Cover Letters 101: Why Every Resume Should Have One and How To Get Yours Noticed

by Hallie Crawford, MA, CPCC

So you’ve created a great-looking resume that’s sure to impress potential employers. Terrific! Now…what about your cover letter? Most people overlook the importance of this key item when sending out their resume. Don't miss your chance to communicate with your potential future boss. The cover letter helps make it happen.

Tips on Getting Your Cover Letter Noticed

1 - Be specific and demonstrate knowledge.

Employers read many resumes and cover letters, especially for prime positions. Yours should specifically address the position you hope to land an interview for, and explain how your skills and experience qualify you for that job. Don't send "mass mail," all-purpose types of resumes and cover letters - these frequently end up in the recycle bin.

2 - Address the letter to the person who will be reading it.

Avoid "Dear Sir or Madam" or "To Whom it May Concern" whenever possible. Even better, show that you are familiar with the company. Reference a recent merger, new product line, or other noteworthy event as evidence that you follow the company’s success and would make a valuable part of the team.

3 - Play up the positives; explain or downplay the negatives.

Let's say you are a recent college graduate without a lot of job experience. Describe how your activities and experiences in school helped prepare you for your career, while avoiding weak phrases like "willing to learn." Or, suppose you have time gaps in your employment that you feel are necessary to explain. Use your cover letter to explain the gap, and put a positive spin on it if possible (i.e., "You will notice I was not employed between March 2006 and August 2006. During this time I traveled abroad and studied Spanish...").

4 - Neatness and professionalism counts.

Proper punctuation, grammar, and spelling are important in a professional cover letter. Print your resume and cover letter on matching, plain stationery or parchment paper if you have it. Sure you may have a fondness for cats, but a potential employer may find your cute feline letterhead "a bit too casual" for the workplace!

Don’t miss out on the opportunity the cover letter provides you with to stand out from the crowd of other applicants. Your resume is useless to an employer if he or she can't figure out what type of job you’re looking for. A dynamic cover letter will explain what you seek, highlight why you are perfect for the job, and bring personality and voice to your resume.

The red flag of cover letter writing:

If you’re having trouble writing your cover letter, there could be a reason. Maybe it's not the ideal job for you after all! Engage in some personal career exploration and get insight into finding the perfect career for you. I offer career teleclasses that can help you find a career you are passionate about and make it happen. Sign up for my latest class today.

All the best for a rewarding and fulfilling career doing what you love!

Copyright 2007 Hallie Crawford. All rights reserved.

NOTE: Feel free to "reprint" this article as long as it remains complete and unaltered (including the "about the author" info at the end).

About the Author: 

Discover the Essential Components to a Satisfying Career Today

Want free tips, tools and expert advice on finding a career you're passionate about? Visit Certified Career Coach Hallie Crawford at www.halliecrawford.com.

Sign up for Hallie's monthly e-newsletter right now.

Return to Articles Index