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Pay attention to your cover letter

By MAX MESSMER

Scripps Howard News Service

Job seekers typically give the resume the lion's share of attention, but the cover letter also deserves your time and care. After all, it's often the first document a hiring manager sees. Make a positive impression by highlighting your knowledge of the company you're targeting and succinctly explaining why your skills and background make you the best person for the open job. The following candidates got off to a rocky start:

COVER LETTER: "You are going to read this letter and think I am either too serious or a complete flake."

Which would you prefer?

COVER LETTER: "I am an experienced professional in the feild of education."

Evidently, spelling is not part of the curriculum.

This job hunter apparently didn't "know" that he should proofread his documents for errors and poor grammar:

COVER LETTER: "Lemme no when you can see me for an interview."

You betcha.

These next two applicants also failed to run spell-check:

COVER LETTER: "Hire me today and take advantage of a diamond in the ruff!"

A candidate who's still rough around the edges.

COVER LETTER: "Please accept this cover letter as an application for your open position. This request is based on my amable personality."

Were you aiming for amiable?

In addition, avoid being wordy.

COVER LETTER: "Upon your humble request, I will forward to your personal attention my letters of reference to be attached hereto and made part thereof."

Is this a cover letter or a legal contract?

Finally, you will turn off prospective employers by making demands.

COVER LETTER: "I need a few bucks and a dinner that hasn't been prepackaged."

Would you like fries with that?

Max Messmer is chairman and CEO of Robert Half International, a specialized staffing firm, and author of Managing Your Career For Dummies.