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Cover Letters That Maximize Results
The way cover
letters are written will directly affect the message they deliver – make
sure it's the right one. Follow the practices below for writing good
effective cover letters. It will help you understand how to communicate
your thoughts and show your personality. It is extremely important to show
employers how you can fix their staffing problems. With the following
advice, you can make your letter look and sound better. If you are still
not satisfied with it, or need a critique, let us know.
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Let your personality and energy
shine through your words.
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Include a few vivid details about
your background to capture the reader's interest.
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Write each cover letter
separately, even if you use a prototype. Personalize each of you letters
with a sentence or two designed to reflect sincere interest in the
specific employer.
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Check and recheck for accuracy in
spelling, punctuation, and sentence structure.
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Express your capabilities with
confidence, but don't exaggerate. Two part-time jobs at a department store
do not constitute "extensive" retail management experience.
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Use natural language in simple,
direct, and clear sentences. Don't try to impress the reader with unusual
vocabulary or complicated sentence structures.
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Show the employer that you've done
your homework and have a genuine understanding of the organization's
needs, mission statement, and business philosophy.
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Be sincere in your praise, but
don't overdo it!
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Make sure your cover letters are
professional in appearance. Use standard business letter format on
stationery matching your resume. Do not use a dot matrix printer or an
inferior typewriter ribbon.
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Always write to the specific
individual who is responsible for filling the position, rather than a
human resource official. Be sure you spell the individual's name
correctly.
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Whenever feasible, use networking
resources (industry contracts) to introduce yourself in the opening
paragraph of your letter.
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Finish with a strong closing
statement indicating the action you desire. Take the initiative to request
an interview and state your intention to call in a week or two. If you
indicate in the letter that you will call, make sure you do. Many job
seekers state that they will call, but never do.
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Keep copies of everything you
send, and follow up according to your stated intentions.
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Make yourself easily available and
tell employers how to reach you. Provide a number that will be answered
either by a person or by voice mail.
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If possible, include an email
address. It is important to mention activities, honours, and special
skills.
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These can demonstrate skills
employers are looking for, such as leadership, organization, critical
thinking, teamwork, self management, initiative, and the ability to
influence others.
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Don't forget to sign and package
it nicely.
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Canadian Resume Writing Service