Key elements to a good cover letter that will get the attention of recruiters and hiring managers

Before you push the send or apply button on your smartphone, tablet, laptop or employment terminal, think about what you're submitting and how it looks on the receiving side.

The person who's looking at your resume would probably be very pleased if you were THE person who can do the job right. However, if you don't submit a good cover letter its possible your resume won't even get looked at. (Here's some shortened examples of real types of turn off statements from actual cover letters recruiters have received. How many do you think get calls? Actual statements in "quotes" recruiter comments (in):

• "im perfct 4 the job" (Seriously?)
• "need a job wil take anythin" (If you can't bother to spell or finish a sentence why would I think you are capable of doing the work?)
• "I have 10 yrs" (10 years of what?)
• " " (no cover note no indication of what job they are applying for amid hundreds of other applicants they may sit in a pile to go through later and if other candidates make it easier and faster to find them qualified well that's an opportunity lost)

These cover note quips or lack of information eliminated the senders themselves within seconds from being considered.

What's your first thought? (lets see are we being cute, lazy or sloppy...) A cover letter is supposed to impress the reader, as is the resume. The effort itself on behalf of the job seeker is supposed to be a best foot forward, a powerful, positive first impression impact event. If the first impression is the person can't spell, didn't take time to write a cohesive introduction or identify which of the dozens or hundreds of jobs the recruiter may be working on, they may simply not have time to try and figure it out.

A good cover note is not hard. It is simply a tool of introduction to make it clear what you are applying for and why.

Example of a simple and effective cover note to answer an advertisement or job posting:

Hello I'm a local candidate living in the (fill in the blank) area. I noted your advertisement for an (fill in the blank). As I have (fill in the blank) years experience as a (fill in the blank), I believe I might be a candidate to consider. I earned a (fill in the blank certificate/degree) in (fill in the blank) and have worked in the (fill in the blank) industry for (fill in the blank) years. If you're looking for a dedicated, skilled (fill in the blank), I hope you'll consider me. My resume is attached and my direct contact information are (working phone with appropriate message voice mail) and (working email with appropriate email address).

If you have a special skill or ability or accomplishment, adding a simple statement can get an extra consideration Examples:

Sales: I've increased sales in my territory by 50% exceeding my $1M quota to generate $1.5M in sales in the past X.

IT: I deliver 99% uptime. In the past 12 months we've managed scheduled maintenance reducing downtime by 100%.

Administration, finance or operations: I reduced waste by X and increased efficiency in X.

Another example for applying to a company or recruiter without a job posting:

Hello I'm a local candidate living in the (fill in the blank) area. I was hoping you might consider me for an opening in the area of (fill in the blank with department or industry of the company). As I have (fill in the blank) years experience as a (fill in the blank) I believe I might be a candidate to consider. I earned a (fill in the blank certificate/degree) in (fill in the blank) and have worked in the (fill in the blank) industry for (fill in the blank) years. If you're looking for a dedicated, skilled (fill in the blank), I hope you'll consider me. My resume is attached and my direct contact information are (working phone with appropriate message voice mail) and (working email with appropriate email address).

So again, whether you're using your tablet, laptop, desktop email, smartphone app or dropping off a resume in person, take a pause before you hit the send or apply button. Blink and re-read your cover note. Chances are pretty strong that the person reading your email or downloading your application would like for you to be THE person who can do the job right. A well written cover note can make all the difference and if your chosen target company or recruiter calls or emails you, you just upped your chances! Best wishes in getting better results.