Why Your Cover Letter Should Make A Great First Impression

Cover letters are your first opportunity to make an impression with a potential employer. Many employers base their opinions on the first impression so if they like your cover letter chances are they will like your resume too. Making a good first impression with your cover letter is easy if you follow a few proven steps along the way.

When you write a cover letter you are aiming to answer the one question your potential employer values above all others. Why should I hire this person? If you can begin to answer that question in the cover letter then your chances of getting an interview are greatly increased. You can do this by specifically answering the advertisement. Match up your skills with what they have asked for and outline examples of how these skills have worked in the past. The most effective way to present your abilities is to show how they will be beneficial to the company.

You will also make an impression with the way you present your cover letter and resume. Avoid emailing these documents unless specifically asked to deliver in this way. If you are delivering online you need to send a computer friendly version. A text file is the best option for online formatting as it is compatible with most word processing applications. Stick to simple, clean and professional structures, fonts and paper. Always check for typos and make sure the information you are presenting is accurate.

You should always write an original, unique letter for every job you go for but the letter will follow the same basic structure. Making a great first impression will ensure you have the chance to make a lasting one later on.

Questions to ask before putting pen to paper so to speak.

• Who is going to be reading your cover letter? Addressing your letter to an individual automatically commands attention so it is worth finding out.
• What is it that they are looking for? Understand the specific request and target these requests in your letter. Show how your skills match the needs of their request.
• What can you do for them? Outlining what you can do for the company will score you points, this is what they want to know above anything else.
• What do you have that makes you stand out from the rest? This is your unique selling point - it is what will ultimately set you apart.

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