Some of the worst cover letters I’ve read start off with the person telling me that they’re excited about the opportunity I have and that they’re a perfect fit.  But they’re so busy telling me that they’re perfect for it and that they want the job that they’re not telling me exactly what I need to hear.  What I need to hear is that they not only understand what I need but that they can meet that need.

The best way to demonstrate “fit” in a cover letter is by immediately addressing exactly WHY you’re qualified.  Don’t waste time telling me that you are qualified or the perfect fit—tell me WHY you’re qualified.  What is it exactly that you do that makes you the best fit for the opportunity?  I’ll give you a great example:

At Great Resumes Fast we work within strict deadlines to create documents that produce interviews for our clients—and we do it all through one-on-one contact with our clients.  A cover letter that would catch my attention would immediately address three critical points: the writer’s interaction with clients, ability to create resumes with documentable results, and his or her ability to adhere to tight deadlines.  If they can do these three things well, they’ve definitely got my attention.

What I’m getting at here is that you have to think about what the CRITICAL needs are of your potential employer.  You have to know exactly where they’re hurting—and then you have to demonstrate that you’re the solution they’re seeking.

Customize your cover letter to each employer; and remember to address their pain points to create the most compelling presentation.

For additional tips on job searches, resumes, and cover letters, follow us on twitter @GreatResume.

Always Address a Specific Person

Your cover letter should always be as personal as possible, and this is made easier by addressing the person who is in the position to hire you.  If that person’s name wasn’t listed in the job posting, take time to contact human resources to find out who it is.  You’ll be happy you did!

Start With an Interesting Fact or Solve a Problem

Your introduction is undoubtedly the most important portion of the cover letter.  It dictates whether the manager will be interested in reading the rest of your document.  A great way to introduce yourself in your letter is to market yourself with a statement that addresses a problem that you are ready to solve.  You could also share an interesting fact about yourself to entice the manager to read on.

Demonstrate That You and Your Industry Are a Perfect Match

As you move through your cover letter, it’s important to show that you know your industry.  For instance, if you are in the biotechnology field, consider adding specific keywords like laboratory data, protocols, or even cGMP studies if they fit.

Doing this, along with giving examples of how you can help further the industry as a whole with your wealth of experience and knowledge, is crucial.  But ultimately, your job is to show that you understand what the company is looking for in a candidate—and that you are the person it needs to get the job done.

Reference Exclusive Strengths or Unique Value Added Contributions

Before you close out your cover letter, it’s important to reiterate your strengths and emphasize that you’re the absolute perfect person for the job.  You could add information about any specialties you have in your industry or mention recognition you’ve received.

The idea of the cover letter is to stress just how strong a candidate you are for the position you desire.  If you can get this job done, you’re likely to score the interview that leads to the job of your dreams.

For more great tips on resume and cover letter writing follow us on Twitter @GreatResume.

A MEMORABLE OPENER

Here’s a mistake I see more and more job seekers making: the opening line on their cover letter reads, “Please accept this in response to the (position) advertised on month day, year …”  What’s wrong with this kind of opening line?  Everyone uses it.  The point of your job search is to stand out from the crowd—not get lost in the midst of it.  Instead, try using something similar to your branding statement.  You can easily tweak your branding statement to be a customized opening line.

For example: With more than 10 years of profit-driven project management expertise …

What’s different about this opening line?  I’m already addressing the company’s need for a bottom-line-driven project manager; sharing my years of experience; and hitting the job title on the dot.  That’s three big points you’ve scored in the first line alone.

FACTS THAT SUPPORT REQUIREMENTS

After you’ve written your opening lines (which express your interest in the position and introduce you to the prospective employer) immediately jump into how you can meet the organization’s needs based on the requirements the company posted in its online ad or job description.

“I see you are interested in hiring someone with strategic-change management experience.” (Or whatever the key requirement of the position is—highlight it here).  Then tell—or even better, SHOW—the reader why you have that experience:  “In my present role with ABC Distributors, I did XYZ, which resulted in JKL.”  Showing the potential employer—right off the bat—that you possess a desired attribute or requirement for the position will prompt the hiring manager to invest more time in reading your resume.  If your cover letter states—in so many words—“I am the perfect match for your opening, and I can meet/exceed your needs …” then you immediately get my attention, and I’m more likely to invest time in reviewing your resume.  Here’s a tip: do not use bullet points or material word-for-word from your resume; provide the hiring manager with fresh information on your cover letter.

