perception of your interview.
5. Thank you notes can be personalized for each interviewer.
6. Thank you letters are actually sales letters in disguise.
Don't underestimate the impact of a 'thank you' letter as a valuable follow up to an interview because not many people receive thanks, especially for an interview, so they will remember it and it keeps your name in their mind with strongly positive associations.
You can't lose by sending thank you letters; if you weren't going to get the job, it won't make any difference, but if you're in with a chance it could tip the balance in your favor!
There are two forms of this letter; the first is a simple thank-you note which is personal and the only letter that can, and should be handwritten.
The second form of these thank you letters is more formal and is also valuable as a follow up when you realize after the interview that you didn't cover an area very well!
This is then a formal sales letter and should be word-processed and printed like any other business correspondence. It still carries all of the benefits as above but may also allow you to spell out some information you didn't impart too well at the interview.
Since they are not too difficult to write and there are 6 good reasons why thank you letters are important after your interview, you should aim to send a 'thank you' letter on the same day as the interview for the best effect. These letters can easily be modified to suit your particular situation and should always be mailed to every person involved in the interview.
Most people's in-boxes are already too full with all manner of unwanted emails, so you run the risk of your letter being overlooked or simply deleted as spam if your thank you letter is from an unrecognized email address.
For more about cover letters go to www.Your-Career-Change.com where you can also download your free Special Career Change Report and 63 page PDF e-book "Big Book of Job Hunting Tips".
Cover Letters Are More Important Than CVs Or Resumes
Covering Letters Win Interviews Don't They?
Most people spend more time on their Resume or CV and spend little time getting a customized cover letter together. Yet the cover letter is the first thing that hiring managers read. So in my opinion more effort should be put into the cover letter.
Is the Cover letter The Most Important
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byDo You Think The Cover Letter IS More Important Than A CV or Resume?
KathyT says:
I absolutely agree that the cover letter is most important! Most people just hammer out a "generic" letter - if they include one at all. Get the recruiter's attention right away so that he or she will be interested enough to move along to the resume.
Posted June 14, 2009
Aaron_Howard says:
I feel that your Cover Letter carry as much weight as your Resume. Each individual involved in the hiring process will have their own preference. As your resume and cover letter circulate with the hiring staff, know that both the Resume & Cover Letter will be scrutinized differently by everyone involved. Everyone has a brain and we're all "wired" a certain way. Some people like structure, bullet points and a clean laid out format (Resume). Other people want your story (in brief), which can be easily and clearly defined in your Cover Letter. Utilize both to the best of your ability!
Posted April 14, 2009
Peter_Fisher says:
You can't personalize the CV in the same way as your cover letter so that make s the cover letter more important than your CV or Resume.
Posted December 19, 2008
In Your Opinion Is The Resume or CV MORE Important?
Graceonline says:
As a former recruiter, I give the resume the most weight because many recruiters do not read cover letters (although I always did.) For recruiters who do read the CL, it can make or break the chance of your resume dropping to the slash pile unread. The cover letter should be well polished with a good (not gimmicky) hook in the first line.
Posted December 31, 2008
Analyze The Adverts Before You Write Your Winning Cover Letters
When you have that sense, try to read between the lines to deduce if there is one 'crucial' need or if there is anything else you could infer from their words. It's also useful to read it critically and ask "have they missed anything out" that could affect your suitability.
Now you've worked out what it's all about, take a highlighter pen and mark every clause or phrase where they state what their actual requirement is.
You should read carefully to see if these needs are 'essential' or merely 'desirable'.
The essential requirements form the backbone of the job and you should be able to meet more than 60% if you are to be considered.
The desirables are nice-to-haves and the more of these you meet the better, but they are not the main issue.
If you still see a good match, go ahead and draft your response letter. You should try to follow their style of writing by using similar phrases and words but don't just regurgitate their ad back to them.
When you look at the advert some phrases will stand out:
"it is essential that you" is a bit of a giveaway,
or "you must have"
or "you will have"
all shout 'essential' at you so look for similar phrases to match yourself against.
Others are not so firm and may say:
"you should have"
or "some knowledge of"
or "ideally".
These are all saying 'desirable' but not essential.
Now I mentioned that you should look for the 'crucial' need - if there is one and you don't have it, then don't proceed, this one is the killer and will knock you straight out.
If you do have it, make sure it's the first thing you mention in your response.
That says "this candidate understands what we need".
Now you're ready to write your letter you must make sure you can grab their attention. See Cover Letter Writing for help writing compelling cover letters that demand attention, show how you meet their needs with an enthusiastic, positive and reassuring letter that expects action.
