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Writing Effective Cover Letters

Writing Effective Cover Letters

Cover letters are all about first impressions; whether they are good or bad, they last. This is why the development of your cover letter is critical to your job search – it is used as your first introduction to a potential employer. It is important to understand that your resume and cover letter are the ONLY thing representing you in your absence.

Career Tip

Your cover letter should be no longer than one page. The letter should “plant the seed” that creates interest in the reader. It should maintain an “upbeat” pace, by making the information exciting – it helps to use vivid language. Let your personality shine through, as this is an advertisement about you, no one else. What ever you do, don’t make a canned letter—it shows you don’t have the time or interest to make it unique.

Why do you need a cover letter when you have a resume?

Simple. Using a cover letter, if it is prepared correctly, will dramatically increase your chance of securing an interview. You see, cover letters are marketing tools and they capture interest – enough to get an interviewer to review your resume. Rather than being ignored, your resume becomes the highlight!

© 2008, TheApple


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