iClarify | Simplify | Engage

Your cover letter is your opening song. It can’t be your warm-up. Who wants a performer to waiver on her first song – no one. We want to be wowed from the first line of lyrics. We want to be enticed from the start. By the end of the first song, we are hooked and want more. You need the same reaction with your letter to potential employers. The most important connection you need to make to that employer is that you fit the job. Yes, you have certain bonuses to offer like leadership, positive attitude, initiative, great interpersonal skills and more; but you also must sew them to the employer’s needs and the position or they’ll just stop reading and put you in the slush pile. Your opening song is your letter and your opening is your first paragraph. This paragraph should be about three to five lines, no more and no less.  Here’s an example that got me an interview: Thank you for the opportunity to apply for Director of Communications as seen advertised on CharityVillage.com. When