(Ed. Note) There’s so much advice going around about cover letters — some better than others — however, I’ve found this article by Kate Lorenz via Ask The Work Buzz! to be extremely clear and helpful. I hope you agree.  Don’t forget, you can ask our Human Resources specialists questions via the Ask HR feature [here].

Jim writes: What do I need to do to just get an interview at this point? I have been out of work since November 2008 and have not even had an interview due to me experience level or possible age. Please Help! See below…

To whom it may concern,

I am a degreed Engineer with 20+ years of Product Support and Sales Management experience in the aerospace industry. I hold a vast base of personal contacts including Airlines, OEM’s, Repair Centers as well as Part and Component Centers. I have traveled extensively over the past 18 years and I am familiar with all aspects of the Aerospace industry, business world and trade show world. I am seeking a position with a motivational company that will allow me the freedom to assist in growing and expanding their customer base in Customer Support and Sales.

As I have enjoyed my career in Aerospace, I would also welcome a new change for the future. I am open to new ideas and new direction. Although I have many years of experience, I would welcome the opportunity to utilize my experience in a new industry or a new field that would simplify my career and settle into a whole new outlook. I am not afraid of change, learning new tasks or hard work and I would welcome any company at any level to challenge me and take me in an entirely new and different direction.

Sincerely,
James J. Longo

Hi Jim,
You seem to have a lot of impressive experience and credentials and I think you are on the right track. There are a few things you might want to tweak with your cover letter.

First, this reads very generic. What I tell job seekers is to find a hook – something that creates a personal tie between you and the employer – in every job you apply to and include it in the cover letter. Mention an article you just read that highlighted the company or quoted one of the company’s executives; tie in your expertise with a project the company has worked on; or reach out to your network to see if you know anyone who is currently employed and ask if you might reference them.

Second, I would include bullets for easier readability. This will make your credentials jump off the page to a hiring manager who’s scanning your cover letter.

Third, instead of writing, “I am seeking a position with a motivational company that will allow me the freedom to assist in growing and expanding their customer base in Customer Support and Sales,” be specific about the position you are applying to and summarize briefly why you are the best candidate for that role.

Finally, shorten the cover letter. You probably don’t even need the second paragraph but instead just a closing sentence. If you are looking to bridge your expertise into a new industry, that should come in the first or second sentence but only if the position calls for that.

Keep tweaking your cover letter (and possibly your resume) until you find the right “formula” for you. If you take an extra half hour to customize your cover letter every time you apply to a job, it could make all the difference. Good luck in your search.