Ten tips for writing a cover letter that will open doors

			Top Tips
					By Chuck Oakes
			DBM offers tips to help you get ahead at work. Oakes is the Managing Consultant for DBM in Springfield, Massachusetts. More about DBM

A well-written cover letter can open the door for an interview. It can enhance your networking efforts and serve as an introduction to people you don't know.

Follow this checklist before sending your letter:

Emphasize your most relevant skills. Demonstrate these three facts:

• You can increase sales or revenue or create new business opportunities.
• You can decrease expenses.
• You have special expertise.
  

Use a referral name in your opening sentence if possible. It can determine whether the reader continues to read carefully or skims the rest of your letter.

Keep letters to one page. Your resume can be used to further illustrate the specific skills and accomplishments you mention in your cover letter.

Paragraphs should be no more than five lines. Use bullet points whenever possible to highlight lists and to make the letter more visually appealing.

Use conservative stationery. You don't want to overwhelm the reader with bold paper; it should be your content that gets his or her attention.

Omit salary information. Do not discuss pay until the company is ready to make an offer. There is one exception: Include a desired salary range in letters to executive search firms.

Don't include personal data like your age, marital status, number of children or hobbies unless it relates to the position.

Do not include references. If an employer asks for references at a later stage, you can then provide them.

Always check spelling before sending and have someone else read it for grammar and style.

End the letter with the statement that you will call the person in a week or so. You shouldn't expect the recipient to call you.

The real key to getting your foot in the door with a cover letter is to address the specific needs of the organization you are targeting. If you've done your research and can demonstrate your interest and ability to add value to the organization, then you have a good chance of securing a face-to-face meeting with the appropriate hiring managers.

About Chuck Oakes and DBM

Chuck Oakes is the Managing Consultant for DBM in Springfield, Massachusetts. DBM is a worldwide firm that provides strategic human resource solutions in employee selection, development, retention and transition. DBM works with organizations to help them manage the human resource challenges that go hand-in-hand with today's business cycles and volatile markets. Visit DBM.

Copyright (2002) DBM, Inc. Printed by permission.