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Five Tips For Writing Attention-Grabbing Cover Letters
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Posted By: Heather Eagar In: Job Seeker - Cover Letters
Let’s look at the five most important tips that will make your cover letter get attention.
A cover letter is perhaps the trickiest letter you will ever have to write as a job seeker. It can’t be too long so as to bore the reader while at the same time; it can’t be too short either. If you really look at it, you won’t be writing anything more than who you are and why are you writing the cover letter, yet you still want to make it impressive by making it different from the tons that might be fighting to be on top.

So what are the secrets to writing that magical cover letter?

Top Five Tips To Writing Cover Letters That Get Results

Let’s look at the five most important tips that will make your cover letter get attention:

1. Please don’t use a standard cover letter (read: template) with blank spaces for addresses and date insertions. For god’s sake, avoid this as it is going to drive the recruitment manager nuts. If they have read a thousand resumes before they get to yours and they find a cover letter which is not exactly and specifically made for them, they will possibly lose interest and not continue with your resume any further. But seriously speaking, this kind of template gives a feeling of being disregarded to the reader. Can you afford to let this happen?

2. Don’t let all the goodies out of the bag in the cover letter itself. Writing all about yourself in the cover letter is meaningless when you are enclosing your resume as well. Also, a lengthy cover letter is boring and frustrating. The most a hiring manager will do is throw it aside for the circular file. This effectively means you are out of the running. So avoid lengthy cover letters, and keep it brief and to the point.

3. Clearly specify the job code (if it is provided), and give the reference as to whether you are writing the cover letter in response to an advertisement. This prevents your letter from being delivered to the wrong person/department. The right person will understand the position that you have applied for, which makes it easier for him or her to contact you.

4. Personalizing and proofreading the cover letter – this goes without saying. You may argue that perfect spelling and grammar in the cover letter are not evidence of your talents, skills and abilities. Well, look at it this way; what will you do if your talents get buried under unintentional and silly errors? Better yet, how will you know – because if they are, you certainly aren’t going to get called for an interview.

5. Grab attention in the opening sentence itself - This will grab the reader immediately and entice them to read your cover letter carefully and with interest. Think of this as sales – if you don’t get the reader’s attention from the very start, the sale (i.e. – your candidacy) is lost.

