If you see a job posting online and it sounds exquisitely suited to you, you probably feel compelled to submit not only your resume but a customized cover letter, as well. But job seekers often struggle with constructing an effective cover letter.
It's important to remember that the cover letter, like the resume, is a marketing tool. Use it to show how you can help the company in question.
Obviously, different people's cover letters will look quite different from one another. But here's a sample of what such a letter might look like.
Dear (insert name or "Hiring Manager" if name is unknown):
Your advertisement on Monster for a (insert job title) fits my experience and qualifications perfectly, and I am writing to express my interest in and enthusiasm for the position. As an accomplished sales leader, I have achieved seven-figure revenue growth, international market penetration and successful product launches for leading global corporations during my career.
In addition to my desire to join your team, you will find I am a dedicated and driven professional whose recent accomplishments include:
* An increase of international sales from 1 percent of the company's total revenue to 75 percent, capturing more than half of the entire European market and one-third of the Latin American market within two years.
* Dramatic expansion of customer base, leading to seven-figure revenue growth rates that far exceed the pace of larger, more established competitors.
* Development of a 75-member dealer network across 30 countries in six continents.
* Attainment of 100 percent customer retention rate through expert relationship-building skills and a commitment to a solution-focused, service-first sales approach.
* Launch of a new London office, expected to double sales revenue by 2003.
* Introduction of three innovative product lines, following comprehensive market research and competitive-intelligence gathering.
Your software products are truly on the cutting edge of technology -- you offer products that can change the way a company conducts business on the Internet. I am excited by this technology and would be able to translate this excitement to a business benefit for your current and future clients. If you agree that my qualifications are a close fit to your needs, I would be delighted to meet with you personally to discuss strategies for expanding (name of company's) market presence.
I will follow up with you in a few days to answer any questions you may have. In the meantime, you may reach me at (phone number) or via email at (email address). I look forward to our conversation.
Sincerely,
Dina Smith
applications and technical innovations? If so, please consider my enclosed resume.
Since 1999, I have served as a software engineer for Action Company, where I have been repeatedly
recognized for developing innovative solutions for multimillion-dollar, globally deployed software and
systems. I am responsible for full lifecycle development of next-generation software, from initial
requirement gathering to design, coding, testing, documentation and implementation.
Known for excellent client-facing skills, I have participated in proposals and presentations that have
landed six-figure contracts. I also excel in merging business and user needs into high-quality,
cost-effective design solutions while keeping within budgetary constraints.
My technical expertise includes cross-platform proficiency (Windows, UNIX, Linux and VxWorks); fluency in 13 scripting/programming languages (including C, C++, VB, Java, Perl and SQL); and advanced
knowledge of developer applications, tools, methodologies and best practices (including OOD, client/
server architecture and self-test automation).
My experience developing user-friendly solutions on time and on budget would enable me to step into a software engineering role at XYZ Company and hit the ground running. I will follow up with you next week, and you may reach me at (215) 555-5555. I look forward to speaking with you.
Sincerely,
Martin Stein
I offer a five-year track record in office management and administrative support. You will benefit from my following key strengths:
Computer expertise, with proficiency in all MS Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Access).
Broad-based experience covering a full spectrum of administrative duties, including executive support, office management, billing/invoicing, payroll administration, customer care, account management, database administration, document preparation, travel/meeting coordination and project/program support.
Superior multitasking talents, with the ability to manage multiple high-priority assignments and develop solutions to challenging business problems.
A proven reputation, with a consistent history of exemplary performance reviews and recognition for driving efficiency improvements to office systems, workflows and processes.
I am confident that if you hire me as your administrative assistant, you will have more time and energy to concentrate on growing your business. My resume is enclosed for your review, and I will follow up with you in a few days to discuss your administrative support needs. You may also call me at (555) 555-1212 or email me at marnie@monster.com. Thank you for your time, and have a great day.
Sincerely,
Marnie Smith
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