Synopsis: In today's fast-paced world, many job seekers skip creating the perfect introduction. But when competition for every job is intense, a cover letter can make a strong first impression and help an applicant stand out from the crowd. In this newest edition of his bestselling text, Martin Yate shows you the four kinds of cover letters-general, executive briefing, broadcast, and letters to recruiters and agencies-and how to craft each one. Inside, you'll also find: A new introduction by the author, discussing job searches in a tight market; New sample cover letters for every job hunter, including those just out of college, long-term unemployed, and recently laid off; New tips about using social media to network and increase the chances of finding a job. With the help of this trusted authority, you will no longer struggle to find the right words and the right way to deliver them! The perfect cover letter is within reach.

Read this first -- How letters & e-mails can supercharge your job search -- 1: Cover letters: the secret weapon of your job search -- Cover letters are the secret weapon that adds a personal dimension to your job search and multiplies your impact -- Five components that make a cover letter work -- 2: Six high-mileage cover letters -- Six types of high-mileage cover letters: specific jobs, nonspecific jobs, headhunters, the executive briefing, broadcast, and networking -- 3: Know the job, know your customer -- To promote your candidacy effectively you need to know the job inside out and know it from the point of view of the employer's priorities -- 4: Know yourself and develop a professional brand -- Competition is always fierce in a job search -- Learning how to differentiate yourself from the competition can play a big part in your success -- 5: Elements of a great cover letter -- All the component parts you'll need to make your letters productive -- 6: How to assemble your cover letter -- Cover letter needs to say a lot in a few words and say it professionally -- Here's the smart and easy way to do it -- 7: How to polish and edit your letters for maximum impact -- Successful cover letters are defined by their brevity and punch -- Here's how to make sure your letters cut to the chase -- 8: Use cover letters to get four times the interviews -- Making the direct approach: how to find the names, titles, and contact information for the people most likely to be able to make you a job offer -- 9: Sending out cover letters -- How to organize yourself for success -- 10: Sample letters -- Career consultants and resume writing services -- Internet resources -- Index.