The power of a cover letter can be taken for granted and they are often the last job search tool that comes to mind until you need one. Just like your resume, a cover letter plays a distinct role in the job hunting process however they often get a bad rap because they all sound alike.
A really good cover letter works together with your resume even when both job search documents stand alone. The goal is to write an outstanding cover letter that draws the reader toward your resume, yet job candidates often get the wrong idea of what cover letters can do for them and instead minimize their function.
Comments from those struggling to write cover letters are concerned about what to say and how to say it and with good reason. Cover letters that sound like templates for mass mailing use a “one size fits all” approach that’s impersonal and lacks your personality style. While you may think using an off-the-shelf cover letter saves time, it does more harm than good because it lessens your unique value and makes you sound like everyone else.
Hiring decision-makers read cover letters and in some cases they can be more important than your resume. How so? Because your cover letter can be the first document a hiring manager sees and your content can influence whether you will be screened in or out. Errors in your cover letter can cost you a great opportunity as well as overshadow the main goal – to persuade the employer to bring you in for an interview.
Cover letters help answer questions that your resume can’t, such as briefly explaining relocation issues, what you have learned and what you have done regarding job gaps, reasons why you are a good match for the job and why you want to work for them.
Here are some quick tips to make your cover letters more effective:
Less is more. The first paragraph should briefly highlight the major reasons why you are the right candidate for the job by pointing to the resume.
Count how many times you use pronouns such as “I, me, or my” during the letter. When you write a cover letter make sure you focus more on using “you and your” – by doing so you convey genuine interest.
Address them to a person, if possible. The more you know about the reader the better chances you have in customizing the letter for them. It’s difficult to sound sincere when the letter you send reads like a generic form.
Convey what you can do for the employer. Your goal is to land an interview and while your interests are important to you, they probably come last on the agenda of a hiring decision-maker whereas what you can do for them remains their top priority.
Choose words that demonstrate your ability to communicate in a clear, concise way. Do you sound confident? Does your letter indicate you are a team player?
Your cover letter should express why you want to do the work while you resume shows that you can do the work – both documents complement one another.
Demonstrate your knowledge of specific industry trends that are current and how you have helped solved some of those challenges. Using stories to covey your value and unique qualities helps keep your background memorable.
Make good use of comments from references that support your credibility and contributions.
Don’t repeat your resume summary, rather use the space to build rapport with the employer – sell your background.
Keep your letter to one page and end it with a clear statement that shows you care and want to follow up within a certain time frame. A strong close demonstrates that you are a professional who takes their career seriously enough to stay in contact.
Writing an outstanding cover letter begins with a specific audience and a purpose in mind. Taking the time to highlight your achievements and contributions will generate the attention you deserve and pave the way for an interview.
How has a cover letter helped you land an interview?
