CyberFootprint

Successful job hunting depends very much on your presentation to the employer. Cover letters are among the first materials you present to the recruiter. I would like to share my perspective on writing a good cover letter.

Structuring a cover letter is quite simple. The whole document consists of four parts.

1. What position are you applying for?
2. Who are you and what are your strong sides?
3. Give example of your skills (preferably in STAR format)
4. Closure

Position

This is usually a matter of one sentence only. Try to cover WHAT position you are applying for and WHERE you saw it.

Based on the job advertisement on Monster.com, I would like to apply for a position of the Account Executive.

About you

This part is mostly dedicated to WHO. It should not exceed five simple sentences (or three more extensive ones). Make sure to write it in plain language, because if the recruiter loses interest now, your application will end in a bin. If you are an experienced professional, focus this part on your background and general achievements. Pick the most important or interesting bit of your career and  If you are a fresh graduate, state what university you went to.

As a graduate of Cornell University, I am able to deliver exceptional results and work efficiently under pressure. Multicultural environment motivates me, as can be proven by my achievements from the work placement in Spain.

Skills

This is the most important part of the cover letter – the part where you can actually sell yourself. Use strong examples and tell a story about yourself. Forming everything into a STAR format helps.

When employed as a consultant for Ogilvy, our client wanted to drive up sales for his product in a quarter of the year. I created the strategy and executed the media plan. In result, sales went up 42%.

Closure

This is the last part of the cover letter, so use it as a call to action. Thank the reader for taking his time to get through your application. Adding your contact to the end of the letter makes it easier for the recruiter to follow through with the application.

If you have any questions feel free to reach me at 818 123 4567. I will be looking forward to your reply.

How do you write your cover letters? Share with us what you think.

Image credit: photoplasia