An executive resume and cover letter just go together. Like peanut butter and jelly, like milk and cookies, like cake and ice cream - they are simply the perfect pair (can you tell that I have a sweet tooth)
I am always amazed at the effort that executive candidates would put into creating a well-written resume, but blow off the cover letter or make it very generic and boring.
The cover letter is the document you use to introduce yourself to the reader (often the decision maker) and it is also the place you can explain unusual circumstances like recent layoff, relocating to new area, changing careers, etc.
When developing an executive cover letter for my clients, I like to use the following formula:
Rule #1: Use the introductory
paragraph to make a strong statement about your expertise, qualifications and
unique promise of value. Compare these two introductions:
Weak Introduction: “Your recent posting on
Monster.com for the Director of Sales closely matches my qualifications and
experience. I have enclosed a copy of my resume for your review and
consideration.”
Versus
Strong Introduction: “Implementing
marketing initiatives that increase product/service sales, expand market share
and improve corporate brands is how I add value. As an accomplished sales
professional with deep expertise in sales management, marketing prowess and
business acumen. I am well-qualified to serve as your next Director of Sales.”
Rule #2: Use
your current position to highlight a recent accomplishment or major project
completed. Don’t simply rehash what your responsibilities
are – that will be taken care of with your resume. Take a close look at these two paragraphs:
Weak Statement: In my current role as Chief Operating Officer, I
oversee a $25 million dollar which impacts the programming and services for
over 3,000 customers in the Washington DC area
Versus
Strong Statement: “More recently as the COO of National Coalition on Civic Participation,
I came onboard in the midst of internal chaos and operational upheaval as the
organization faced financial uncertainties. Working hard to forge partnerships
and alliances, I was able to garner over $10 million in operational support and
bring the organization to the forefront of the industry.”
Note that it is critical to use simple yet strong language to "sell" yourself to key decision makers.
Rule #3: Show a consistent trend of top performance by
showcasing at least one achievement for each position you held. Quantitative
achievements are always more memorable, but other high impact statements work
just as well. See examples below:
- Orchestrated application management and
implementation for $12.5 million system resulting in 99.8% on-time efficiency. (Director
of Application Architecture – Northwest Technologies)
- Saved company over $250,000 annually by proactively
renegotiating new service agreements with existing vendors. (Technology Manager
– ABC Communications)
Rule #4: Bring your cover letter
to a strong finish
Never leave the decision up to the reader. Clearly indicate your next course of
action which should be either a phone call or follow up email. Mind your
manners and thank the reader for his/her time and consideration.
Over at US News and World Reports, Alison Green provides some great pointers for developing your cover letter.
