Wow 'em from the first word

I've met no one who likes writing cover letters. Sadly, the letters aren't much enjoyed by their recipients, either.

The main problem seems to be the letters' formulaic nature. We all understand that the efficient job-seeker has to create a template or boilerplate paragraphs to help speed letters out the door. It would be cumbersome and incredibly time-consuming to craft every sentence anew for each letter.

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But must the oft-repeated phrases sound so . . . oft-repeated? The staleness of most letters nearly drowns the content; worse, it dampens any spirit in the writing. By the time the 30th version of a letter reaches a fresh reader, it sounds about as sprightly as an ingredient list for flu medication.

All is not lost. Mix and match from the following tips to see if you can freshen up your letters.

Remember why you're writing. What about this company has caught your eye? What parts of the job would you enjoy? If your only reason for writing the letter is that you need work, that will come through in the letter. Before you write to any employer, make a short list of the things that appeal to you about the job or company. Then slip those items into blanks you have left in your templated letter for that purpose.

Create a simple letterhead on your computer that contains your name, address, phone number and e-mail address. This will save you from typing this information for each correspondence.

Get a name to write to. Nothing is less inspiring for writer and reader than a letter that starts "To whom it may concern" or "Dear human resource coordinator."

Create a cheat sheet of first sentences. For many writers, beginning is the hardest part. Some of the following letter-starters are from my repertoire, but most are taken from Martin Yate's excellent book, "Cover Letters That Knock 'Em Dead" (Adams Media, 2004, $12.95).

• I am writing to introduce myself and to inquire about current or potential openings in your company for a talented ______.

• Does your department anticipate the need for an entry-level ______?

• From recent conversations with ______, I learned of a potential opening in your department for a ______.

• Are you looking for a ______ who is: (Follow with a bullet list.)

• Please accept this letter and the attached resume as an expression of my interest in the ______ position advertised in the Sunday ______ (name of newspaper).

• As a well-qualified ______, I demonstrate my ability to ______ (list key skills for your area).

• As a ______ with nearly 10 years of experience in ______ departments, I hope to utilize my skills at ______ (fill in company name).
  

  AMY LINDGREN

  WORKING STRATEGIES

• In anticipation of completing (military service, college degree) in ______ (month and date), I am seeking a position that will capitalize on my experience and training as ______.

• Throughout my career I have held increasingly complex positions within the ______ industry. My particular areas of expertise are: (Follow with a bullet list.)

• I was very pleased to learn of the need for a ______ in your company from a recent advertisement in ______.

• Nothing would please me more than to join your team and use my skills as a ______.

Break up the dense middle paragraphs. Use bulleted lists of abilities, a small grid that matches the employer's needs with your skills, or bold type to accent key words. Better yet, strive for less dense paragraphs to begin with.

Close smartly. None of this begging business, in which you "hope we will talk soon." Choose a brief, straightforward closing that indicates your intentions: "Thank you for your consideration; I will call next week to schedule an appointment to talk further." Or "I would welcome the opportunity to interview for this position and look forward to scheduling a meeting with you."

If these are too direct for the situation, fall back to "I look forward to hearing from you."

Consider ditching the letter altogether. In some cases, a sticky note attached to a resume or a brief, handwritten note ("______ suggested I send this; I'll call next week to discuss") will be as effective as a long sales pitch.

In the end, the wording and length won't matter as much as timing and follow-up. Get your letters out the door and call in a few days to set meetings.

- Amy Lindgren owns Prototype Career Service, a career consulting firm in St. Paul, Minn. She can be reached at alindgren@prototypecareerservice.com or at 1071 W. Seventh St., St. Paul, MN 55102.