Effectively Using a Cover Letter

Cover letters are a vital tool for job seekers. It is a mechanism to introduce yourself, and also relay information that could not be included in the resume. But there is a correct way to present yourself in the cover letter.

By Robert Elsenpeter, Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: September 21, 2009 - 1:51 PM

One of the biggest places job seekers fumble is by simply stating what they want from a new job. The problem, of course, is that an employer doesn't care what you want - they care about what you bring to the position.

One approach is espoused by Martin Yates in his book ,"Knock 'em Dead Cover Letters." In these cover letters, job seekers employ bullet points to enumerate what skills they have to offer and how those traits can serve a company's needs.

Build A Better Cover Letter

Kami Schneiderman, vice president of OfficeTeam in Bloomington, notes that the cover letter's opening paragraph should be one that calls attention to the resume.

"If you were referred by someone, it'' important to mention that person in the first sentence," notes Schneiderman.

If you are making a radical job change - like moving from one career to a completely different one - the cover letter is the place to explain why you lack relevant experience, but are still a good pick for the job.

"Give a brief explanation of why you're looking at a new career," says Schneiderman. "The cover letter is even more important in that case."

She observes that there are plenty of "don'ts" that many job seekers erroneously make. When writing a cover letter, keep in mind:

• Keep it clear and concise.

• Limit it to two or three paragraphs.

• Don't be longer than one page.

• Don't reiterate your resume.

Bring It Together

Ultimately, the goal of a cover letter is to tie information into the resume. And whether you use the "knock 'em dead" format or not, the same sort of information should be present - tell why you are best for that particular job.

Cover letters convey additional information that isn't in the resume, and many hiring managers use them to assess a job seeker's communication skills.

Cover letters shouldn't just be afterthoughts. An effective one will be written specifically for the job you're seeking and will show the prospective employers why your skills meet their demands.

Robert Elsenpeter is a freelance writer from Blaine.

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