Job Search Rule #15 - Follow the Application Directions said (in point 3):
It is a real challenge to write a detailed and compelling cover letter without repeating your resume. Candidates who can do this in 3/4 of a page without using bullets or tables, and without being redundant, will stand out!
So exactly how do you write this great cover letter? Thankfully for us, Ask a Manager addressed the topic of What does a good cover letter look like? a few weeks ago and gave us an example of a poor cover letter, and a good one. He notes that a good cover letter shows personal and specific interest in working for the organization and shares information that is not available in the resume.
There is no mystery to writing a great cover letter - you don't need gimmicks or fancy language. You just need to do your research, be clear about what you want, and put forth a little effort.
Good luck!
As a psychotherapist, I'm not sure about the "obsessive compulsive" bit on the cover letter example... :)
Posted by: jb | July 05, 2007 at 09:48 PM