Ocala, FL (PressExposure) June 11, 2010 -- Jobs take fighting for, and these days you aren't fighting alone. According to the New York Times, the U.S. added 290,000 jobs in April 2010 - the largest gain in four years. But competition for jobs is fierce, which means you need to stand out to land yourself an interview. According to Tim Bearden of the Philadelphia Inquirer, a cover letter is a job hunter's pitch to an employer, and should be used to gain distinction among other candidates.
Your cover letter is what decides if a company looks at your résumé, contacts you for an interview, or gets you placed in the rejection pile. Knowing that, it is important to create a well-written, eye-catching letter that sells your achievements and job skills to impress the recruiter.
"One of the pluses of the cover letter is that it is a creative, personal document, and when you are being creative - generally speaking - anything goes," said Kimberly Sarmiento, author of The Complete Guide to Writing Effective Résumé Cover Letters. " Once you have mastered the art of writing cover letters, the task of writing a personalized introduction to each potential employer will seem less like a chore and more like an outlet for self-expression."
The Complete Guide to Writing Effective Résumé Cover Letters explains how to write a cover letter to get an interview. This book guides readers through being professional but persuasive, how to address and target the letter, and how to properly format the letter. Tips for making your letter stand out and examples of effective and ineffective letters are also included. The companion CD-ROM has samples and worksheets to help you brainstorm and create a successful cover letter.