Two key steps in any job search are the cover letter and the thank-you note.

While some may regard both as being antiquated, I disagree.

Let’s start with the cover letter, which isn’t meant to be a condensed version of your resume. Instead, it’s an opportunity to introduce yourself in a more personal way.

Some recruiters, including me, start by reading the cover letter.  If that catches my interest, I’ll go ahead and review the resume. Other decision-makers may do the reverse.

Whatever the case, I regard your cover letter as your invitation to get me to pay attention to who you are and what you’ve done so far. And I can tell whether you’ve customized your letter for each company and position, so it doesn’t sound like a form letter.

Typically, the length of a cover letter isn’t more than three mid-sized paragraphs.

The opening paragraph is where you mention the specific job you’re applying for, literally down to position #1234 or systems manager of global marketing.

You’d be surprised how many resumes are submitted in which the recruiter has no idea what position the candidate is applying for.

While it may be easier to submit a resume to a large company with no tie-in to a specific job opening, doing so is pretty much a waste of time.

But by including a job number or precise title, it’s more likely your resume will be forwarded to the most appropriate recruiter.

Also in the first paragraph, share how you heard about the position and mention the name of someone in the company who recommended that you apply.

Why you think you’re qualified

The second paragraph deals with why, briefly, you think you’re qualified for the job.

Something like, “I’m eager to put my 10 years of experience as a global marketing manager at ABC and XYZ to work for Qualcomm.”

Be specific and mention the company or companies by name.

The third and final paragraph talks about your availability to connect via call phone by “Monday through Wednesday of next week,” adding “before I travel” — even if you’re not planning to go anywhere.

I realize that the recruiter, if interested, will call, email or text at their own convenience, not yours, but that “travel” caveat conveys a certain sense of urgency.

Then thank the reader for their time, renew your strong interest in the position, or any other job that might be appropriate for your experience and skills.

Always convey an upbeat, positive attitude about that someone – you – they shouldn’t miss the opportunity to meet.

Now let’s move to the thank-you letter.

It’s easy to email a quick “Thank you for meeting with me” note, and that’s still okay to do.

But your email will likely get lost amid the hundreds that most people receive every day.

A longer-lasting effect

Instead, I suggest writing a handwritten thank-you note sent via old-fashioned mail. Although it won’t get there for a few days, such a note will have a longer-lasting effect.

After all, how many handwritten notes do any of us receive anymore? Not many, so when we do get one, it tends to make the letter-writer stand out.

Whether emailed or handwritten, be sure not to blow it with your thank-you note.

I recall a less-than-compelling note I got from a college student after I spoke to his class and then met with him – an example of networking at its best.

“Thank you, Mr. Blair, for meeting with me today,” his note said. “I enjoyed our conversation and learned a lot. Thank you again. Joe”

Thanks for the note, Joe, but you blew that one.

You should’ve referenced a few of the topics we discussed, maybe offered some input and, for good measure, tossed in a nugget or two that you got out of our meeting.

You did thank me, but I got the strong impression that you didn’t listen to anything I said.

While including a cover letter and writing a thank-you note aren’t as much in vogue these days, both are essential opportunities that will set you apart.

And your chances of success will be far better than Joe’s.

Blair is co-founder of Manpower Staffing and can be reached at [email protected]