Writing a Successful Cover Letter

It is amazing sometimes how often job seekers regard the cover letter as an afterthought. In fact, the purpose of the cover letter is to make someone want to read your resume. It is the cover letter that first attracts a prospective employer and draws in the resume reviewer. It is the cover letter that showcases, highlights, and summarizes what you bring to the table. Never underestimate the power of a strong cover letter.

Length. A cover letter should neither be too short or too lengthy. Approximately one page is good rule of thumb for the length of your cover letter.

Salutation. Always, always, always try to address the cover letter as "Dear Jane Smith". This may require doing some research on your part - checkout the company's website, call the company, etc. If you absolutely cannot get a name to address your letter to, use "Dear Sir or Madam". Never use "To Whom It May Concern" - that is just too much like spam mail.

Introduction. The introduction is the first one to three sentences of your cover letter. The introduction should

not be where you cite that you saw their job posting or that you want an interview. This is your one shot at an opening line. Use the introduction to quickly summarize what you bring to the table. Do

not try to be funny or cute.

Example: After a successful election, I am searching for another exciting opportunity where I can utilize my eight years of communications experience. Throughout my political career, I have worked hard to supplement by master's degree in Public Affairs and Crisis Communications with hands-on press and media experience. My professional expertise working with national and local media outlets on behalf of progressive organizations as a hard-hitting communications staffer makes me an excellent fit to work as the Senior Press Secretary for XYZ Politics National.

Body paragraphs. The body of your cover letter should be approximately three short paragraphs. Use formatting and style here to really draw the reader's attention to key points. The body of your cover letter is where you briefly delve into your career summary and highlights. This is where you breakdown the ins and outs of your resume into key areas of experience. Look at what qualities and experience the employer is seeking and use that information to tailor your cover letter.

Example:

Campaign experience: I have gained hands-on experience in the grassroots elements of campaigns and campaign strategies through working on various candidate and issue campaigns, including two presidential campaigns and four U.S. congressional campaigns. I successfully ensured a win for presidential candidate John Doe in the six counties I managed during the Ohio general election. In my academic studies, I have focused on campaign strategies, message development, and advocacy.

Policy experience: I have worked as a consultant for XYZ Strategies and the Environmental Club, and interned for The White House, with both positions requiring knowledge of and involvement in the policy process. In my coursework for my master's degree, I took several courses that required careful analysis and examination of policy factors with rigorous insistence on logic and a strong focus on implementation and evaluation methods. I have the ability to research, assess, and synthesize information, as well as look at issues from many different perspectives to arrive at creative solutions.

Communications experience: Written reports, research papers, and presentations were an ongoing part of my graduate coursework as well as my employment experiences. I have worked as a journalist for a national newsletter and interned in two Capitol Hill press departments.

Closing. The closing of your cover letter is where you sum up by stating where you saw the job posting, asking for an interview, and so forth. The closing should be short - approximately two sentences - and to the point. Try to avoid coming off as cocky when you make your interview ask.

Example: As you will see from my resume, these are just a highlight of my qualifications. As an individual with a strong commitment to making a change in the world, your ad on PoliticalSources.com for an Outreach Advocate caught my eye. I welcome the opportunity to

elaborate on how I could make a meaningful contribution to ABC Worldwide. I look forward to speaking with you soon.

Parting statement. Avoid using "sincerely". Opt instead for something less over-used, such as "respectfully". Also be careful to not sound too casual or cheesy.

Things not to say in a cover letter:

· "I have attached my resume." Well duh, I should hope you have attached your resume - that's the whole point.

· "I am looking for a salary of $80,000 a year." Unless explicitly instructed otherwise in the job posting,

never give any kind of expected or desired salary in your cover letter.

· "I was fired from my last job." Don't start off by already making the prospective employer question your ability to do the job. Avoid giving any reason for having left a job or for looking to leave a job in your cover letter.

· "I realize I don't have much experience." Again, do not start off by selling yourself short and making the prospective employer want to

not hire you. Your cover letter is your selling points, not your drawbacks.

Emailing a cover letter and resume:

· The subject line of the email is the title of the position for which you are applying, unless otherwise stated in the job posting.

· The body of the email is your cover letter - copy and paste it. Unless otherwise stated in the job posting, there is no need to also attach your cover letter to the email.

· There is no need to include the date, employer's address, or your address as part of an emailed cover letter.