Strong Cover Letter Separates Winners From Also-rans

There is no question about it. A strong cover letter (aka sales letter)�can make the difference in your search for a job by separating your job application from the slush pile of resumes that accumulates on the desks of hiring officials.
In most instances, your cover letter will be your first and only opportunity to make a good first impression on the potential employer.
It's purpose is simple: gain the attention of the potential employer and encourage him to move on to study your resume which you hope will result in an interview and a job offer. It is meant to open the door so you can make the case that your training and experience qualify you as the best answer for the needs of the employer.
Career Advice: A Few Minutes Is All You Get
You only have a few minutes to grab attention and make your main point. Make your letter brief, to the point and well written...never more than one page, no matter how fascinating feel your selling messages are.
There's absolutely no allowance for mistakes in grammar and spelling. "Type write" your lette...no hand written notes. Use top quality stationery. Make it first class all the way. A sloppy letter will stop your application dead in its track.
Career Tip: Your Letter Should Be Comprised of Three Parts.
The Opening:
Personalize your letter by addressing it to a person and a title. Double check to make sure you've used the correct address. Cookie-cutter letters are a waste of time.
The first paragraph serves as the headline. Its task is to compel the reader to continue reading. Do not exceed 40 words. Relate to the employer by demonstrating that you are interested and resourceful enough to have accumulated knowledge about the business as well as the opening for which you are applying. The selling message:
Refer to the enclosed resume; summarize the reasons that the assets you bring to the table are aligned with the needs and interests of the potential employer. Deal with overall facts; leave the details to your resume.
The Closing:
Clearly state that you are seeking an opportunity for an interview to discuss in depth how your training and experience can be put to work for the employer. Say you will follow up by telephone to set up and interview at a place and time that is convenient for the employer.
Assure Total Quality and Relevance of Your Job Application
Have a third party (hopefully someone with strong talents in composition, grammar and proof-reading) to edit your sales letter and resume. Mistakes signal a lack of attention and ignorance.
Run a quality control check on the letter and resume.
1. Is it logical and easily understood? Is the layout easy and quick to read?
2. Is it persuasive?
3. Is it free of errors?
4. Does it convey a message of quality and professionalism?
5. Is the message expressed in terms of benefits to the employer? Did you use dynamic, action-oriented words and terms?
6. Does the message include a call for action?
Bottom line: Your resume will be awash in a sea of applications, all of which are clamoring for attention. A strong sales letter can make the difference between your becoming a serious candidate for a job and an applicant who never gets considered.