Writing the Perfect Cold Cover Letter

Usually when you send an employer your resume and cover letter, it is for a specific position for which they are accepting applications. In some circumstances you may want to send your information to a recruiter without knowledge of any specific opportunity. Sending this type of letter, called a Cold Cover Letter, is recommended when you want to find out if a company has any job openings that they are not advertising.

A Cold Cover Letter contains the same sections as a regular cover letter, but when you write it you will want to make sure to follow these tips:

Make sure to write to a specific person. It will increase your chance of receiving a response.
Open your letter in a way that catches the reader's attention. You can't write, “I am applying for the position you advertised…” Be creative!
Quickly identify who you are, how you will benefit their company, and what type of position you would like.
Sell yourself. Tell the reader your strengths and how you could benefit their company. Make sure to include some of your accomplishments.
Do not mention salary or benefits in your letter.
Close in a manner that requests a meeting or interview.

When you send the letter, make sure to address it directly to the person to whom you wrote. If you are looking for a position in sales for example, you may want to call and find out the name of the sales manager and write the letter directly to him.

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