It’s up to you. But, as one of the leading recruiting agencies in Houston, Murray Resources can tell you that by applying for the position, you’ve already indicated your interest in an interview. However, some experts believe that you increase your odds of landing an interview by asking for one in the cover letter.

If you choose to do so, you can say something like:

“I’m excited about the Operations Manager position with your company and would appreciate an opportunity to speak further with you about my qualifications. Please call me at 123.456.789 to schedule an interview at your convenience.”

What you shouldn’t say is something really forceful, such as “I’ll be contacting you within the next few days to set up an interview.” It’s the job of the hiring manager to contact you to set up an interview – if, that is, they want to interview you. Stating otherwise is crossing a line.

What are some other tips for a successful cover letter? Here’s a look:

Don’t repeat your resume.

So many candidates make the mistake of regurgitating all the details already offered on their resume. But this simply wastes space – and the hiring manager’s time. Instead, your cover letter should show employers why you want the job and what unique value you can offer them.

Keep it short.

There’s nothing worse than a three-page cover letter. No hiring manager has time to read all this. Plus they’ll question your ability to organize your thoughts and communicate in a concise matter. Instead, keep your cover letter down to one page or less.

Customize it.

You shouldn’t be sending the same letter for every position. You need to customize it depending on the unique requirements of each company.

Personalize it.

If you can, address it to the manager responsible for making the decision. If need be, research online or make a phone call to find out who that person is.

Proofread it.

Before you click the “send” button, make sure you review your cover letter and also ask someone else to proofread it with fresh eyes.

Your cover letter is an important component of the job search process. Make sure yours is in great shape by following the tips above.

Do you need more help with your job search? Call the experts at Murray Resources. As one of the leading recruiting agencies in Houston, we can assist you with the entire job search process – from crafting a strong cover letter to preparing for interviews – all so you can find job opportunities that are a great fit for your skills and background.

Ready to get started? Contact us today.