Job Hunting

Never, never never ever include any negative information in your cover letter, such as the fact that you were fired from a job. Negative information immediately puts your cover letter (and entire application) into the trash.

Your cover letter is a marketing document. Thus, talk only of the great things about you and how you will make a contribution to your future employer. Discuss what you can bring to the employer; discuss your key skills and qualities.

Take some time to go through a wonderful tutorial on cover letters. Go to the Dynamic Cover Letters Tutorial For Developing a Stunningly Effective Cover Letter.

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Heather Eagar, former professional resume writer, advises job-seekers to convey their passions in cover letters whether for the job youre targeting or for the company you seek to join.

Particularly in troubled economic times, you might seek a job because you really need the money, Eagar says, but dig a little deeper to find your passion.

Another way to bring out the passion in your cover letter, Eagar advises, is by studying the companys job posting and visiting their corporate mission for more information on their goals.

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Tip #1: Address a Specific Person

Your cover letter should always be as personal as possible, and this is made easier by addressing the person who is in the position to hire you.  If that persons name wasnt listed in the job posting, take time to contact human resources to find out who it is.  Youll be happy you did!

Tip #2: Lead With an Interesting Fact or Solve a Problem

Your introduction is undoubtedly the most important portion of the cover letter.  It dictates whether the manager will be interested in reading the rest of your document.  A great way to introduce yourself in your letter is to market yourself with a statement that addresses a problem that you are ready to solve.  Yo

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Hiring decision-makers surveyed for the book, Top Notch Executive Resumes identified this as one of their Top 30 Executive Resume Pet Peeves: Resume is not accompanied by a cover letter or cover letter is not targeted to the open position. Not all employers read cover letters (about two-thirds do), but to some of the decision-makers who do read them, cover letters are very important. Your resume should always be accompanied by a cover letter. And given that one of the main functions of a cover letter is to describe how your qualifications match a specific job vacancy, it is pointless to send a boilerplate cover letter that is not tailored to the targeted position.

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While you can discuss relocation in your cover letter, it never hurts to also mention it in your resume. Express in your objective statement or profile your intention to relocate. Since many employers respond much more favorably to local candidates, consider using an address in your new city (PO box, a friends address, mail-forwarding service) on your resume or leaving off your address. Read more in our Frequently Asked Questions About Resumes: The Complete Resume FAQ.