by Caroline Potter, Yahoo! HotJobs
Most folks put (or should put) a lot of effort into crafting a resume that conveys their talents and breadth of experience. But these same people often drop the ball when it comes to crafting a cover letter to complement that important document. This can be a costly error. If your resume is what gets you in the door, your cover letter is what prompts employers to answer that door in the first place.
If you're intimidated by writing a cover letter, don't be. Job-search expert Deborah Brown-Volkman has an easy-to-follow, five-step formula for cover letter success.
1. Cut to the chase...
Brown-Volkman, who coaches professionals at all stages of their careers, reminds applicants to begin their correspondence by clearly identifying why they're reaching out to a company. "Start by completing the statement, 'I am writing to you today because... .'" Cover all pertinent facts, such as the position's title and location. Also, she asks, "Where did you see the ad for the position, or who recommended you? Include that information up front."
2. What I like about you...
New York-based Brown-Volkman agrees that flattery will get you everywhere. "Next, complete the statement 'I like your company because... .' Compliment the organization on what they have done right and what you admire about them. This will show that you've taken the time to get to know the company in detail," she shares.
3. What you'll like about me...
The founder of surpassyourdreams.com, Brown-Volkman urges job seekers to list their most vital qualifications up front. "Now, tell the employer, 'Here are relevant examples of work that I've done that match what you're looking for.'" Briefly discuss the items you want to showcase so a hiring manager can spot them easily. She recommends, "Bullet points work well in making your accomplishments easy to read."
4. What else you'll like about me...
Now, succinctly, personalize your letter. "Describe who you are and what makes you stand out from other applicants. Discuss your soft skills and strengths and what you're passionate about professionally," says the author of "Don't Blow It! The Right Words For The Right Job." Research the company's mission statement to see if your values match up and use similar language. "This is your last chance to say, 'Here's why I am a good candidate,'" she adds.
5. And in conclusion...
In your closing paragraph, Brown-Volkman coaches clients to express their enthusiasm for a position and an interview and to include a plan of action. "Make note of your contact information and state what the next steps will be. If you will wait for their reply, tell them that. If you will be following up, tell them when they can expect to hear from you," she shares. Don't drop the ball on your first promise to a potential employer, though. Brown-Volkman warns, "Whatever you put down, make sure you do what you say you will do."
Most folks put (or should put) a lot of effort into crafting a resume that conveys their talents and breadth of experience. But these same people often drop the ball when it comes to crafting a cover letter to complement that important document. This can be a costly error. If your resume is what gets you in the door, your cover letter is what prompts employers to answer that door in the first place.
If you're intimidated by writing a cover letter, don't be. Job-search expert Deborah Brown-Volkman has an easy-to-follow, five-step formula for cover letter success.
1. Cut to the chase...
Brown-Volkman, who coaches professionals at all stages of their careers, reminds applicants to begin their correspondence by clearly identifying why they're reaching out to a company. "Start by completing the statement, 'I am writing to you today because... .'" Cover all pertinent facts, such as the position's title and location. Also, she asks, "Where did you see the ad for the position, or who recommended you? Include that information up front."
2. What I like about you...
New York-based Brown-Volkman agrees that flattery will get you everywhere. "Next, complete the statement 'I like your company because... .' Compliment the organization on what they have done right and what you admire about them. This will show that you've taken the time to get to know the company in detail," she shares.
3. What you'll like about me...
The founder of surpassyourdreams.com, Brown-Volkman urges job seekers to list their most vital qualifications up front. "Now, tell the employer, 'Here are relevant examples of work that I've done that match what you're looking for.'" Briefly discuss the items you want to showcase so a hiring manager can spot them easily. She recommends, "Bullet points work well in making your accomplishments easy to read."
4. What else you'll like about me...
Now, succinctly, personalize your letter. "Describe who you are and what makes you stand out from other applicants. Discuss your soft skills and strengths and what you're passionate about professionally," says the author of "Don't Blow It! The Right Words For The Right Job." Research the company's mission statement to see if your values match up and use similar language. "This is your last chance to say, 'Here's why I am a good candidate,'" she adds.
5. And in conclusion...
In your closing paragraph, Brown-Volkman coaches clients to express their enthusiasm for a position and an interview and to include a plan of action. "Make note of your contact information and state what the next steps will be. If you will wait for their reply, tell them that. If you will be following up, tell them when they can expect to hear from you," she shares. Don't drop the ball on your first promise to a potential employer, though. Brown-Volkman warns, "Whatever you put down, make sure you do what you say you will do."
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