Cover Letter Considerations

Your cover letter works in tandem with your resume to grab the employer's attention. Employers consistently praise candidates who submit a personalized letter with their resume. However, you must strike a balance between the employer's wish for a custom fit cover letter and resume and your need to pursue multiple opportunities. Most job seekers develop a general purpose letter that can be customized as needed.

The employer (or screener) is often most attentive to the opening paragraph of the letter. It should include a strong statement about your interest and key qualifications. If you are replying to a posted job ad, it should also clearly state the position to which you are applying.

The letter should then steer the reader to your resume, highlighting any key matches between your qualifications and the employer's requirements. This is your opportunity, as well, to discuss any special skills or qualifications not listed in your resume.

Cover letters are subject to the same electronic screens as resumes. You should seek to utilize any keywords that may be relevant to your field or the position to which you are applying. In fact, strive to mirror back the employer's ad verbiage while drawing connections to the employer's needs and your skills.

The letter should close with an invitation for further discussion. For sales or certain management positions, consider concluding with a specific action step (e.g., "I will call you after the 18th to schedule a time to meet").

An effective cover letter formally introduces you and allows you to express your interest. More important, however, a cover letter is your opportunity to directly connect your qualifications to the employer's needs.