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Author: Jimmy Sweeney
Just like the late, great Rodney Dangerfield, the "humble" cover letter gets no respect.
Job-seekers spend so much time and energy on their resumes they've got nothing left to offer their poor, neglected cover letters.
Big, BIG mistake!
It is the well-written cover letter
Conversely, there's only so much you can do with the traditional CV or resume. I believe the carefully crafted cover letter is more important to your job search success than any other written document, including the resume.
As a direct marketing professional for over 20 years, I bring to you my 7 secrets of a highly-effective resume cover letter:
1. ADDRESS your cover letter to a specific person. Do your best to find out "To Whom" you should address your cover letter. "Dear Manager" is lifeless.
2. OPEN with an attention-grabbing first sentence to really grip the reader. This will almost guarantee your cover letter and resume get a closer look.
3. REMEMBER less is more. The best cover letters have plenty of white space. Cover letters that are clear, focused, short and sweet land more job interviews period.
4. FOCUS on what you can do for the employer. How can you benefit the company specifically? Do a little research and relate this simply and clearly in your letter.
5. CHOOSE WORDS that show enthusiasm and passion for the position you seek... (big, big secret!) Then, carry this passion into the interview with you.
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