Cover Letters

Download a "How to" Handout and An Example Letter

In a competitive job market, it's crucial to differentiate yourself from the competition. In many cases, your cover letter is your first contact with employers. If you don't impress an employer right away, you may not get the attention you want. Don't bore employers with lengthy descriptions and paragraphs. Make your letter concise -- no more than a page -- by following this three-step format. Tell readers:

Why you are writing;
Why they should be interested in you; and
What action needs to be taken next. For instance, you might say that you will follow up and call within 10 days, instead of waiting for the employer to contact you.

Here are additional tips from candidates and career counselors on how to write creative yet powerful cover letters:

Make it personal.

Your letter should be interesting and relevant to the employer while including pertinent facts about your candidacy. It also should reflect your personality. Don't send a really hot, aggressive letter if you're introverted and laid-back. You'll have trouble following up on the letter, and you may not come across well. Send a letter that mirrors your style.

Let others praise your abilities.

One way to be memorable is by offering a quote about you that demonstrates your uniqueness.

Use research to differentiate yourself.

Invest time and effort in preparing a really outstanding document. Start by researching your potential employer. A letter that shows you've done your homework can be a powerful differentiator. A company is looking for someone who can solve its problems. If it didn't have a problem, it wouldn't need you.

Tailor your comments to the employer's needs.

Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach. Mid- to senior-level executives should include outstanding accomplishments that apply to the employer's situation. Candidates must tailor their cover letters to make it clear that they have solved similar problems in the past, but don't explain how you solved those problems. Make the hiring manager invite you to interview before you share that information.

Don't mention money.

While you may believe that stating your financial needs will help your candidacy, it's almost never wise to mention pay at this point. There's no reason to mention salary in a cover letter. If they want to know your salary requirements, they can call and ask you. Even if you're responding to an ad that requests salary requirements, don't cite numbers. Acknowledge the request and add that you'll be glad to discuss salary information during an interview.

Test your letter's effectiveness.

To be sure your letter makes the right impression, send it first to a handful of trusted friends and colleagues and ask them for their candid opinion. Have them tell you whether it reads well and reflects your goals and personality. If the feedback is positive, begin sending it to employers.