Recommended formats: Comparison-list style; bullet style
Writing letters in response to specific job advertisements will most likely be an ongoing part of your job search campaign. When you perceive an advertisement or job posting seeking a candidate with your qualifications, you’ll want to answer quickly with a resume and cover letter. The only dilemma is that these letters are best written personally so that you can highlight how your experience and qualifications match the concrete requirements for the job. So, instead of just printing a standard cover letter from your PC, you’re faced with having to write a separate letter each time. Now, all of a sudden, getting out that quick resume and cover letter is not so quick.
You shouldn’t be anguished! There are forms to get around this and to do the process much easier. We recommend using a comparison-list or bullet style for ad-response letters. The items that you highlight in the bullets or columns experience, positions, achievements, educational credentials, and so on should directly match the hiring company’s needs. This type of cover letter is easier to write than a paragraph-style letter because you’re writing bulleted, stand-alone items and not a document in which each sentence must flow with the next. What’s more, these letters are easy to edit, so you can change an item or two and quickly create multiple versions of your letter within minutes.
Tip.– Compile a comprehensive list of bullet-point statements about your career, employment history, positions, achievements, educational credentials, leadership performance, and so on as ammunition for your cover letters.
Then all you’ll need to do is select the bullets from the list that match the requirements for each position for which you are applying.
Be sure to reference the position title or number when writing an ad-response letter.
Characteristics
Company ad-response letters are characterized by the following:
Targeted nature. Because these letters are written directly in response to known hiring criteria and requirements, they closely target a specific position.
Bullet style. Your objective when writing in response to an advertisement is to quickly and easily bring your qualifications to the forefront as they directly relate to the position requirements. Using bullet points is the easiest and “cleanest” way to accomplish this.
Comparison-list style. You might choose to use the direct-comparison style in responding to ads; however, remember that this is effective only if you meet or exceed every single one of the stated requirements.