While the resume is still king, the cover letter is a vital, yet often overlooked, part of securing your dream job. Most employers give you the option to upload a cover letter along with your resume, but don’t necessarily require it. Your resume is a statement of your work history, but the cover letter is your opportunity to express your passion for a position and convince a potential employer to give you the job. Use it! Below are some tips for a convincing cover letter. Need help? Give Lisa Rabzak Marketing Services a call at 717-371-5302 or contact us through our website at www.lisarabzak.com for assistance with writing a compelling resume and cover letter.

1. Research the company. Take some time to research the company where you are applying and make reference to the results of your research in your cover letter. Researching the company will also come in handy when you secure the interview.

2. Toot your own horn. Tell the potential employer why you are the right person for the job versus the million other resumes that cross their desk. Be honest about your strengths and highlight skills and experience that make you stand out from the pack.

3. Make it personal. When writing the cover letter, make sure that you maintain your own voice. Don’t try to be someone you are not.

4. Keep it short. Cover letters should be one page. Otherwise, a potential employer is likely to lose interest. Make it short and sweet so they can move on to your resume.

5. Customize your cover letter. In securing a job, one size does not fit all. Cover letters should be unique to each position and should include an inside address for each company.