A Great Cover Letter
The Headline to Your Resume
A cover letter is an attempt to sell yourself and your abilities, demonstrating how you are best suited for an employer’s opening. A good cover letter will capture an employer’s attention, sometimes securing an interview where a resume alone can’t. Each position you apply for should come with a unique letter; never send the same cover letter to multiple employers. This is your chance to stand out from the competition. Your cover letter should be the “hook” to your resume, headlining the skills and experience that make you perfect for the job.
Greeting
Address your cover letter to the person who is hiring for the position. Generally that is the person who would supervise you, should you get the job. If you don’t know who that person is, call the company so you can get it (and be sure to spell it correctly).
Introduction
State the opening you’re applying for and how you found it (newspaper listing, internet posting, friend, etc.). If someone within the company encouraged you to apply, ask for permission to include his/her name. Also express your interest in the job and the organization; enthusiasm for a position and the company is appealing to a potential employer.
Body
The purpose of the letter is to sell yourself, but it shouldn’t read like an ego trip. After the introduction you need to explain why you’re perfect for the job; this will require an understanding of what the position requires. Include education, experiences, and skills that align with the job requirements. And it’s important that you measure your achievements. “I manage a $400,000 budget, half of which I’ve secured through various educational grants” is much better than “I’ve managed large budgets and written successful grants.”
Don’t include irrelevant information. If they’re looking for a sales manager, they don’t want to hear about the sports column you wrote for the college paper. While it’s important to sell yourself, listing achievements that don’t apply to the job won’t get you an interview.
Closing
End the letter with confidence. “I hope you find my resume satisfactory…” sounds like you’re begging for approval. A firm handshake is better than a limp handshake, and a confident cover letter inspires confidence in a potential employer. “I’m confident that I would be a positive contribution to your company” is a great way to wrap up a letter. Suggest some sort of future contact: request an interview or tell them you will call in a week or so to follow-up.
Your cover letter’s tone should be enthusiastic, positive, and a good representation of your personality, and you letter should not be more than a page long. If you do these things, potential employers will be certain to read your resume. And if you’re a good match for the job, the cover letter and resume combined will be certain to get you an interview.
How Universal Accounting Can Bolster Your Cover Letter
A professional designation can enhance any resume and coverletter. If you’re interested in preparing taxes, Universal Accounting Center offers a Professional Tax Preparer Certification that will enhance your skills and give you the designation of Professional Tax Preparer (PTP).
Becoming a Professional Tax Preparer is a lucrative business with many benefits, including:
- Earn $100/hour
- Work when and how you want
- Reduce your own tax liability
- Be in demand for your skills
- Work from Home
Many Tax Preparers make more money in the months leading up to the April 15 tax deadline than many make all year long! Since all individuals and businesses, small or large, are required to file taxes, Tax Preparation is a respected skill that will always be in demand.
You can use the Professional Tax Preparer desingation to start your own business, or you can use it to supplement your current salary. Either way, PTP looks good on a resume and cover letter, especially if you’re already in the accounting field. Come visit Universal Accounting today and see what programs could benefit you.
