Think no one reads a cover letter? WRONG!  The small things really do make the difference. Some hiring managers only look at a cover letter because it should give them everything they really want to know about you.

Some hiring managers find resumes boring and they only want to see the good stuff where you really brag about yourself and tell them exactly why they should hire you. That is why an AWESOME cover letter truly is important!

Here are 13 secrets that will turn your cover letter from boring to AWESOME:

1. Send a customized cover letter for each application you submit. The letter can be similar to other jobs you have applied to, but you want to change the company name and job title in each cover letter. You also want to show that you have done some research on the company and why you would make a great fit.

2. Make sure you connect the skills and experiences listed in the job description to your actual skills and experiences on your resume. Make it easy for them by highlighting exactly what they are looking for.

3. Your cover letter should complement, not duplicate your resume. Don’t make it terribly long and just repeat what you have on your resume.

4. Less is more! Get right to the point. You only need three to four paragraphs with three to four sentences each.

5. Send as a PDF. It’s cleaner and not every office can read certain doc files.

6. Have a FABULOUS closer to keep you #1 in their mind!

7. Have a FABULOUS introduction to make sure they keep reading!

8. Your cover letter should show that you have done research about what the company does and how you can help them cut costs/increase profits (or whatever your specialty is). Tell them what makes you special.

9. Complete the statement “I like your company because….”. Compliment the organization on what they have done right and what you admire about them.

10. Discuss your soft skills and strengths and what makes you passionate about your career and this job that you are applying for.

11. Show your enthusiasm!! Don’t be boring and make them want to fall asleep!

12. Brag about yourself and talk about all of your awesome achievements!

13. Keep it conversational and show your personality off!

Anna’s Cover Letter Template

I have always received a ton of compliments from recruiters and hiring managers on my cover letter.  Please feel free to use it as your template but please revise it to make it unique to you!!!

Dear (Name of Company),

If you are looking for a dynamic team member with career coaching and training experience, please consider me for your (name of position). I am a positive and energetic individual who is willing to work hard and has a strong desire to succeed. Due to my experiences and educational history, I feel that I would be an excellent (name of position) at (name of company).

I have an MBA from the Rady School of Management at the University of California, San Diego and through my education have acquired the understanding of business management, problem-solving and communications.  I am also a Career Coach and Publisher of one of the top 50 up and coming HR blogs for career development.  I teach recent college students and young professionals in an online environment about personal development, time management, and interview preparation. My career advice has been featured on Forbes, People StyleWatch magazine, and Yahoo Finance. Previous speaking engagements include Wake Forest University, Purdue University, and the Girl’s Empowerment Conference. I have excellent written and verbal communication skills and I am passionate about helping students find jobs they love.

Furthermore, I have gained confidence in real-life business situations by consulting for a Navy Ship program and leading the training and development programs for the past 7 years at Booz Allen Hamilton. I feel that my positive attitude, responsibility, and experience teaching and training others would be beneficial in the position of (name of position) at (name of company).

Due to my educational and business experience, I believe that you will find I am well qualified.  Enclosed is my resume for your review.  I look forward to talking with you and learning more about (name of company).  You may reach me at (phone number).  Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Anna Runyan

My Address

My Phone Number