Because the cover letter is the first contact that you will have with a company or recruiter, it is absolutely essential that it gets the right kind of attention from the get go. By following the five tips above, you will ensure that your resume ends up at the top of the “yes” heap.
Comments
Posted by: Diane
I think this is very good pertinent information, & I will certainly take all of this advise into consideration when creating a cover letter.Thanks,Diane
Posted by: Erica Parks
THANK YOU. I AM ALWAYS LOOKING FOR NEW IDEAS
Posted by: Michael Davis
Do you have any recommendations as to who I could send a copy of my resume and cover letter too?Would you please post an example of a good cover letter that covers the 5 important tips above?Thank you very much for your time.Sincerely,Michael Davis
Posted by: Debbie
Some examples would be very helpful.
Posted by: Ruth
Posted by :RuthThe information was kinda helpful but I need to know more. I need to find out what you put in a cover story to make it impressive.
Posted by: Letitia Piercy
Are you able to supply sample cover letters?  I have always has problems creating a good cover letter.
Posted by: Nancy Wagner
Should provide an example of a good cover letter as a reference, expecially opening line statement.  Thanks.
Posted by: Elizabeth Spoto
This is great information, but I'm still confused as to what words to use to describe me in my cover letter, you explained what not to include, but didn't put any correct words that are to be included. Please help.Thank you,Liz Spoto
Posted by: Vidal Godwin
Please be more clear on what should be on a cover letter. Give us some examples of sentences that would be what a hiring manager is looking for. Thank you for your advise and your time.
Posted by: Andreas Walther
Great tips and clearly stated. I'd love to also have seen some examples as this always brings the point home and sticks.
Posted by: Reza Omidipour
Hi Heather,thanks for the info. Could you please provide some examples in your next letter (if there is one).
Posted by: Tammy
Very well said...can you supply a cover letter example in your next letter to me.
Posted by: Rani Chatterjee
Kindly post an example of a good cover letter that covers the 5 important tips.I appreciate your time.
Posted by: ANTHONY BOSTIC
can you please show an example of a good cover letter.
Posted by: Pat Hanna
Some good examples of a good opening on a cover letter would be helpful.
Posted by: Susan Berman
I wholeheartedly agree with you. "Canned" cover letters do not reflect well on anyone--the reader or the writer.I agree with most of the above comments, a sample or two would be helpful.  I myself like to try to relate to the organization by mentioning something I have read about them or some related news in their industry.  It shows initiative that you've taken some time to find out something about their business.
Posted by: Darlene Dockery
Thank you for the suggestions you offer for a good cover letter.
Posted by: Mark Hartman
I would have to agree that some examples would be a great help.
Posted by: Joel Jimenez
There are some good ideas in this program that are very helpful.  Thanks
Posted by: Ray
As you can see from the other comments, most of us are not exactly "Creative Writers". (ME least of all)  I agree that some good examples of the "ATTENTION GRABBING" cover letter might help get the creative juices flowing for many.Thanks.
Posted by: Brahm Sharma
Please provide some cover letter samples.
Posted by: Regina Martin
Is it possible to provide a good example of a cover letter so that I can get an idea of what you mean by an eye opening statement. Thanks.
Posted by: Rebecca Segarraw
Hello Heather, I undertand and agree,a cover letter is the first part of you a recruiter examines. Could you possibly present to all of us the perfect eye catching cover letter. Thank you Heather.
Posted by: joann
Please provide some cover letter samples.
Posted by: Linda Waggoner
I believe I have a pretty good cover letter as I have been getting more responses in the last few weeks and have had some actual interviews that didn't involve insurance sales.I would like to know about a good opening sentence that would be "eye-catching".Thank you.
Posted by: Sandra Stricker
It would be very helpful if you posted an example of a good cover letter that covers the 5 important tips.
Posted by: Guenther Strunk
Thanks for the good advice.  A comment about the opening - consider what is written or displayed in the header of the add - if the add for the job has an "attention-grabber" why not use it in your cover letter.
Posted by: Ron Christy
Read the job description and base your cover letter on it. Point out a couple strong points you have pertaining to the position and let them know what an asset you would be to the company if given the opportunity.
Posted by: JP
As I understand it, most Hiring Managers don't have the time or inclination to read a Cover Letter. Plus, if the resume is forwarded to others in the organization, chances are the Cover Letter will not be included.
Posted by: Connie Hovda
Could you please provide an example of a good cover letter.
Posted by: Karline Augustin
Is it possible to provide a good example of a cover letter so that I can get an idea of what you mean by an eye opening statement. Thanks.
Posted by: Todd
This is great advice and I try to follow your suggestions but some times I dont have the time to be job specific as many postings dont give you enough info to go on anyways.
Posted by: Natasha Goldman
This is some good advice but it would be more helpful if we could see an example or two of what you are suggesting.
Posted by: Angelo Liberati
This is an informative article.  However, let's say their are 500 sets of cover letters and resumes' for one open position. Will the employer representative, in this example, look at the resumes' only, the cover letters only, or both, in order to widdle down a lot of paper in the form of potential candidates.
Posted by: GlenP
The first thing a recruiter is looking for is a reason not to hire you.  A cover letter is fine but say in your cover letter, as a sample, the influence that you can bring to a firm or company.  That is really what the financial officer has instructed the HR to look for.  It is all about the bottom line.
