Cover Letters?

Question

Anyone out there have some good advise on constructing eye popping cover letters. I am good at putting my resume together although, I feel they are looked past quite often because I am not very good at putting a cover letter together. I know the cover letter is a first impression in a sense. Any good tips to anyone, I don't want to exagerate and I don't want it to be to long. I want it straight to the point and eye catching.

Thanks for any good feedback.

Answer 1

If what you mean is you want the hiring manager's eyes to pop when he or she reads your letter, then research the company and include a statement in your letter that indicates you are aware of its current focus on something specific. Then explain how your skills can help in that area. Make it more about the company than about you--your resume is all about you--they want to know what's in it for them to hire you.

Here's a link to some examples:
http://www.career.vt.edu/JOBSEARC/coversamples.htm

Good luck!

Answer 2

It's all about "white space" for both your resume and your cover letter. Graphics, borders, fancy fonts, and all of that turn off hiring managers. They are too busy looking and so being "eye popping" is not a good thing. It's the substance that should make it attractive by being clear, concise, well-formatted, and by all means SPELL CHECK, and not just with the computer program. Read it yourself on a hard copy.

That said, a cover letter should be simple. Start with what position you're submitting your resume for and where you found out about the opening. Avoid tired phrases and cliches like "Enclosed please find..." Just get straight to the point, "I am submitting my resume in response to your advertisement in the Los Angeles Times seeking a receptionist."

Read the job posting and address each of the qualifications they ask for, "I have worked in the manufacturing industry as a receptionist for three years and am familiar with both Microsoft Word and Excel. I have also operated multi-line switchboards and maintained petty cash accounts."

Stop trying so hard! It's really not that hard. :) Good luck!

Answer 3

A intro letter is once you will introduce your self. supply some archives approximately why you will choose to artwork there, what you're good at, what have been given you involved interior the situation (i.e.possibly it became into something interior the advert that caught your interest) marketplace your skills for the situation, yet do no longer over due it. a conceal letter is once you will lower back introduce your self; tell them you have enclosed your resume for the situation and why you will choose to be evaluate for the situation. i think of the intro letter would incorporate extra suggestions than the conceal letter.

Answer 4

NEVER use colored paper. Use resume paper, in ivory. Put a page border around the letter, but not an overbearing one, just something simple. Things like that get it noticed.

First paragraph - What job are you applying for and where did you hear about it.

Second / Third paragraphs - you education and what qualifies you for the job, hard skills and soft skills, courses taken

Last paragraph - "My resume is enclosed; references, transcripts and letters of recommendation are available upon request. A personal interview can also be arranged at your convenience. Thank you for your time and attention. I hope to hear from you soon."

Answer 5

Here is a link to lots of free cover letter samples. I have used these in the past..

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/coverlettersamples/a/coverlettsample.htm

Answer 6

some free sample resumes and cover letters are available in my profile, check them out, all the best :)

Answer 7

Keep it short and to the point. Highlight achievements relative to the position. Always say that I will call back in a certain time period to discuss qualifications.