If you don't do this you might find yourself knocked out just for being careless.
If you are NOT getting enough interviews to give you a choice of job offers, then you NEED to read this free short Cover Letter Report NOW!
Click for your FREE 15 Page Cover Letter Writing Techniques e-Report for more cover letter writing help - its yours with my compliments!
Go GRAB IT NOW and don't forget to save it to your desktop.
How To Creat Interest & Action With Your Cover Letter
Yet if you produce a badly written cover letter you may ruin the chances of your application succeeding. If you could write a really good quality cover letter it would make the whole process much easier and take away at least some of the stress of job hunting.
Your cover letter is generally the first document most potential employers will read, looking for insight into your reasons for applying. So your job is to make sure it introduces you effectively and positively.
A cover letter's primary job is to provoke the reader's interest. Once you have their interest it must provide sufficient relevant information so that they want to know more about you. Don't forget, a cover letter can only create interest it can't get you a job.
Now when writing your cover letters you must be sure to:
* Customize every cover letter so that it is specifically written for this particular job;
* Use an easy style of language with well chosen words and no jargon;
* Emphasize exactly how you are able to contribute to the company or organization;
* Illustrate your knowledge, interest and enthusiasm for the advertised job;
* Explain why you are interested in joining their organization;
* Illustrate how your skills match the job description;
* Check your cover letter carefully for any spelling errors or other typos;
* Use the formal style of address when you send your letter by name to the person advertising.
You will also find that your cover letter will get much better results if you always try to show that:
* You know what employers want;
* Your strengths have the edge over the competition;
* You tailor your cover letter to meet their specific employer's needs.
The obvious things to avoid that point to badly written or presented cover letters include:
* The same cover letter has been photocopied or obviously used for another job;
* The cover letter doesn't attach all the information the employer requested;
* The cover letter contains spelling, grammar or typo errors;
* Your skills and qualifications don't match the job description or person specification;
* No obvious effort has been made to show your interest in THIS job.
Get Your Cover Letter Writing Guide.
My Favorite Cover Letter Resources
Write Better Cover Letters - Get Noticed
These resources will really make your cover letters work for you.
- Cover Letter World
- Cover letter writing blog with lots of free cover letter examples
- Cover Letter Examples
- The free cover letter examples on this page are there to get you started writing your own cover letters and if you follow the links (which open in a new window) you can find the most appropriate one to use. Just copy it for your own personal use. You may not sell it or give it away. If any of your friends need a covering letter just send them to this page :)
- Amazing Cover Letters
- In Only 3½ Minutes, You Can Quickly And Easily Crank Out A Killer Cover Letter That Is Guaranteed To Have Your Phone Ringing Off The Hook With Hot Job Interviews And Top Job Offers... Without Writing One Word!
- Exceptional Cover Letters
- Cover Letters that get you interviews are the MOST essential part of your job search and application process. And you need to realize that your cover letter is not just something to send with your Resume - it is your SALES letter!
Understand this: If you are writing to anybody for a job, whether the job has been advertised or not, your cover letter is more important than your CV or Resume; so if you want a successful career move you cannot afford to get this wrong.
You must create Exceptional Cover Letters otherwise you are no better off than all the others who are chasing the same jobs as you are!
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Cover Letter World Feed
Latest entries from Cover Letter World
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byGreat Stuff on CafePress
Please Let Me Know What You Think
KathyT wrote...
That is good stuff you are sharing with us! Thanks so much for putting in all that time and effort. A lot of folks will benefit from this lens. I appreciate it!
Posted June 14, 2009
Aaron_Howard wrote...
Thank you for the invite to the Job Winning Help group. This is a well designed and helpful lens and will help many with their Cover Letters. You have a nice combination of offering up good advice and marketing. Both of our lenses, education and experience compliment each other well. It's a pleasure to have them posted on your group for others to see!
Posted April 14, 2009
lindzc wrote...
thanks for the info on cover letters, this will really help me with job searching. you could use this info in a presentation with display stands.
http://displaystandworld.com
Posted April 17, 2008
JunLoayza wrote...
Hi Peter,
I have found that many students and professionals over look the cover letter and focus mainly on the resume. They don't realize that a great cover letter can get you past the gatekeeper and place your resume in the hands of the person who matters. Great lens!
Best,
Jun Loayza
Posted February 27, 2008
by Peter_Fisher
My name is Peter Fisher and I am the author of several careers, management and self-improvement websites, like this: Your Career Change. I am passiona...
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