Posted by: Delois Dozier
Good advice, but I, too, think that an example or two would be most helpful.
Posted by: Connie Parker
Great advice but it could be better if there were examples of what you are suggesting.
Posted by: Patsy Herring
Examples of what you are suggesting would be very helpful.
Posted by: Nettie Campbell
Thanks, your information is helpful.
Posted by: Bunice Wright
I have never done a cover letter before, please send me a copy of what a good cover letter would look like.
Posted by: Michele Whitney
Great advice but can you provide examples of what you are suggesting.  
Posted by: Andrea
Sounds like good advise, however, a example would help me a lot.
Posted by: sharon
I am amazed that many of the requests in the comments are requests for example cover letters. I believe the first comment in this article was to not use template cover letters, just like all the examples generally available.  Perhaps there are benefits when you shine through in your own letter?
Posted by: Ben Bamba
Great points you've underlined. I will take that into considerations and apply it to my job hunting. It would be helpful is an example of a good cover letter was added.
Posted by: Roxane Mouchahwar
The information is a little useful.Not very specific on how to write one.
Posted by: Carol Pied
Good Information but who do you write a  cover letter to when you have no name and can't get one ?I have been told "To Whom It May Concern", "Dear Hiring Manager"," To Department"  -what would be your suggestion ?
Posted by: David Eastman
Like all of you, I get very tired of writing cover letters. I now have perfected what I call the "cover paragraph". Short, sweet and interesting. This recent one for a Brand Manager position got me a call the moment the recruiter read it. If you think about it, there is no more exciting position than a Brand Manager. The Brand Manager gets to play God. Establish the brand. Market the brand. Select the audience to motivate, inspire, inform and influence to admire, love,seek and buy the brand. Compete against other brands and win. Be the brand on every one's list of the best-in-category,the top of the list in SEO searches, the exact 140 characters in a Twitter search, and, the easy purchase in a PayPal account. Take the brand from the company, to the city, to the state, to the nation and to the world. Raise the value of the brand above all others.Make the brand a known, profitable and successful winner. So, these are just a few of the things I can do. Thanks, David Eastman
Posted by: Sonia Chamblin
Do you a sample cover letter? Please advise.
Posted by: Wanda Drayton
This is great information, please provide some samples.
Posted by: Laura Paris
Your site is very nice. There are some good ideas in this program that are very helpful.  Thanks again... :)
Posted by: Prince Gantt
I would also like to see a few examples. Thank you for your time
Posted by: Priscilla Price
Can I get some help with my cover letter at no cost?
Posted by: Milton Rodriguez
do you have a Cover Letter examples to view and perhaps some ideas that may help the job seekers to write effective cover letters?second question: why include a cover letter?would a well written resume be enough for employers to view or read your objectives?all they care about is: job history, Special Skills, and level of education.the rest is all supporting details describing other requirements. Thank you Milton
Posted by: H Louis Zammett
Without examples your message will be lost on those who need it most. You have done a good job making people aware of the importance of a cover letter but where is the beef; what would you consider a good cover letter?
Posted by: Donna Richard
An example of a cover letter would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for the information.
Posted by: Angel Alvarado
Thanks for the information.  
Posted by: Kathy Anderson
Nice
Posted by: Kate
Any samples?
Posted by: Sanjay Dewan
Please provide some examples of good resume, and cover letters. Your information is valuable.
Posted by: Barbara
An example of an effective cover letter would be nice.
Posted by: Keith MacKenzie
A lot of useful information.  
Posted by: Daniel Edwards
This information will help me tremendously but a copy of a cover letter would do me a world of good. Again thank you.
Posted by: shelia humphrey
all interesting information, but could you send me back a sample cover letter to follow. i would really appreciate it very much.thanks
Posted by: Greg
What a great opportunity you are offering for a (insert position title here).  I have all of the talents you are looking for! --- note:  this is a sample of an opening paragraph/statement you could use in a cover letter.
Posted by: Theresa Little On: 2/5/2010 9:54:39 PM
How do you address a cover letter when the employer's name is not apparent?  Please give examples.
Posted by: Kathleen Feldman On: 2/16/2010 1:25:10 AM
i WOULD LIKE SOME SAMPLES OF A GOOD COVER LETTER.
Posted by: Mary C On: 3/1/2010 11:52:52 AM
I am with the rest of the pack, a couple of sample cover letters would be great.
Posted by: Aleksandr Krukovskiy On: 3/2/2010 9:41:11 AM
I would like some samples of a good cover letter.  Thanks for the information.  Your information is valuable!
Posted by: La Tonya Houpe On: 3/4/2010 12:48:34 PM
Ditto, I really need a sample of a good cover letter.  I have a problem getting started...know what i mean?
Posted by: Frankie L. Drayton On: 3/11/2010 10:25:49 PM
If you can give just an opening line on how to start a cover letter that may get a recruiter attention!
Posted by: Alfred Santiago On: 3/14/2010 8:17:51 PM
Is there really a cover letter that captures the attention. I would like to see one after reading for over 2 or 3 hrs. of cover ltrs. and reumes....
Posted by: Kim Murphy On: 3/18/2010 3:44:36 PM
Do you have sample cover letters that you can share.   I have been creating cover letters for each job but I still do not hear back. Samples might help.Thanks
 
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