If you're reading this post, perhaps you're already contemplating a change in your career path. Luckily you can turn your contemplation into action, and gain some clarity by quickly answering this series of questions.

1. Are your finest talents and strengths being recognized and cultivated?
2. Is your marketability getting better?
3. Does your company have a vision? Are you part of that vision?
4. Is your boss a mentor; someone you look up to and consistently learn from?
5. Do you feel free to share innovative ideas? Are your ideas considered and recognized?
6. Are you being paid what you’re worth? Look into it, look into other companies that are seeking candidates with your education, experience and skill-set and find out what they pay.
7. Do you like what you do? Are you excited to get out of bed in the morning?
8. Is this a step in the direction you want to go?
9. Do you often feel fulfilled after a day’s work?
10. Did you answer YES or NO to most of these questions?

Believe it or not, there are people out there who actually enjoy their jobs and find fulfilment in their careers. Sure, even the best jobs can be tiring and feel defeating at times, and I'm not saying you need to find perfection. I'm suggesting you take a solid look at whether or not you can do better, and if your current position is taking you to the place you want to go. By this time next week you could be on a new road well on your way to achieving your dreams – all without skipping a beat. Give me a call, get yourself properly branded, and see what else is out there. You have nothing to lose.

Instead of a summarized ramble of your resume (which will be submitted in the same email), see your cover letter as a prime opportunity to show some charisma, curiosity, and intrigue. Make them want to meet you, so you can make them want to hire you.

1. Immediately state something unique about yourself.
Consider throwing in an anecdote, for example, “I have over five years of formal education and experience to combine with my lifetime passion for this industry. Since I was a child getting dressed in the morning has been an expression of creativity, there was never any doubt that fashion was my future." 

2. Study the company website.
Take note of something you find genuinely inspiring and express admiration. For example, if you are applying for a job at an architectural firm, you might say “the addition to the Art Gallery your firm designed is especially impressive, the contemporary concept gave it a fresh appeal, while keeping in flow with the original structure” This shows personality, expertise in the field, as well as specific interest in the company.

3. Keep it short.
No more than three paragraphs. Skip the verbosity, use clear and powerful statements, and wrap it up by simply stating – in your own words – how your talents and experience will make you good at the job.
Make sure you proofread carefully.

To download an example of a great cover letter, visit my dedicated blog post: example cover letter