How to write a Cover Letter

Why do you need a cover letter?  Shouldn't your resume be enough?

Research has proven that your cover letter is extremely important. It is an introduction, like a movie trailer.  It tells the hiring manager just enough to make them want to know more. 

Here is an example:

Darrell Gheen

3441 Owls Wood Way                                                                                   cell: 321-544-1635

Titusville FL 32780                                                                                 darrellgheen@gmail.com

September 29, 2011

Dear Hiring Manager,

Are you ready to hire a highly creative professional who can add immediate value to your organization?  If so, then I believe that I would be an excellent choice.

I know that you could hire any one of a thousand applicants who could perform adequately, but don’t you want more?

My passion has been Aerospace as far back as I can remember.  When I was asked to become an electronics technician working on the Space Shuttle I thought I was in heaven!  Then many years later I was asked to become a Flight Controls Engineer!  My career has been amazingly successful because of my hands on experience and my engineering abilities.

But these abilities are not my “Claim to fame”.  What makes me even more successful is that I “improve things.”  Whenever I am given a job to do, then I do it to the best of my ability… then I find ways to improve the process.  

My passion is innovation!

I have saved the space program millions of dollars by inventing tools and improving processes which have directly resulted in meeting critical milestones and providing on time launches.

My technical “hands on” abilities and engineering know how, are directly transferrable skills which would benefit your company.  The biggest benefit to you however would be my continuous improvement abilities and philosophy.  “I don’t just do the job- I improve it”!

Now that the Space Shuttle program has ended, I am available, and looking for another challenge.

I want to dare something worthy.  I want to contribute. I want to make a difference!  I am looking for a company that wants to excel, and from what I see, that company is yours.

I am very interested in meeting to review your needs and possible solutions that I could bring to the table.  I am confident that my skills and experience can be of direct benefit to your company.

If you are interested in what I can provide, then please call me at your earliest convenience.

I look forward to meeting with you.

Thanks in advance for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Darrell Gheen

321-544-1635

darrellgheen@gmail.com

As you can see, the cover letter is less than one page in length, and tells what you can do for them (not that you just want a job)!  You gotta tell your story, interest the reader, and ask for a meeting.  This letter is actually rather long, but it tells a story in a personal way that leaves the reader wanting to know more.  The objective is to get your resume read- not just skimmed!  And when they read it you have a far greater chance of getting the interview. Most resume's are dry and boring!  People don't hire boring, they hire a personality.  Find a way to show who you are.  If the hiring manager can see that, then you are certain to get the interview!