If you see a job posting online and it sounds exquisitely suited to you, you probably feel compelled to submit not only your resume but a customized cover letter, as well. But job seekers often struggle with constructing an effective cover letter. It’s important to remember that the cover letter, like the resume, is a marketing tool. Use it to show how you can help the company in question. Obviously, different people’s cover letters will look quite different from one another. But here’s a sample of what such a letter might look like. 

Dear (insert name or "Hiring Manager" if name is unknown):

Your advertisement on Monster for a (insert job title) fits my experience and qualifications perfectly, and I am writing to express my interest in and enthusiasm for the position. As an accomplished sales leader, I have achieved seven-figure revenue growth, international market penetration and successful product launches for leading global corporations during my career.

In addition to my desire to join your team, you will find I am a dedicated and driven professional whose recent accomplishments include:

　　* An increase of international sales from 1 percent of the company’s total revenue to 75 percent, capturing more than half of the entire European market and one-third of the Latin American market within two years.

　　* Dramatic expansion of customer base, leading to seven-figure revenue growth rates that far exceed the pace of larger, more established competitors.

　　* Development of a 75-member dealer network across 30 countries in six continents.

　　* Attainment of 100 percent customer retention rate through expert relationship-building skills and a commitment to a solution-focused, service-first sales approach.

　　* Launch of a new London office, expected to double sales revenue by 2003.

　　* Introduction of three innovative product lines, following comprehensive market research and competitive-intelligence gathering.

Your software products are truly on the cutting edge of technology -- you offer products that can change the way a company conducts business on the Internet. I am excited by this technology and would be able to translate this excitement to a business benefit for your current and future clients. If you agree that my qualifications are a close fit to your needs, I would be delighted to meet with you personally to discuss strategies for expanding (name of company’s) market presence.

I will follow up with you in a few days to answer any questions you may have. In the meantime, you may reach me at (phone number) or via email at (email address). I look forward to our conversation.

Sincerely,

Dina Smith