How to Know What Employers Really Look for in a Cover Letter

A good cover letter can help you start the hiring process ahead of the game. A well-written and useful cover letter opens doors for interviews. Many people make the mistake of making a cover letter to brief. The cover letter is not simply a note to let an employer know that you have attached your resume. It is a letter from you to the employer explaining why you are the most desirable candidate for their open position. If an employer asks for a cover letter, definitely include it. If you don't, your application may not be considered.

The first step in writing a good cover letter is to really understand the position requirements. Read and re-read the job listing until you have a clear understanding of what the position involves. Take notes as you read and highlight specific skills the employer is seeking.

Next, pull out your resume and compare the list of skills from the job listing to what you have listed on your resume. If you have skills this job is asking for but they are not listed on the resume be sure to include them. Then decide which skills you have that are also key elements of the job and move those skills to the top of the "skills" section in your resume.

Now you are ready to write. Be sure to identify the position you are applying for in the opening paragraph and state where you saw the listing. Use the next few paragraphs to explain that you have the skills required to do the job. It is best to not only list a skill in your cover letter but also to explain how that skill brought success in another position. For example, if HTML is a key skill and you can hand code, you will want to say, for example: My ability to hand-code HTML allowed me to accurately troubleshoot problem areas on our company Web site and set the foundation for a site-wide redesign which improved our customer relations and increased orders by 25%. If technical writing is a key skill your cover letter could explain, for example: I used my technical writing experience to create a team procedure manual which current and future employers will draw on for step by step instructions for how to perform each element of their jobs. Additional material was created for special group training sessions.

A good cover letter will also include a sentence or two that speaks to general qualities employers are looking for. For example: I am reliable, flexible, and capable of meeting deadlines. I can handle projects independently and work well in a team-environment.

Do not go overboard with your explanations. The cover letter doesn't need to be extremely long. One page is sufficient (about 4 paragraphs). Use one paragraph for the opening and one paragraph each to highlight 2 or 3 key skills that are needed. End with a closing statement that lets the employer know you look forward to hearing from them soon. Then proofread well.

Be sure to read my article for tips on how to write a good resume before you send in your application.