The Cover Letter

Don't Forget The Cover Letter!

When you have found a position for which you think you are suitable, it’s time to send a resume. Always send a cover letter with your resume. Never, and we mean Never, send a resume without one. We receive many resumes without one and sometimes it difficult to determine which popsition the candidate is responding to. A cover letter can make or break your chances, so if you’re unsure, there are several good resources online. Follow the examples, but make sure each letter you send is original and unique for each employer.

• Make sure the cover letter is on the same type of paper as your resume and uses a font face and size that matches your resume so that they are cohesive and consistent.
• Make sure to address your letter to the hiring individual. You may need to call the company and explain to the receptionist that you are sending your resume for the open accounts receivable position and ask to whom you should address your cover letter.
• If responding to a blind box ad, try to avoid such gender-specific salutations as “Dear sirs” or “Dear Gentlemen.” In such cases, “Dear Hiring Manager” is a better option.
• Make sure in your cover letter to let the reader know which position you are responding to. It is not necessary for your chances, but it might also be good to let the reader know how or where you learned of the position (i.e., "I am responding to the position of business analyst advertised on Indeed.com")
• Use simple language and uncomplicated sentences to answer the question, “why should I hire you?” NEVER make your letter longer than one page, and keep it well under a full page if possible.
• Always make certain to proof-read your letter and use spell-checker. Nothing says “’no’ pile” like a cover letter with typos, poor grammar, or misspellings (for example, “college” does NOT have an “a” in it).
• Be proactive and ask for an interview. Let the reader know you will be following up and when and then actually follow up.
• This is often forgotten because you would think the fact you're bothering to send a letter and resume that it would be implied, but don't forget to express that you are very much interested in the position
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Follow these steps and get yourself noticed!