Cover Letter Misery - Are You Making These 3 Deadly Mistakes With Your Cover Letter?

Many people who finish a resume and think the "hard work" is over suddenly realize they have to write a letter to accompany their resume only to blow it. Let's look at 3 of the deadliest cover letter mistakes people make and what to do instead. Be sure to verify the prospective employer wants cover letters. Larger firms often do not.
Mistake # 1 - Writing the letter AFTER writing the resume.
Why it's a mistake? - You have not made sure you meet the stated requirements of the new job. You have not drafted a letter that "smokes out" if you are actually qualified for the job saving you the heartache of "no replies."
What to do instead: - Draft two column letter first. Match your Qualifications on the left column with job Requirements in the right column. List all known Requirements from the job posting in first column. Match your Qualifications in second column. To ensure the reader reads left to right, number every Requirement and every Qualification. You and your prospective new employer will see in a 'blink' if you are a true candidate. If not, you save time and disappointment.
Mistake # 2 - Jamming things in the letter that you left out of your resume.
Why it's a mistake? Two reasons: The cover letter and resume, especially a one pager, don't contain the same information. Second: If your letter gets tossed so does the information you didn't repeat in the resume.
What to do instead: Prepare the letter first. If your qualifications match the new job's requirements then make sure the qualifications you list in the letter are ALL in the qualifications paragraph at the top of your resume.
Mistake # 3 - Not using any letter.
Why it's a mistake? Done right your letter is all the new employer needs to see before calling you for an interview. She'll read your resume at the time of the interview.
What to do instead: Even if you can't file a letter online prepare one using two column comparison of your qualifications with the requirements and send it with your resume lying flat, no staples, in a 9x10 inch white envelope to the correct new employer's snail mail address. Use "PS" in your letter and say you also applied on line as required. Don't confuse your targeted employer by sending one copy of your resume by USPS (mail) and one as an attachment to your e-mail.

Free Cover Letter Template

What can a free cover letter template do for you? Well, it can provide you with the basic guideline of a cover letter so that you can tailor your own qualifications to the position you are seeking. It is not a cut and paste document. It is a simple, but clearly defined cover letter template that you can use to help create your own masterpiece.

A free cover letter template will not fix all of your problems. What it will do is show you how to craft a well-written, original cover letter tailored to the job you want to obtain.

Take a look at the free cover letter template below. It outlines each section of the cover letter and provides basic information about what needs to be included in each section of the letter. If you need to include details that are not mentioned in the cover letter template below, then consider adding them between the middle and final paragraph. These details might include gaps in employment history or changes in career paths.

The Free Cover Letter Template

Applicant's Address

Date of Letter

Contact Person's Name

Contact Person's Title

Employer's Name

Employer's Address

Salutation:

Opening Paragraph: State why you are writing the letter, name the position or type of work you are applying for and identify how you became aware of the opening or the organization. In some cases, you may be responding to a "blind ad", which means you will not know which company you are sending the cover letter to, but if possible, use the name of the company in this paragraph.

Middle Paragraph(s): Explain your reason for being interested in this type of work and why you chose this employer. State your qualifications, but do not repeat the information from the resume. Point out specialized skills, training and achievements which relate to the job for which you are applying. If you can slip in some relevant information about the organization (from your research) you will improve your chances of garnering their interest. Be confident. Sell yourself.

Closing Paragraph: Summarize your qualifications. Close the letter with a positive statement or question which will prompt the reader to call you for an interview. Keep in mind that the reader is reviewing your written communication skills with this letter, so pay attention to grammar and spelling.

Sincerely,

Your Name Typed

This free cover letter template provides you with the kind of useful information you need in order to find the right type of job so that you have a successful career.