The Formula

1. Email Subject Lines Are King – use this as an opportunity to sell yourself. You only have a second or two. Instead of writing “Senior account manager position,” write “Senior Acct. Manager – 5 YRS Exceeding Sales Quotas – MBA”

2. Start with a Name Drop, if Possible – First, mention how you found out about the position if, and only if, you were referred by someone. Name dropping isn’t a bad thing, and referrals are usually preferred to blind introductions. Otherwise, don’t waste precious email real estate.

3. Spotlight Worthy Skillsets – It’s easy to say you have leadership skills or work well in teams, but c’mon! You can do better than that. What makes you stand out?

4. Bullet Point Career Wins – List your major career accomplishments to prove you have what it takes to fill the position.

5. End it. Short and Sweet – Thank them, and be on your way.

Email Cover Letter Sample

DOs and DON’Ts to Remember

DON’T be like the rest – So you work well in teams and know how to use Microsoft Word. That’s great, but those characteristics fit the description of thousands of people. It’s important to remember that a cover letter isn’t just a re-worded resume. Be different.

DO stand out – Of course you should include your skills and expertise, but you should also attempt to stand out from the rest. Whether it’s volunteering, career accomplishments, or even a short story about your dedication, everyone has something that makes them unique.

DON’T be too wordy – Think of it like this… some hiring managers read up to 100 emails and cover letters a day! And that’s after they read through resumes and online applications. Truth is, you need to clearly and promptly state your objective so it doesn’t get lost in a jungle of words.

DO be short and sweet – A clean, short cover letter is ideal. Usually a paragraph with a few of your most important, detailed skills and experiences is perfect.  Making it too long is dangerous, and unnecessary.

DON’T wait around – Time is of the essence when you are searching for a job. Just sending a quick email is not always enough in competitive labor markets. Sometimes it takes that extra foot forward.

DO follow up – One of the most essential steps in the process of writing and submitting cover letters. When you follow up with a hiring manager or recruiting team, you are showing them that you stand out from others, you are not a robot, and most of all you really care about obtaining the position.

Mike Gourley – Senior Recruiter

I am a driven IT enthusiast dedicated to developing an assortment of professional relationships that contribute to the happiness of candidates and clients. When I’m not recruiting, I enjoy exploring the Upper Peninsula of Michigan or watching my favorite English Premier League team, Arsenal (Go Gunners!)

Follow @MikeGourley