daytondailynews.com

Think cover letters are passe in the age of e-mailed resumes and online job applications? Think again.

The cover letter remains an effective tool to make a positive first impression on prospective employers. In fact, in a new survey by Robert Half International, 86 percent of executives said cover letters are valuable. Even when applying through online job boards, submit a cover letter if possible. Failing to do so is a missed opportunity.

When e-mailing your resume to hiring managers, the body of the message can serve as your cover letter.

Here is one applicant's entire cover

letter:

COVER LETTER: "i am hardworking. i do my best on any given job. i am willing to learn new things."

You didn't capitalize on your strengths.

Take the same approach with your cover letter as you would any formal business correspondence. That means not using emoticons or slang.

COVER LETTER: "I'll make you LOL on a daily basis."

We can't wait.

Moreover, tailor your letter to each employer and highlight your most noteworthy (and relevant) skills, qualifications and accomplishments. These accounting candidates, for instance, went off topic:

COVER LETTER: "I live and breathe beauty."

Oxygen is overrated anyway.

COVER LETTER: "I acquired table manners at an early age."

We'll toast to that!

Finally, this job seeker should have provided details about the specific software programs in which he is proficient:

COVER LETTER: "As a videographer, I am a Huge Mac fan."

Must be the supersized version of the Big Mac.

Max Messmer is chairman and CEO of Robert Half International, a specialized staffing firm, and author of Managing Your Career For Dummies and Job Hunting For Dummies, 2nd edition.