Jane Greenwald ⋅ Short Hills, NJ Gilbert Tweed International ⋅ 30 years experience

I like the use of bullets. The people who review resumes see hundreds if not thousands of resumes and cover letters. Bullets make it easier to read fast. Also the goal of the cover letter is to get the resume read and also to include things you can't put into the resume that are tailored to the job-but as you say true to yourself.
Jane

Lauren McNamara ⋅ Minneapolis, MN General Mills ⋅ 9 years experience

Hi Alexis,

In addition to the excellent suggestions above, I would also make sure to incorporate into your cover letter why you want to work for that company. You will also be submitting a resume, which will provide a lot of information on you and your background, so the cover letter is a place where you can highlight your interest in X company. If you've networked with people in that company you can mention names, or initiatives you are impressed with, or that you think the culture would be a good fit...etc. Companies want people that are interested in and passionate about wanting to work for them. If someone else has similar skills and background, enthusiasm can differentiate you from the crowd.

Lauren

David Alhadeff ⋅ Buffalo Grove, IL Lighthouse Consulting LLC ⋅ 29 years experience

The fact that you are concerned about being authentic is excellent. Build on that value by understanding as much as you can about the company and the likely business problems they are looking to solve. Then link your skills and experience to the solution of those problems in the letter. The reading audience is less interested in capabilities than they are in business solutions. To th extent possible, demonstrate in an authentic and concise way how your expertise can take their business to another level.

And thank you so much for your service.

David A.

Judy Tomlinson ⋅ Dallas, TX Energy Future Holdings ⋅ 25 years experience

The Cover Letter should have an introduction...."with over ___ years of experience in ___" make sure you use come of the buzz words in the job description. A middle...talk about how your experience can be of value to the company. And an End. Tell them to contact you with questions or to set up an interview.....expect the interview and ask for it.

After the interview, follow up with a thank you email or note and, in the follow up tell them how excited you are about the opportunity and that you are ready to become a strong team player in their organization.

Good Luck!
Judy Tomlinson

Liz Campanelli ⋅ East Brunswick, NJ Johnson & Johnson ⋅ 25 years experience

Hi Alexis,

First and foremost, many many thanks for your service and all you do!

The best way to handle the cover letter is to target the person and job description on an almost personal level. Also, look at the job description they offer. Cut and paste those descriptions in your cover letter. These are called "key words" the job hunters look for now. It's important that you tailor each cover letter to each job you are applying for.

For example:

Hi Alexis, or Dear Hiring Manager,

I have a strong interest in writing cover letters for your job search. I have a 20+ year background in the Corporate sector and continuous letter writing and email writing in formal format has enabled me to help others in this capacity. My experience has enabled me to help others utilize key words and target employers to gain their interest in the skill sets that you are selling. My business sense and professionalism provides the organization you need to help others 'thread that needle'.

I would be happy to discuss my background, experience and skill sets with you as soon as possible. I have attached a résumé for your review as well. I am eager to hear from you at your earliest convenience.

Many thanks,

Liz Campanelli

So Alexis, that's how I would target an employer. Obviously, you would change the titles and skill sets that sell your proficiency, but this is one suggestion on how you tackle it. Please reach out to me again if I can help. I'm happy to oblige.
Also, see my web page www.campscreations.com

Be safe and again, many thanks!