Here is a post using a document I just sent a client.  It demonstrates how to approach creating a cover letter for each job you find online.  The post is divided in three sections.  The first is a copy of a job description for a Compliance Manager in California.  The second section highlights the most important things to keep in mind for writing a cover letter.  The last section is my writing of a cover letter geared for the specific job posting and some notes.  Got Questions?

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Manager of Regulatory Affairs & Compliance

About the Job

Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance

We are seeking an experienced compliance professional to join our team! This position will report directly to the VP, Chief Compliance Officer and will be directly responsible for ongoing daily activities of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance, compliance program development, auditing, monitoring, investigative and reporting throughout Easy Choice Health Plan and its contracted entities.

Experience: The qualified candidate will possess the following skills and experience:

-Minimum of Five (5) years management experience
-Minimum five (5) years regulatory or government affairs training, auditing, monitoring, compliance investigations, issue resolutions, risk management, development and monitoring of corrective actions
-Proven leadership in the development of compliance program elements and oversight requirements (manager level or above)
-Proven track record of effectively managing various compliance program components, meeting and exceeding compliance with Federal and State guidelines/ regulations, standards and guidance (manager level or above)
-Extensive knowledge of HIPAA Regulations

Responsibilities: Job functions include, but are not limited to the following

-Develop and implement extensive external audit/assessment processes, methodologies, and corrective action requirements
-Conduct/manage high risk compliance investigations including corrective actions
-Manage the day-to-day operations of the compliance department
-Responsible for the maintenance of processes to assure compliance with legal and regulatory standards and practices
-Identify improvement opportunities and lead improvement projects, including the implementation of staff training and P&P’s as necessary
-Provide guidance and information for staff members and other functional areas by interpreting Medicare and Medi-Cal guidelines and regulations
-Develop and present weekly, monthly and annual reports to the Chief Compliance Officer

Candidates must possess excellent verbal, written and presentation skills, including the ability to translate complex legal and regulatory requirements and issues into terms readily understood by upper management and line employees. Candidate must be adept at complex project planning and management, with the experience and ability to manage staff and delegate effectively; requires well-developed skills in problem identification, analysis, resolution, organization, prioritization, time-lines and attention to detail.

Only qualified candidates need apply

Thank You!

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How to write a cover letter for this posting:

Keep in mind a few things:

1. The section in red is the company’s wish list of experience.  It is not always mandatory but fitting as many of these as possible is important.  If you don’t have 50% then probably don’t apply.

2. The section in blue is the day-to-day of the position.   Making sure you have experienced most of these as well is important.

For a cover letter, you now have to make a judgment call…how many of the above items do you highlight in your cover letter and how do you put their needs before yours.  You want to also begin to paint a picture about yourself where they say:  “I want to talk with this guy.”

That’s it.

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Cover letter example for this posting

(Date)

(Address)

Dear Name or Hiring Manager,

My name is Jeff Fleming.  I saw your posting for a Manager of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance on Monster.com.  Please find attached to this letter a copy of my resume for consideration.

It appears you are looking for a compliance manager who has the experience to oversee your complex programs, lead staff towards department goals and explore ways to expand the compliance programs in order to institute greater efficiencies.  As a seasoned compliance manager with a deep understanding of various legal and regulatory affairs within the health insurance industry, I would like to begin introducing myself to you with the following highlights:

-          Six years of experience within compliance departments at Countrywide Insurance Services and Aetna Health Plans.

-          Experience managing three high-profile compliance programs centered on high risk complaint resolutions, auditing , monitoring, compliance investigations, issue resolutions, and risk measurement activities.

-          Recently completed a Juris Doctorate (2006) which gives me a unique advantage to understand compliance and regulatory issues at a much deeper level.

I would enjoy speaking with you about the opportunity and discuss your goals and if I might be a good fit for the position.  If you have time for a phone call or face to face meeting, I will make myself available at a convenient time.

Thank you for reviewing my qualifications.

Sincerely,

Robert Downer

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Final note:  most cover letters are just ok and typically a little boring.  Sorry to be so blunt.  You need to take a little different twist to this introductory piece.  Sometimes going out a little on a limb will help them be curious about you.  Sometimes it doesn’t.  I have also seen people send cover letters that begin to unwrap the challenges of the job and one or two ideas they have used in the past to create success.  This gets the attention of hiring managers as long as you put their needs before yours.

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Let’s Get Started!

Jeff