Nancy Schuman - 1,001 Phrases You Need to Get a Job: The Hire Me Words that Set Your Cover Letter, Resume, and Job Interview Apart

The cover letter is the most critical step in the pursuit of a job. It is the first impression you make, and you only get one chance to make a stellar one. Introducing yourself to a stranger whose job it is to critique you can, for some, be paralyzing. Most of us spend way too much time staring at a blank page trying to conjure up the perfect words for the situation. However, writing a cover letter that lands you an interview can be achieved more easily than you think.

Following the RIGHT formula, discussed in the next paragraph, can get you started. This formula will guide you through the process of finding those perfect words. Sometimes they are provided in the job posting itself, and other times you can pluck them from the industry samples you owe it to yourself to review. In this chapter, you will also learn about various kinds of cover letters as well as the basic components of a cover lettereach paragraph in the document seeks to communicate specific strategically targeted and job-function-focused information that you dont want to accidentally leave out.

Writing your cover letter is as simple as following a five-step process. Just think of the acronym R-I-G-H-T.

It stands for Review, Identify, Generate, Hone, Transmit. When following this process, you will: Review Samples, Postings, or Descriptions To inspire initial efforts and motivate actions, review sample cover letters and postings as well as job descriptions. Think about the phrases or special language used in these items. Key phrases in job postings must be transformed into the best paragraphs in your cover letters. If imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, it can be the best cover letterwriting strategy. RED FLAG!
DONT DISPLAY A LACK OF KNOWLEDGE about your industry.

Know the buzzwords that get your cover letter noticed. Identify Resume Key Points Look at your resume and think about how it relates to the job for which youre applying. Identify key points that you wish to highlight in your cover letter. These should be field-focused qualities as well as directly related academic, employment, or co-curricular achievements. What is it about your resume that you think is most strategically linked to targeted career fields and the specific job or particular functional areas of an employer? What two resume entries do you want the cover letter reader to examine in detail? Generate a Draft Keep your first draft to one page if possible, but dont worry too much about length. Later, youll edit to the desired word count.

Use the examples in the sample cover letters for inspiration, but dont copy word for word any of the samples that inspire you. Just get some ideas down on paper or on screen. Dont feel pressured to generate your final draft first. Hone a Finished Version This is when youll edit the content to achieve maximum effectiveness and impact. The finished version should not contain typos or any major grammatical or style errors. Remember, this is your first writing assignment for your prospective employer.

Transmit via E-mail or Fax, Then Mail Once done, dont delay communication. There truly is no reason to wait. Never procrastinate. Proceed to the next section to learn details regarding cover letter format, content, and specifics to completing the five steps to cover letter success.

The lists within this section define different types of cover letters, the circumstances for which they are appropriate, and to whom they are sent. These letters target: Confidential Postings (when employers are not identified). These letters target: Confidential Postings (when employers are not identified).

These letters must focus on the job descriptions and the skills you possess to succeed in the position. Employer Identified Postings (with the employer clearly noted, yet a contact name may not be given). These letters should reveal research on the company. If you dont have someone to address letters to, use memo format. Employment Agencies (when employers are not identified). Executive Search Firms (when employers are not identified).