Whats the Best Way to Make Sure my Cover Letter is Well Written and on Target

Writing a cover letter in response to an open job description can be a difficult process for two reasons: first, because there is so much significant information that should be included in a small amount of space; and second, because it is often the most important aspect of your application that employers use to judge your candidacy. This said, you need to make sure of two key factors: that it is well written and that it is also on target to the job you want. Unfortunately, many of miss one or both of these key factors, and the result is most often not getting a call for an interview. Below, we answer the question of how to create a cover letter that is both well written as well as targeted, with these winning tips on cover letter writing.

1. Brainstorm: the first step in making sure that your cover letter is all that an employer is looking for, is to brainstorm what you want to include. As a cover letter must be a summation of your skills, experience, overall value, uniqueness, and goals; you must figure out what the key points to each of these areas are. What your most valuable skills, achievements, and experience? How many years do you have in the industry? What are your career goals? Jot down a list of the most compelling of all of these to prepare your best cover letter.

2. Review Job Listing: now that you have a working list of your value to the job opening and company that you are applying to, it is necessary to cross reference and incorporate information found in the job listing details. Review the skills, experience, and qualifications that the job listing requires in a candidate, and compare it to your list. Incorporate all that applies into your brainstormed list-by remaining honest; so that a hiring manager can see two things in your cover letter right off the bat: that you spent time on this particular application and are interested in this particular company-instead of blinding mass-mailing applications, and also, that you have the skills and experience they are looking for.

3. Research the Company: next, it is wise to have some background on the company you are applying to. Besides what is listed in the job posting, what us some of the information you can glean from their website and media news. Make sure to read about their projects, mission statement, and overall goals as a company. Are they team oriented? Are they successful or having a decrease in profits this year? Do they value initiative? All of these tidbits of information can help you both decide if this is the right company for your career, as well as glean details that you can incorporate into your cover letter.

4. Assimilate: once you have all these pieces together, start molding it into a narrative of sorts. Your first couple of sentences will be to introduce you and state the position you are applying for. The paragraphs to follow must explain a brief history of your career experience, skills, and achievements; state your short and long term goals; and incorporate why you have chosen to apply for this job. Moreover, you must tie in what makes you the best candidate for the job. This part, of course, will take a few drafts and some time; but as long as all the pieces mentioned above have been addressed in a manner that is compelling and makes sense; your cover letter will get attention.