Best Cover Letter? It's the One That Gets You a Phone Call!

You know you need a cover letter, but you're not sure how to write one. You've searched on Google, found sock templates, but you're not sure which one you should use. That's okay. Here's what you need to know. A cover letter has one job: To get the person reading it to call you in for an interview. That's it.

It's not supposed to look pretty or be a work of art. That's not the point. It has a job to do, and you have to make sure it does it.

How can you do that? By making sure that your cover letter sells you effectively. Here are 3 things to keep in mind.

#1 Don't make your cover letter about you!

What do I mean by this? sock template You shouldn't mention something unless it's going to speak to them.

So do your research. Make sure that if you mention something, it will keep them interested. You don't want to bore them. They will trash your cover letter quicker than an old sock if you do!

Here's what to do: Make a list of all your skills, qualifications, and accomplishments. Then think: which 3 would I share with them if I only had 30 seconds to convince them to hire me. Use these 3.

#2 Tell them why it's good for them

If you tell them something about yourself, make sure that you tell them why that's good for them.

Here's an example: If you say you are computer-savvy, then say that means I will learn your point of sale system very quickly. It won't cost as much to train me as it would most people. So you save money.

Don't make them fill in the blanks. They won't bother. So spell it out for them. Tell them why you're the best person for their organization.

#3 Tell them to call you right away to set up an interview

Don't be wishy-washy here. sock template Tell them to pick up the phone and call you. Don't say, if you'd like to interview me, please call me. Say, call me right now.

You also might want to tell them that if you haven't heard from them by such and such a date, you are going to call them. That shows that you're not messing around. You want this job, and you're going after it.

Just remember to make the call if you don't hear from them. Tell them you're calling to make sure they received your email or letter. They may not have even received it in this day and age of spam filters and overzealous administrative assistants.

So be persistent if you really want the job. Don't assume that they aren't interested just because you haven't heard from them.

By the way, if need some more info on cover letters, to read my report. I can help you whether you're jobless or if you just hate your current job!