The Perfect Cover Letter

When it comes to writing cover letters, job seekers get lazy. They spend so much time perfecting their resumes they cut corners on their cover letters - and it shows. Cover letters don't have to be long, says Barbara Wulf, a career coach with Orono-based Beckon Call (www.beckoncall-coach.com).

By Matt Krumrie, Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: January 10, 2006 - 10:58 AM

"The individual or team screening the applicants have lots of reading to wade through," says Wulf, "So brevity, clarity and appeal for action will help you get noticed."

Kevin Donlin of Edina-based Guaranteed Resumes (www.gresumes.com) says it's important to keep one thing in mind: When you write a cover letter, you're not trying to impress readers with your vocabulary. You're trying to land an interview.

Career expert and author Jimmy Sweeney (www.amazing-cover-letters.com) says to improve your cover letter, simply read it out loud. If you find tongue twisters or wording that sounds a little too impressive, fix it.

"Write as you speak, and let your personality shine through," says Sweeney.

Most job hunters beat around the bush in their letters. But this is a mistake, according to Sweeney. "Use your cover letter as the marketing tool to bring home the one result you most desire – the job interview. And you get that interview by asking for it."

Here's another seldom-used practice – add a P.S. to your cover letter. Why? A P.S. is nearly impossible to ignore, says Sweeney. When you see one in a letter, you are practically forced to read it.

"My clients immediately experienced a dramatic increase in job interviews when they started adding a P.S.," says Sweeney.

Here's an example:

P.S. I would like to restate my desire to interview for the position of (insert job title). (Company name) is No. 1 on my list of companies I want to work for. I am available immediately and can be reached on my mobile phone at 555-555-5555. Thank you!

You can also restate why you believe you're such a strong candidate for the job.

"Take advantage of the fact that people are trained to read a P.S.. Be sure to include one in your next cover letter," suggests Sweeney.

Matt Krumrie is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights, MN, and has seven years of experience reporting on the employment industry. The first Sunday of each month this column will answer readers' questions. E-mail questions or subject ideas to

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