The key ingredient to your responses to any job openings are your resume cover letters. These letters are like book covers. Fair or not, we naturally do judge a book by its cover. And an interesting cover is usually what grabs our attention and pulls us in to find out more.

Your cover letter is like that proverbial book cover. When you send your resume out, the person who receives it will often take at least a cursory glance over your cover letter. This is your chance to give them a reason to want to know more about you. It is your chance to show why the book should be opened up.

No two cover letters should be exactly alike. They should be modified for each specific position for which you send a resume. If a name is given in the advertisement, be sure to use it. Never send a letter to a generic To Whom It May Concern unless you absolutely have to do so.

Mention where you read the posting and refer back to it when discussing why you should be considered. Use the language that was given in the advertisement. For example, if the ad says they need someone who is detail oriented, say that you are exactly that. Referring to the advertisement directly shows that you are writing a letter just for this position and that you have read the posting carefully.

But saying that you have a specific skill is not sufficient. You need to follow it up with an example of how the reader can say in your resume that you have that skill. Refer to a specific position that illustrates that you are detail oriented, such as having been a proofreader for several years.

Show enthusiasm for the position. Express that you are interested in the industry and give reasons why you are excited about the opportunity. Let them know how you see yourself as a good fit for the specific position and the company. Give specific examples and refer back to the resume. This may go together with the prior example.

Sign off confidently, saying that you look forward to meeting with them and showing them how you can help them meet their goals. And always thank them for their time and consideration.

Always proofread both resume and letter very thoroughly for both spelling and grammar. It is never a bad idea to have someone you trust give them a quick read as well. Cover letters with poor grammar and misspellings make it seem as if the position is not important to you. If you are so careless in the beginning, how will you be when you are actually employed?

Resume cover letters are your first impression. And, like all first impressions, you only get one chance. By following the above tips, you are far more likely to have you resume read and make it in the door for that all important first interview.

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