Cover letters are the entrée to the main course, your resume. Cover letters set the tone for how your resume and ultimately you will be perceived. The truth of the matter is most cover letters are either never read or read thoroughly. However you still should write them. Attaching a cover letter provides the prospective employer evidence that you have gone the extra step to respond to their open position. Cover letters also provide leverage. Most weary- eyed recruiters are looking for that extra incentive to actually look at your resume. A striking, brief summary of your work experience and skills that match the open position will get you through to the “read the resume” round.

Make it simple. Cover letters should be brief, to the point and focused.
Acknowledge that you are responding to the position.
“I have come across your open sales manager position for the Tuscan market”.

Give a two or three sentence summary why you believe you are the best candidate. Then follow up with a supporting summary which highlights your work experience. Let’s look at this example: “Based on your aggressive campaign to enter the residential wireless market, I believe my 10 years of progressive telecommunications sales management experience could benefit your organization. I also feel my success in driving an average of 154% residential growth in the wireless space over the past 4 years would greatly impact your goals.”

Research before you write. Through this example the prospect has used language similar to the organizations web site, or from a recent quote from an executive.

After you’ve grabbed their attention, stop. There is no need to show it all up front. While you may have the most interesting hobbies or belong to an impressive association, neither may be relevant to the particular position that you are responding. You may want to say something like, “I invite you to review my work history and contact me if you feel there is a potential match to your needs”. Of course make certain you include your contact information in the cover letter.