Cover letters are designed as a brief introduction letter that draws the reader’s attention to the applicant, the purpose of their submission and the attached resume. So a brief intro of yourself plus an expression of your interest, and one or two key features of your experience that you want to point up are the most primary components.

But here are 5 “potent” points to add-in to make your cover letter stand out from others and make you memorable:

1.  Use error-free type in a font that’s easily readable.  You’d be surprised at the number of typos or incorrect grammar and punctuation used.  Also, copy that is creased or not copied onto quality paper is a common mistake.  This may be their very first introduction to you and why it’s #1 in this list.  Don’t be tossed out for the basics. 

2.  Open your cover letter without the usual “attached you’ll find my resume” comment.  They know this already and a simple “Encl: resume”" or “Enclosed Resume” at the bottom left of your letter is sufficient to address any concerns you might have about your letter and resume being separated.  Instead, include an opener that has more power.  From ”Hello _________.  Here are the top 3 reasons you want to consider me as your new Accountant…” to “Thanks for your consideration of me for the new position of Electrical Engineer.  Let me point up why I’m your top candidate…”  The underline above is where you add the name of the specific person in charge of hiring vs. ”to whom it may concern.”

3.  Mention anyone who is referring you and a simple statement as to why, i.e. ”Stephanie Wilson suggested I apply, because in our 15-year relationship, she’s seen my design and management skills expand to the point where I’d be an excellent match for this graphic design coordinator position.”

4.  Share a point or two about the company or the client’s business to demonstrate you’ve done your homework.   i.e., “Since your Valentine’s Day ’92 program launch, I’ve followed the success of your Dial-A-Florist program and know I can bring added market dimensionality and a boost to this campaign.”  (Of course, be prepared to back up any and all promises).

5. Your letter should convey your proactive approach to job searching and, specifically, this job.  Many cover letters end with a line like:  “I look forward to hearing from you.”   While a courteous expression, it leaves the ball completely in their court.  Instead, try, “I’ll follow up with you before the end of this week to set up a possible interview time.”   The word “possible” softens it somewhat and it doesn’t sound presumptious, yet it clearly states that you seek an interview.  It also doesn’t pin them down to only one day, if they happen to be unavailable when you call.  Always followup when you say you will.  

6.  Be certain you put your current contact information at the top and the complete contact information for the person you’re sending it to, even if you’re going to be handing them the letter.  This shows thoroughness and they have all the contact information there rather than having to consult your resume.

7.  Include the current date at the top, again showing the uniqueness of the letter and its specificness to this job.  A thank you and signature line always ends the letter. 

There are many free resume and cover letter templates online that you can use, but never use these without changing it to include your own verbage.  Each letter should be revised and specific to the job or client work you’re applying for.  Also, keep in mind, the formality of the letter will change based on your familiarity with the recruiter and the type of job.  But when in doubt, lean on the formal side and use professional language rather than colloquial.

Tags: business letter, cover letter, cover letter points, resume

This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 30th, 2010 at 6:14 pm and is filed under Career Tips, Women Entrepreneurs, Women Returning to the Workforce, Re Careering. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.