Some see cover letters as an insignificant part of the job search. Wrong! Stand out by paying extra attention to yours.
Found the perfect job through an ad? Before you whisk off your resume and cover letter, study the ad to determine how your qualifications match the employer's requirements. Armed with this information, you can craft a cover letter that positions yourself as the ideal candidate.
For example, look at this sample job ad: ______________________
Outside Sales Rep
Our client, a fast-growing, Staten Island, NY-based software company has an opening for an outside sales professional.
A minimum of 3 years' outside business-to-business experience selling enterprise software
The ability to develop a list of prospects, build a pipeline of opportunities and close business
A proven background working within a quota and exceeding sales targets
Ability to demonstrate software and manage a complex sales cycle
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Availability to travel at least 50%
Bachelor's degree preferred
Compensation:
Competitive base salary plus commission and company car.
Average first year income $85K+.
Full benefits
Quarterly sales contests
If you are a true sales hunter and an energetic self-starter with the desire to be part of a fast-growing software firm, submit your resume and cover letter to Brandon Marks at BMarks@somedomain.com. Reference #28903888.
______________________
A job posting’s Requirements section provides a roadmap you can address point-by-point in your cover letter to build your case to get called for the interview.
Let's take a look at a the sample cover letter written for this particular job. See how "Susan" leverages information from the job posting? See highlighted and underlined content for specific examples:
______________________
Susan Mills 15 Richmond Ave • Staten Island, NY 10314 Phone: 718-555-5555 • Email: susanmills@somedomain.com
April 19, 2010
Dear Mr. Marks:
Your client's need for a top-performing, results-proven outside sales "hunter" caught my attention -- the position is an excellent match to my qualifications. As an award-winning technology and B2B sales specialist, I offer:
Five years of outside B2B sales experience selling enterprise software solutions. In my current position as an outside sales representative for XYZ Company, I sell their full suite of enterprise software solutions to businesses throughout the northeast territory.
Adept skills in prospecting, pipeline building and closing business. I am one of the top-ranked outside sales professionals within the region (ranked #5) and the only B2B sales professional to earn top 10 placement while launching a new territory. My ability to capitalize on new opportunities and close deals enabled me to build my account portfolio from zero to 257 within one year.
Proven success working within sales quotas, with a history of awarded recognition for delivering excellent revenue results with minimal ramp-up time. I always meet and frequently exceed monthly quotas at XYZ, surpassing goals by as much as 150%.
Expert abilities in demonstrating software and managing complex sales cycles. I am equally successful conducting presentations and demos for technical and nontechnical audiences, with a talent for translating technical concepts into easily understood terms and powerful benefit statements.
Persuasive communication skills, with strengths in responding to RFPs, negotiating deals and articulating the value-added benefits of my represented solutions. I also possess a bachelor's degree in communications from New York University.
A strong network of business contacts throughout the NY metro region.
Currently a "road warrior" sales rep, I am comfortable and experienced with extensive travel. I would welcome the chance to discuss this opening and ways in which I would contribute to your client's sales operation. My resume is enclosed, and you may call me at 718-555-5555 or send an email to susanmills@somedomain.com to arrange an interview. I look forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Susan Mills
Susan Mills
Enclosure: Resume
_______________________
Now, tailor your own cover letters in similar ways -- the extra work can make a big difference in your job search.