by Robin Eads

Created on: June 15, 2009

One of the most prevalent questions among job seekers is How do I write a cover letter? Most wonder what content to include, what format to follow and how long a cover letter should be. Here I will address these often asked questions to help job seekers perfect their cover letters.

My first piece of advice is to follow the KISS rule. KISS stands for Keep It Simple Sweetie (or Stupid or Silly whichever you prefer). Cover letters shouldn't be novels and they shouldn't review all of your experience; that's what your resume is for. Quite simply, a cover letter should be personalized to each job for which you apply addressing the specific qualifications you have for that particular job. Your content should be limited to one or two short paragraphs.

While it might seem daunting to write a new cover letter for each resume you send out, it's fairly simple to do if you save a blank draft and/or multiple drafts to pick and choose from. When drafting a cover letter, it may be helpful to cut and paste the job description into your letter so that you can address your experience in the order of the job description. Then after you've inserted your important points, you simply delete the job description from your letter.

Here is a sample job description, followed by an appropriate cover letter:

Senior Recruiter / Account Manager

Required Skills:
A minimum of one year of recruiting and sales experience in a demanding and challenging environment.
Excellent communication and effective business development skills.
Prior experience generating new business and sourcing potential candidates through direct contact, referrals, networking and the internet.
Ability to interview prospective candidates, negotiate rates, fees, and coordinate communications between candidates and hiring companies.
Proven ability to work in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to develop relationships with Fortune 1000 companies.

-

January 9, 2009

ABC Company
555 W. Wyoming Avenue
Your Town, FL 33999

To Whom it May Concern:

Please consider my qualifications for the position of Senior Recruiter/Account Manager as advertised on LinkedIn. With more than 15 years of experience in Recruiting and Sales, I have demonstrated success in a number of areas that are important in the candidate you seek.

In my most recent position as Director of Business Development, I led the development of multiple Fortune 500 client accounts including companies such as Coca-Cola and Walmart. Additionally, I negotiated

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>