19 November 2007 | Freelancing Tips | Guest Blogger

Applying for a job? You’re not alone. oDesk jobs receive an average of 12 applications in the first 24 hours. How to ensure that you’ll get a chance to interview? Write a cover letter that stands out and that shows the employer you’re seriously interested in the work.

Here are 15 tips to help you create an outstanding cover letter:

1. Read the job application carefully. The best way to ensure that you won’t get the job is to write something that shows you really didn’t read through the job description or that you don’t have the skills required.

2. Highlight relevant skills, but be brief. And while we’re at it, if you’ve taken a few skill tests on oDesk, that can help you verify those skills and impress buyers.

3. Spell check and proof-read. You’ll have someone’s attention for only a few minutes. Make sure you make a good impression. I recently saw a cover letter with someone who said they had perfect Englich. Yep, wasn’t too convinced.

4. If possible, include links to relevant work experience.

5. Be professional. Humor can backfire. You may laugh at these examples of funny cover letters, but future employers may not feel the same way.

6. Don’t cut and paste. When you’re applying to a bunch of jobs, it’s tempting to create a cookie cutter template, but employers will be more impressed when you spend the time to tailor your cover letter to the job.

7. Include your contact information and best times to reach you. Put your availability in the buyer’s time zone. Can you best be reached through Skype? Yahoo Messenger? Gchat? Let the buyer know.

8. Be online as much as possible. You never know when the buyer might be online and decide to contact you.

9. Explain your current availability. Do you currently have a few other projects going on through the system? How much time do you think you could devote to the job?

10. Be creative. Depending on the job, a creative cover letter may win over an employer, particularly if you’re going after a creative position such as a designer or content writer.

11. Suggest next actions and offer suggestions. For example, saying something like, “I can start reviewing the specifications with you. I was thinking perhaps you could consider XXX” shows that you’re thinking ahead and ready to go.

12. Offer a reference. If you’ve worked closely with a client in the past (and they’ve agreed to allow you to share their contact information), allow future employers the opportunity to learn just how great you are.

13. Be confident. Don’t say you can deliver with 110% guarantee, but be confident in your abilities and skills.

14. Ask questions to demonstrate understanding and initiative. 

15. Be persistent. So maybe you didn’t land the first job you applied to. Don’t get discouraged because you spent a good amount of time on your cover letter. Start with smaller jobs and get some oDesk experience and feedback.

See some more examples of cover letters on our site.