Professional Resume Writers
Career and Resume Articles
Career and Resume Books
Career and Resume Resources



Home Career Campaign Articles

A Professional Cover Letter Will Market Your Candidacy

In a highly competitive job market where time is money and your first chance may be your last, presentation is the key to success. Presentation is the whole package, it is the way you market yourself, the way you communicate your skills and experience and the way you back up your claims with tangible results. The most important aspect of your personal marketing is the first impression. You will not get a second chance at a first impression and this is what many employers will base their decisions on.

Initially employers are not interested in who you are but what you can do for them and what makes you a good candidate for the job. The reality is many employers don't have the time to get to know every candidate in depth before deciding on which candidate is right for the job. Your introduction needs to be effective and results driven in order to capture the attention of your potential employer. You need to grab the attention of your potential employer in the first sentence and maintain their interest throughout.

So how do you make a first impression that lasts? How do you get your potential employer to sit up and pay attention? The answer is a professional cover letter; this is your introduction, your marketing hook. It is a chance to present your skills to potential employers and highlight why you are a viable candidate for the job. A professional cover letter is an invaluable tool in your job correspondence. It is an opportunity to gain a competitive edge and capture the kind of attention you need to succeed in the job market. If you can master the cover letter you will be well on your way to the second stage, an interview.

A professional cover letter acts as a formal introduction, presenting your candidacy to potential employers. It is a direct marketing tool with the power to influence your progression in the job market. A professional cover letter will allow you to make a positive and lasting first impression. This is your chance to give your employer a preview that will make them want to hang around for the feature presentation, your resume. The cover letter should be dynamic and powerful. It needs to draw the reader in and keep them interested.

Cover letters are an effective way to set you apart from the other applicants. Basically a professionally crafted letter of introduction will provide relevant information that links the position requirements with your skill sets. It will give potential employers concise insight into who you are, what you are requesting (interview, meeting, feedback, position), what you can do for them and why you are a good candidate. In today's increasingly competitive market, finding a job is about more than qualifications and experience. It is about how you market yourself, how you present to employers and how you translate your skills into benefits for your employer. A professional cover letter will market your candidacy and increase your competitive edge.

Competitive edge is everything in the job market. There is no reason why an employer should give your cover letter and resume any special attention. You need to make them want to focus their attention on you. You can do this with a great cover letter but you don't have a lot of time or space. Make the most of what you do have to present, offer relevant information that will make an impact on your potential employer. Your cover letter can be your competitive edge, it portrays so much more than just information about you. A well-written appealing letter will present your candidacy in a positive and professional light. It will showcase your skills, highlight your personality and give the employer insight into your motivations. Most of all it will demonstrate what you can do for your potential employer. You can make a great first impression with a professional cover letter.








Home     |     Professional Resume Writers     |     Articles     |     Books     |     Resources