Writing an attention-grabbing cover letter can be daunting. It's your first window of opportunity to impress potential employers. What kinds of things should you consider when putting together your official letter of interest?
It's important to think of your cover letter as a first impression—you only get one chance. The purpose is to introduce yourself, explaining why you're the best candidate for the job without over-personalizing. A common mistake job candidates make is revealing too much information, according to experts we interviewed.
While revealing one's personal ethics is fine, experts such as Griselda Garibay, business operations manager at Kaleidoscope, agree that applicants should avoid mentioning unnecessary information such as race, religion and orientation.
"I'd be wary of an employer knowing my gender to fill a quota and not using me for my intellect," says Garibay.
How you format your cover letter also is crucial. Garibay says a winning cover letter should consist of three main paragraphs. The first paragraph should include a brief introduction of yourself and discuss why you're addressing the company. Your second paragraph is an opportunity to highlight your strengths, relevant experience, long-term goals and where you see yourself growing with the company. The key is to mention two or three things that will help you stand out in a pool of cover letters and something that you wouldn't necessarily know from reading a résumé. The final paragraph should be a restatement of your enthusiasm for the position.
"Make it relevant," says Garibay. "A cover letter should relate to the job you're applying to and tell us why you'd be good for us."
Peter Wilcot, vice president and team manager for the risk and legal and recruiting teams at Wachovia (No. 11 on The 2007 DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity list), says he views cover letters as an opportunity to sell oneself.
"It's the start of a process," says Wilcot. "It's a marketing process."
Here are tips from experts we surveyed:
No. 1: Limit It to One Page
"The key is being succinct and remembering you're not writing a book," says Joanna Clark, senior recruiter of leadership programs at AT&T (No. 3 on The 2007 DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity list).
No. 2: Keep to the Point
"I look to a cover letter as a news teaser," says Wilcot. "Something that is short, succinct, well-written and leaves the reader with the desire to learn more about that particular candidate."
No. 3: Be Original
Garibay says intrigue and originality "is what makes you a great individual that could translate as a great addition as an employee."
No. 4: Tell the Truth
"Stick to the facts," adds Clark. "College students who don't have a lot of experience balloon their background on their cover letter."
No. 5: Don't Use Pictures
Clark says there is an increase in the number of cover letters attached with headshots. "Less is more," says Clark. "I don't necessarily think it [will] help."
No. 6: Proofread/Spell Check
Part of writing a compelling cover letter is looking over your work. Garibay recommends that applicants have other people proofread their cover letter for errors and correct grammar before submitting a final draft.
No. 7: Reveal a Disability? It Depends
Alan Muir, executive director of Career Opportunities for Students with Disabilities (COSD), says it is up to the individual to decide whether he or she is comfortable disclosing a disability. Otherwise, he would never advise a student not to mention it.
"It all depends on the individual [and] what they are most comfortable with," says Muir. "There are others who are self-advocates."
More from Today's Diversity News
NEXT ITEM >>
