Cover Letter Tips

An effective cover letter highlights your particular skills and accomplishments that best suit the prospective employer’s needs. 
 
Before you start writing your cover letter, you should answer the following questions:
  • What does the business do, make, or sell?
  • What is your major selling point?
  • To whom should you address the letter?
 
What does the Organization do, make, or sell?
          You need to understand both the business as a whole and the position you are applying for before you will be able to tell the employer that you would make a good choice for their open position.  The best way to obtain information about a business is to look up their website.  Most businesses have a website and this is a great way to gain insight on the organization as a whole. 
 
What is your major selling point?
          Ask yourself: Of all my skills, qualifications and accomplishments which one would be most beneficial to the position I am applying for?  This will by far increase your chances to be remembered by the reader – The Employer. 
 
How should you address your letter?
          Never address your cover letter “To Whom It May Concern”.  You can usually obtain the correct name, title and address of the person to which you are applying to at the organization by calling the organization. 
                                     
Constructing your Cover Letter
 
An effective cover letter will include:
  • An interesting opening that will catch the employers attention
  • A convincing presentation of your skills, qualifications and/or accomplishments
  • A strong closing with a request for action
 
Attracting Employers Attention
Your opening paragraph must catch the employer’s attention and get     them interested enough to read on.        
  • “Deb Larson, Nebraska State Career Office counselor, told me that you are seeking a top-flight salesperson who can also give an outstanding field demonstration on XYZ commercial rotors.”
  • “Mrs. Sara Miller, Director of the Turf Management program at the University of Iowa, told me you are looking for a Turf Applications Manager in your Landscape Maintenance Department.  Mrs. Miller is confident that my college preparation and my experience in Turf Management at XYZ Landscaping would qualify me for this position.”
  • “With my certification in Landscape Lighting , along with my selling experience, I believe that I could successfully sell ABC Lighting products”
  • “With a recent college degree in Horticulture and several years work experience.  I am confident that I would be an excellent Junior IPM Technician to fill the position that was advertised in the Sunday’s Lincoln World Herald.”
  • “Congratulations on your Number 1 rating by Turf Magazine as a water conservation company.  As a recent Certified Irrigation Contractor I would like to contribute to the continued growth of ZYX Irrigation.”
  • “CBA Trees has been an outstanding arborist facility in this area for many years, and I would like to be considered for a position on your tree cutting crew.”
 
Convincing Qualifications
          To be convincing, the qualifications you present must be related to the work you are applying for.  Avoid statements like “I am dependable” “I am interested in working with people”
  • “After working as a service technician in the evenings during spring start up season, I learned that I enjoy the fast pace as well as the work itself.  In addition, my three summers as an evening service technician at an irrigation company gave me valuable experience in dealing with customers.”
  • “I strengthened my understanding of the overall structure of a manufacturing plant and became familiar with purchasing terminology while working as an assistant in the Purchasing Department of XZY Irrigation Valves.  This experience also provided me with a strong background in buying procedures and policies, which I can put to good use in your organization.”
 
Closing
          The closing paragraph provides a smooth transition from description of your qualifications to a request for an interview. 
  • “My resume, enclosed with this letter, describes my qualifications, which I believe, could be an asset to XYZ Landscaping.  I would like to meet with you to discuss the position of Turf Specialist.  Please call me at 402-432-1234 to let me know a time when we may meet to discuss other ways I might be a value to XYZ Landscaping. 
 
Final check list
 
_____Letter is written to an individual and not “To Whom It May Concern”
_____Made letter original – specific to job you are applying for
_____Addressed letter and included the title of the contact person
_____Used correct spelling of contact name and company
_____Have not overused the personal pronoun I
_____Directed the letter to the anticipated needs of the employer
_____Made sure the letter was free of grammar, spelling and punctuation     errors
_____Edited and proofed carefully
_____Used good quality paper
_____Used quality printing
_____Used proper letter format
_____Written concisely, did not exceed one page
 
Alright that’s it, if you followed these tips you should have a perfect cover letter created and ready to send out to potential employers with your resume.  Good Luck in the job hunt!