Introduction

Some claim that the art of letter writing is dead. I contend that it's alive and well and that all job-seekers can create viable and effective letters to suit their needs. Together with a resume, a cover letter is a very special job-search correspondence. Anyone—high school students, college students, internship candidates, entry-level candidates, and experienced candidates—can take specific steps that will lead to the ability to write successful cover letters.

This book details the steps required to write right and informs readers of how cover letters fit into the overall job-search process. It inspires readers to blend actions and words—to write great cover letters but also to follow up with all the actions required in a successful job search.

Resumes and cover letters are the dynamic duo of job-search documents. They really can get your foot in the door for a job interview. Both must be targeted, contain key words, and reveal to readers that you know the skills required for particular jobs. Together, the sum of these job-search parts is greater than the whole, but each must independently present qualifications and yield interview invitations. In this book, you'll learn about the power of targeted resumes and how to create one of your own.

In addition to writing great cover letters, you'll learn about other letters that are useful during the job search: letters of application, letters of introduction, and networking notes. Well-crafted and focused correspondence generates interest in your resume and candidacy and, ultimately, inspires readers to invite you to interview.

This book also addresses questions regarding format and content, special circumstances, and the use of the Internet. Typical queries may reveal unique, creative, and inspirational responses, designed to make you think outside the metaphorical box and act assertively, appropriately, and effectively. Step by step by step, you will be guided through the process of writing your cover letter, developing your resume, surviving the interview, and accepting the job.

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, it can also be the best cover-letter strategy. In the more than 200 samples included here, job-seekers of varied goals and backgrounds can have their questions answered and find some guidance and inspiration during the writing process. Before-and-after samples reveal how following the guidelines in this book will maximize the impact of your efforts. Timely and timeless content of cover letters for positions ranging from Administrative Assistant to Writing Instructor will provide useful information as well. All the letter samples are presented to diminish confusion and eliminate procrastination. They are not meant to be copied, but to inspire you in writing right.

As the title implies, this book offers everything you need to succeed. Read on, write right, and get the job you want!