Archive for the ‘Cover Letters’ Category

Found a very interesting post the other day called The T-Formation or 2-column Cover Letter. It outlines the benefits of this unique type of cover letter.

According to the article, in a 2-column cover letter you…

…quote in the left-hand column specific qualifications that come right from the employer’s want ad and in the right-hand column, your attributes that meet those qualifications

I’ve never heard of this being used, but I can see that it may be a very useful technique. It would certainly present a compelling image to the employer or recruiter.

Has anyone tried this? If so, did it increase your success rate?

Sounds like an interesting idea. If you get in early enough, it may help you stand out from the crowd (before everyone starts doing it).

See here.

Does it work? I’d love to hear from someone who has tried this!

Very interesting advice over at Karen Burns, Working Girl. Her post, How NOT To Start Your Cover Letter, describes why you shouldn’t start your cover letter with the following line:

Please accept my resume for consideration of the (XYZ) position within your organization.

She goes on to suggest some alternatives based on the industry you wish to work in.

I think that this is great advice. Any time you can move away from an established norm, while staying within accepted job search boundaries increases your odds of standing out.

Do you have any cover letter intros that work for you? If so, feel free to share on the comment boards!

Always sign your cover letter. Even if you are submitting a digital one, scan in a copy of your signature. This gesture goes a long way when it comes to standing out from the crowd.

While you won’t get hired for your signature, you might just get noticed.