Tips For Creating Professional Cover Letters

The cover letter is perhaps the most important job document you will use in your search for a career. It is your first point of interaction with potential employers and it your first chance to gain the competitive edge. How you present this letter and its content will be a deciding factor in whether or not you get a phone call or an interview. If you present a great cover letter the employer is more likely to look positively at your resume. Your cover letter is an insight into your personality and it can influence the relationship you have with your potential employer.

These tips will help you to craft a professional cover letter that will convert into results.

1. Professionalism - This is fundamental to success in any job, business, project or working relationship. It is essential in terms of how you present your cover letter, the content, delivery and follow up. Professionalism means getting it right in regards to company names, spelling, structure, copy and design.
2. Competitive Edge - This is not only what you portray in the content of your cover letter but also how you present yourself. A cover letter outlines what sets you apart from your competitors. This is the time to showcase your individual attributes, experiences and qualifications. It is not just about listing these things, that is done in the resume but linking your unique abilities to benefits for the company.
3. Attention Grabbing - This needs to be done in the first paragraph; even more effective is the first line where you should address a specific person i.e. the recruiter by name. You need to get their attention and keep it long enough for them to decide they want to learn more about you. The most effective way to do this is by highlighting your competitive edge and outlining how that relates to results in their company. You should refer to why you are writing and where you heard about the job in the first paragraph so that the reader knows your purpose for writing.
4. Qualifications and Experience - These are your selling points, include them in the body of the cover letter. Relate these to results you have achieved with past companies and to the current position you are applying for. Be specific and go for results that are tangible.
5. Copy - The way you write is just as important as the content. Marketing and sales language is high impact and will demand attention. Use impact words such as professional, results, experience, proven, reliable, quality, motivated, committed and effective. These are the kinds of buzzwords that have proven effective in marketing. Refer to detailed qualifications contained in your resume either in the body of the letter or in the final thoughts.
6. Action - Include a call to action in your cover letter, propose a meeting, phone call or a follow up. Whatever you state in your cover letter will be expected so if you say your going to call do so. Don't be afraid to ask for an interview.
7. Final Check - It is important and useful to seek advice regarding your letter. Have someone go over your draft and critique it. When you are satisfied with the letter, have someone go over it for typos, spelling and grammar. Finally, recheck it yourself before attaching it to your resume and sending it off. Mistakes of this nature can be costly so do not send anything you have not checked meticulously.

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