Three C’s to an Outstanding Cover Letter

I recognize that many people find the mere prospect of drafting a cover letter enough to send them running for the hills. At best, they put it off indefinitely; at worst, they just send the resume along without one. What? They will know what I am looking for, they think. They will have the resume! This line of thinking couldn’t be further from the truth. A cover letter is important, very important.

There are some things you need to do to ensure your cover letter positions you correctly, and generates interest from the reader:

Clear: What is it you are trying to convey? Your cover letter should be written in a clear and cogent manner, delivering the reader with an understanding of how you are going to contribute in a new environment. Make sure your sentence structure, grammar, and spelling are beyond reproach. Your cover letter should begin with a strong opening that quickly reveals what position you are seeking and a short understanding as to how you are an appropriate selection. Get to the point, and make sure your message stands out.

Compelling: The most important component of your cover letter is that it delivers compelling information. You don’t want to repeat the same things that are covered in your resume. So, you are asking: “What goes in there, then?” Provide a complement of information related to your business acumen and leadership, teamwork, and capacity for driving change. If you have a job description, try to highlight things from your own experiences that meet the needs of the position for which you are applying. There are things that you will not be able to get on the resume to avoid having that document become too long. If there is something that you were not able to include on the resume, has relevance to the role, and demonstrates your ability to deliver, highlight that information in the cover.

Concise: You will not generate interest in a two-page cover letter. I have personally seen these long-winded abbreviated versions of Gone with the Wind. Your reader does not have time or the inclination to read everything you have ever done. For every 10 people that can barely eek out a paragraph, there is one person who can write a cover like they are writing a short story. Your life, while no doubt very interesting has no place in the cover letter. Keep it concise – three to four paragraphs is all you need to deliver your message.