Write a Cover Letter with Punch

Having a resume that shines is only half the battle of getting your foot into a potential employer's door. If you want to impress, you've got to write a cover letter that makes you stand out as the right candidate for the job.

The cover letter is where your personality can shine through and where your enthusiasm for the position can be demonstrated. Here you can emphasize your best qualities, skills and why you are worthy of at least an interview.

At the same time, if writing a cover letter translates into self deprecating angst don't worry because you are not alone. Most job seekers find this self promotion tool difficult to conquer but the truth is no one is going to "toot your horn" unless you do it first.

A good way to start a cover letter is to have the job posting available for reference. Either print it out or copy it into your cover letter document. As you begin to write your cover letter, try to pick out specifics from the job posting or description and use them.

Companies usually have one person screening resumes and they are scanning them for key words. Use the job posting and job description to pull these keywords out and avoid going in the "not qualified" pile.

Pick three things you want a potential employer to know about you and then start building a cover letter that expresses those in a way that is relevant to the position.

To start, let's talk architecture. The cover letter should follow a strict construction code: one page and no more than five paragraphs including the following:

First paragraph:

State what job you are applying for. It may sounds repetitive but companies often have help wanted postings for many positions at the same time. This first step is easy and gives the office resume screener a starting point. State the job, where you heard of it and throw in a little enthusiasm about it.

Here's an example: "It's always exciting to learn of opportunities at (company name) and the (job title) position posted at (source ie Moster) has attracted my enthusiasm."

Simple and to the point is best because from the moment your resume is lifted from the pile of other applicants you're racing the clock.

Second paragraph: