Cover letter 'Rules of Engagement'

Abridged: The Ladders

NEW YORK, NY -- In a world where one-line text messages are routine forms of communication, is there still a place in the job search for the cover letter? According to TheLadders.com, an online platform for the $100K+ job market, the cover letter is still a useful tool in differentiating yourself from other candidates applying for the same position. Here are a few tips for writing the perfect cover letter.

1. Get Their Attention: A cover letter must grab a reader's attention with a succinct message that convinces them to read further.

2. Less is More: A good cover letter is a teaser. It should clearly convey the "who," "what," "when," "where," "why" in the first paragraph.

3. Prove Relevance: Mine the job posting and company website for the specific words and clues to what the employer is looking for and use those words in the cover letter.

In the current market, many job seekers are dealing with situations that are difficult to explain in a resume. The cover letter is where you can explain these situations. Always turn negatives into positives. Embrace cover letters as a way to differentiate yourself from the competition.