DETAILS ARE IMPORTANT

Here are a few small details to remember when crafting a cover letter to fit a specific opening:

-Make sure that your cover letter heading matches your resume’s.
-Include your branding statement with your header at the top of your cover letter.  It enforces your brand and provides a polished touch.
-Include a quote from a former employer if relevant and hard-hitting.  This is a great way to “sell” what you’re capable of accomplishing for an organization.  If the prospective employer has a specific requirement in its job ad—and you’ve already done that somewhere else and have a great recommendation or quote from a previous supervisor to back it up—WOW!!  There really isn’t any better sales/marketing material than that.  Not much can beat a quote about your results.

CLOSE WITH CONTACT

Always offer at the close of your letter to follow up with the employer/hiring manager via phone, e-mail, snail mail, whatever … within a specific time frame (be it one week or two or whenever).  Also, be sure to include your contact information so they can reach out to you.  Keep the closing professional, polished, and concise.  You don’t want to appear desperate or unprofessional.

Jessica Hernandez is a resume authority for the Job Talk America radio program and multi-published expert author for resume, career, and job search publications.  She boasts more than ten years in human resources management and hiring for Fortune 500 companies and utilizes her extensive experience to support job seekers in their quest to move onward and upward in their careers.  Find out more at http://www.greatresumesfast.com.

On a weekly basis any hiring manager probably receives between 50 and … well, probably hundreds of resumes and cover letters.  The key is to catch his or her attention from the start; and the best place to do that is in your cover letter.  So I am going to tell you about the worst possible way to start your cover letter—and then give you some creative alternatives to use instead.

Here is the most boring intro line because everyone uses it:

Please accept my resume for consideration of the (XYZ) position within your organization.

What a snoozer!  Everyone uses that line; let’s see … being like everyone else isn’t going to get you very far in your job search now is it?  No, it’s not.  So you need to be different.  But not just different—you need to be unique and appear more valuable than the average joe.  Let’s take a look at some more creative and attention grabbing opening lines:

Administrative:
If you are spending too much time compiling tedious lists of general office duties and administrative tasks, then I have the solution for you.  Try this: “My experiences in office administration and client services have equipped me with a multitude of skills including office management, business operations, and exemplary customer service.  I am confident that my application of these and my many other skills would be an asset to your company.”

Customer Service:
It’s twice as hard to attract a new customer as it is to maintain an existing one.  Unfortunately, this fact is often overlooked by many businesses.  So exploit this reality.  Here’s an example of what you should write:  “Delivering high-quality, responsive service is vital in (industry x).  And that’s exactly what you’ll get when you hire me.  As my resume indicates, I have worked in client services for more than (number) years, so you won’t have to incur great expense while training me.

Nonprofit:
Try something like this: “In today’s challenging economic climate, many people will respond to your advertisement.  Few will be interviewed.  One will be hired.

However …

Of the many who will respond, few will be as qualified as I am, having in-depth experience in community and public outreach.  No one else will bring my track record and the expertise I offer—expertise that equips me to immediately begin delivering results for you with maximum positive effect to your bottom line.

General:
“Integrity.  Innovation.  Initiative.

If you have these qualities in mind for the position of (position title) then I suggest we meet to discuss the numerous qualifications I would bring to your organization.  With my demonstrated track record of successfully directing pharmacy operations and introducing initiatives that directly impacted the bottom line, I am confident that I would be an excellent fit for the position at (company name).

Of course, these are only a few sample introductions, and the remainder of your cover letter needs to be just as dynamic as the introduction.  But nothing is more important than that initial first impression; and you are sure to win them over when you choose something unique, creative, and captivating.

Jessica Holbrook Hernandez is an expert resume writer, career and personal branding strategist, author, speaker and President/CEO of Great Resumes Fast. She creates high-impact, best-in-class, resumes and cover letters that transform job searches into interviews and ultimately job offers. For more information about professional resume writing or to read more career and job search related articles visit http://www.greatresumesfast.com or call 1.800.991.5187.