Cover me, how to write a cover letter

 What is your strategy for writing a cover letter?

Your Rant: I’ve always thought cover letters were a waste of paper. But recently I talked to a friend who said that he hired someone based totally on what they said in their cover letter. Am I off base?

911 Repair,

Have you heard of “The Swan”? It’s a show where people get plastic surgery and then compete in a beauty contest. Of the 17 contestants, all of them had tooth veneers and most had liposuction, forehead lifts, nose jobs, lip and breast augmentation. One surgeon on the show even remarked that many of the contestants bore a certain resemblance to each other.

That surgeon’s comment can also apply to the hiring process at most companies. Most of the candidates begin to look alike. That’s where a cover letter can really help; you can use it as an opportunity to really grab their attention make yourself stand out from the crowd. I’ve outlined some strategies for making a cover letter work for you. For more, check out Brenda Greene’s book, “Get the Interview Every Time” Dearborn, 2004), which is based on interviews with HR directors for Fortune 500 companies.

Do you keep it brief, error free and accurate? I knew an HR director who would allow each applicant one typo or misspelling on a cover letter or resume. After that he would immediately toss it. It’s easy to be accurate in a resume, because they tend to stay pretty similar from application to application. But you’ve got to carefully check and recheck each cover letter, which can change more dramatically from job to job.

Do you say what job you are seeking? Have you ever seen a hiring manager’s desk? Often they are covered with cover letters and resumes. To ensure that you don’t end up in the wrong pile, list the job for which you are applying at the beginning of both your cover letter and resume.

Do you provide all pertinent contact information? Include both a phone number and email address on your resume and cover letter. Make it easy for them to find you.

Can you tell them why you are the perfect person for the job? If you have experience in the job then show them what you can offer. This takes time and effort to do it briefly and succinctly, but it’s worth it in order to separate yourself from the rest of the field. Sure this can be a risk, but given how many people line up for jobs these days, it’s usually a risk worth taking.

Do you show them you’ve done your homework? Give them a bit of information that shows that you did your homework on the company.

Do you highlight your accomplishments in short paragraph? Most of the cover letter should be looking forward, but a brief look in the rear view mirror can allow you the chance to establish your experience and credentials.

Follow these tips and your cover letter will help you swan dive right into an interview.

911 Pulse:

Which best describes your feelings about cover letters?

• An essential tool, 46.3%
• Another hoop to jump through, 36.3%
• A waste of paper, 17.2%

User strategy:

A cover letter should tell them why you are the right fit and how you’re going to benefit their organization. I landed the job I am in because, in addition to the right background, in the words of the HR lady ‘we felt like we knew you’. I explained in my cover letter that I was working 40+ hours a week with a staff of nine and ‘it was just too much’. The reason I was the right fit was because I filled a need in their organization - a part-time person who’s dependable, responsible and trustworthy. Don’t be afraid to put a little emotion in there. You won’t sound needy unless you take it too far. Secondly, don’t ever mention salary in your cover letter - it’s a big turnoff. Thirdly, don’t apply for positions you are obviously not qualified for. It’s a waste of your time and it proves to the company you don’t value their time. If they later have a position open you are qualified for they’ll remember you in a negative light. I know this because that part-time job I mentioned - it’s in the HR department!

Bob Rosner and Sherrie Campbell author the weekly internationally-syndicated workplace911 column. Bob’s a best-selling author and award-winning journalist who has personally responded to over 50,000 emails. Sherrie’s a relationship expert and award-winning comedian who has offered quick, intuitive and humorous responses to over 30,000 people. He’s been called “Dilbert, with a solution.” She’s the counselor with a kick. Watch our 911 team of consultants, authors, counselors and comedians—namely Bob & Sherrie—tackle the nastiest work wrecks in organizations and via seminars, TV, radio, newspapers, books, web sites and live on workplace911.com.