There are three key ingredients to a cover letter. Ready?

1. Know the job you are applying for

2. Know the company you are applying to

3. Know their requirements for that position

Simple right? In a way, yes. In a way, no. Conceptually it’s obvious that these things should be identified. Realistically no one really wants to invest the time it takes to really know them inside and out. May I implore you to seriously consider taking this advice to know your target position, to know the company you are applying to and to know what they require of that individual. I realize this takes time…precious time that there never seems to be enough of. But if you consider it an investment into your future or a training exercise to give you an advantage over your competition then maybe you will be more motivated to make the effort.

Know the job you are applying for

If you are a high school graduate you shouldn’t apply to be the manager of the local coffee house. Unless your Uncle Henry happens to own that store and he’s willing to give you a chance. Likewise, a plumber wouldn’t apply for a accounting position. The point here is to actually be qualified for the job you are applying for. Don’t just send out a broad cover letter and resume and hope to just get something because you always wanted to work in that building.

Aim high? Yes. Set goals? Yes. But also be realistic with where you are in your experience. Perhaps a few more years in the industry will qualify you for that management position. Take a good hard look at where you are and where you want to go and develop a plan to get there. Strategic planning at this stage will keep you focused and motivated to keep plugging away when all you want to do is quit.

Know the company you are applying to

This is good. This is valuable. There are professionals in the resume writing industry that charge BIG money for this advice. They give seminars and workshops to help job seekers implement this into their priority list during their career transition. Know the company. Research the industry. Understand the environment that surrounds ABC Company and furthermore how you can exist in it to the benefit of ABC Company. Find out about competitors, clients and products. Dedicate serious time here.

At the end of this you will be more confident because knowledge is confidence. This will permeate through to your marketing materials as well as the interview. It will let the reader/interviewer know that you have follow-through, work toward a goal and aren’t some fly by the seat of your pants kind of punk looking to slide under the radar and get hired.

But wait…no over confidence. That’s a disaster waiting to happen. If you marched in my office spouting jargon and giving me your take on my recent corporate decision to suspend the child care compensation, I really wouldn’t a.) care or b.) want to hire you. So, no over confidence…subtle confidence will be displayed in your attitude, body language and your regard for those you write to and interview with. Be assured this will be noticed and the prospective employer may not even know why you stand out, But you will.

Know their requirements for that position

If you don’t know what they want, then how in this world can you prove to them that you are perfect for that job? Most assume because they are an expert in their field that they already have this step in the bag. I mean, how many different functions can an administrative assistant perform? Seriously. Well, I’m no genius and there are plenty of people who can testify to that but if I know that ABC Company needs an executive assistant and dig a little to find out that they also require their assistant to travel with the CEO then I could write about how I’m totally open to travel and can make sound decisions on the fly. Or I may discover that they run all sales projects through their executive offices then I could bring forward my experience working with different teams to accomplish a mutual goal and work calmly in time sensitive environments.

This approach is more effective because the reader does not have to search and search through your letter to be assured that you fit the bill perfectly. Because it’s all right there all nice, neat and lined up pretty.

I hope these concepts make sense to you and that you see the benefit in spending some time researching on the position, employer and requirements before composing your letter. Granted, if you send your blanket letter it may spark some interest but how much more impressive would a targeted tailored letter be? Think about it.

Barb Witt has been a resume writer for nearly ten and has assisted many as they seek to attain career goals by producing marketing packages that stand out. For more information on resume strategies and writing you can visit http://www.admin-concepts.com There you will find samples and tips to further assist you.

For more information on writing cover letters and resumes please visit my website. There you will find articles and helps to boost your confidence and keep you on track with your career goals.

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