by Kevin Donlin - Guaranteed Resumes - Click for Info

Are you struggling to write a cover letter?

If so, you've got company. I get dozens of questions about writing cover letters every week from people like you.

Here are four of the most common cover letter questions, with answers to guide you!


Q. I don't know the recipient's name -- how should I start my cover letter?

A. Whatever you do, avoid such clichs as "Dear Sir or Madam" or "To whom it may concern."If possible, call the target employer and get an actual name of an actual recipient. This will set you apart from most applicants.If that fails, try writing: "Dear employer." It has a confident ring about it, without sounding pretentious.

Q. How long should my cover letter be?
A. Confine yourself to one page. Anything longer says to the reader: "Hello. I have no idea how to prioritize my thoughts. Care to hearmy life story?" Not effective.

Q. The classified ad asks me to include my expected salary. What should I say?
A. Nothing. This may sound controversial, but I advise you NOT to answer questions ofsalary. Why?

Employers ask about salary to screen out candidates who are over-qualified or under-qualified (in their minds). But how can theyjudge you accurately before they've ever spoken to you? Instead, I recommend you say this: "Mysalary requirements are negotiable."


Q. What's the purpose of a cover letter, anyway? Do I really need to send one?
A. Yes and no. While it may not be necessary if you plan to hand deliver your resume orapply for an internal position, a cover letter is essential if you're applying for jobs in the newspaper or on the Internet.

According to an article in the Wall Street Journal's National Business Employment Weekly, "Your cover letter can make or break whetheryour resume goes into the 'yes' pile or the 'no' pile. A really terrific cover lettercan change the reader's mind."

Use your cover letter to show off your knowledge of the company and the industry. And be sure to convey your enthusiasm for the job -- enthusiasmsells.

Think of your cover letter as vermouth and your resume as gin. Separately, each has its own merits, but when combined with care,they create something special.

Best of luck to you!

Kevin Donlin is President of Guaranteed Resumes.

Since 1996, he and his team have provided resumes, cover letters and online job-search assistance to clients in all 50 states and 23 countries. Kevin has been interviewed by USA Today, CBS MarketWatch, The Wall Street Journal's National Business Employment Weekly, CBS Radio, and many others.

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