I make my living writing resumes and cover letters. Prior to starting my resume writing service, Warnaar Writing Services, I spent two years in HR Management. Arguably, your cover letter is even more important than your resume. Hiring managers received dozens, even hundreds, of resumes for positions they are seeking to fill. Your cover letter is your "sales pitch" to entice the employer to call you in for an interview.

Use your cover letter to highlight the skills and major achievements of your career experience. Remember, it's okay to brag but never lie about your accomplishments. Falsification of application is a good way to get fired before you're even hired.

Writing in a manner that is polite, professional and conveys and eagerness to work for their company is a must. Make sure your cover letter is error free and you get bonus points for doing a bit a Nancy Drew work to find out the name of the hiring manager and addressing your cover letter to that person.

Print your resume and cover letter on high quality resume paper and sign the cover letter as well. Never cross out wrong information and write the correct information in. Sound silly? You wouldn't believe how many applicants did this when they submitted resumes and cover letters submitted to me in my two years as an HR Manager.

Many applicants did not submit a cover letter, which is a huge mistake. It's a great way to make yourself stand out and convey your personality and goals. Another great tip for cover letters is to make a T-Chart and on one side list the qualities the employer is seeking in the ideal applicant and on correspondingly on the opposite side, list exactly how you meet their requirement.

The bottom line is simple: A cover letter enhances your resume and draws attention to the main items you want the employer to notice. Make sure you submit a customized cover letter every time you submit an application for the best shot at scoring an interview.

Learn more about this author, Dawn Warnaar.
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