In talking with former job search clients, I rarely heard the question: “How do I write a cover letter to get more interviews? Although the importance of the cover letter is more of a part of today’s job seeker toolkit, it wasn’t always like this, the the idea of using cover letter writing as an edge for getting job interviews was not always well known.

Although as a rule, we’ve given most of the attention to resume development – and rightfully so – the art of cover letter writing has not been as well developed. Until now!

We now understand the importance of writing a good cover letter in getting job interviews. Here’s why:

If your cover letter does not catch the reader’s attention right away – even before getting to your resume – you have just missed out on an important part of the equation. You MUST get and hold the hiring director’s attention right away – within the first critical seconds he or she picks up your cover letter! Therefore, asking “How do I write a cover letter to get more interviews?” is one of the best questions and focuses you can have.

To get – and hold your reader’s attention, a good cover letter should contain the two following important components:

1) A salutation directed to a real person. In other words, no more “To whom it may concern,” or “Dear Hiring Director.” Because you now know the importance of cover letter writing to get more interviews, the days of the bland salutation are gone forever!

Instead, you will make sure that you know precisely who your cover letter is going to. Right? Right! And how will you get that information? If it isn’t listed in the job posting or otherwise found in your research on the company, you will find it by calling the company and asking!

That’s right! It’s really that simple. You don’t have to worry about a “gate keeper” not allowing you to speak with the person – all you want is the person’s name. You can tell the gate keeper that you are just doing the best job you can to ensure that your job application cover letter goes to the right person. All you need is the appropriate person’s name, correct spelling (don’t forget that one!), and title.

2) The other important component of your cover letter is a powerful opening line or statement that lets the company know exactly why you are the best person for the job. Let’s say you are applying to be a salesperson for a software company. Instead of the usual: “I am enclosing my resume herein as my application for the position I noted in yesterday’s Reporter News,” (which – even if YOU aren’t yawning as you read that – will certainly have your READER yawning), you want excitement, conviction, and energy in your words!

See how this sounds in comparison: “Your need for an energetic representative to help Ajax Software’s sales efforts came through loud and clear to me. Here are 2 compelling reasons why I may be just what you are looking for…” and then below, you can explain what those 2 compelling reasons may be!

So, if you have been asking “How do I write a cover letter to get job interviews?” then applying these 2 points alone in your job application cover letter, along with the confidence and knowledge that you have exactly what the company needs will instantly improve your cover letter writing abilities and bring you to the top of the resume heap!

And because you are writing a good cover letter that grabs someone’s attention right away, you have already received a “gold star” in the reader’s mind and you are one step closer to getting job interviews!

Image taken on 2006-10-04 14:13:39. Image Source. (Used with permission)