The biggest mistake many job hunters are currently making is that they actually skip writing a cover letter when sending off a resume, says an AT&T Human Resource Manager. “Cover letters are very influential, and a well written letter can grab an interview just on its own merit. It’s too bad most job hunters are so lazy they don’t write one anymore,” notes this HR manager who’s seeing hundreds of applications a week.

This is one error no savvy job hunter wants to make. Writing a cover letter is hard for most people so they talk themselves into not doing it. Employers report that they take more time to review applications that carry a customized cover letter. A survey of over 600 hiring managers to gather specific details about what works and what doesn’t concerning cover letters and resumes has been published in the book “Winning Cover Letters”. Since the cover letter is often the first introduction an employer has to you – that letter must be terrific.

Don’t

1. Don’t lose them with your first sentence. According to the survey results, a cover letter and resume only get a 15-second glance, so your first line either grabs the reader’s attention or loses it. Hiring managers prefer you use a powerful first sentence that summarizes the top skills and experience you can bring to the job. For example, Five years experience as project manager with a proven track record of being on time and within budget is the background I’d bring to your position.

2. Don’t ever send a generic form letter – it never works.

3. Never beginning your letter with the overused standard – “I’m applying for the ad I saw on your (or xxx) website.”

4. Don’t apply for the job if you aren’t targeting the job title advertised.

5. Don’t let careless errors torpedo you. Hiring managers hate typos and spelling mistakes. Carefully proofread both your letter and resume before you send it off.

6. Never write a cover letter that is more than one page.

Do

1. SELL the meat. Use short powerful sentences detailing past achievements and results you have achieved. Forget offering boring details and endless job descriptions –results is what gets attention.

2. Use a good layout that is easy to read. This is essential. Keep plenty of white space, use bullets, and a readable font size. Microscopic type is a bad choice since small font type sizes can make addresses, phone numbers and emails illegible. Arial is a good font choice, size 12 point, especially when faxing since the type often is blurred in the faxing process.

3. Demonstrate excellent writing skills. Many employers view your cover letter closely and use it as a measuring stick of that applicant’s actual communications ability. Be sure to be concise, articulate, and included need details.

4. List the qualifications needed. Many applicants do not address the qualifications requested in the job listing — big mistake. Quickly address each specific qualification and state the experience and skills you possess to perform that task or function.

5. Do list contact info. Cover letters can get separated from resumes. Be sure your name, address, home or cell phone number and personal email are on the letter. You would be amazed to know how many people forget this all important component.

The entire survey, the results, major mistakes to avoid, plus sample cover letters are published in the book “Winning Cover Letters,” 2nd Edition, by Robin Ryan.

Copyright © Robin Ryan 2010. All rights reserved.