Resume Cover Letters

            When looking for employment many people spend lots of time and money on their resume. But when it comes to their cover letter, they put forth little effort and some job seekers never use one at all – unless required by the prospective employer or recruiter – and then with only a halfhearted attempt.

            Don’t you make this mistake. It can cost you employment opportunities.

            Most recruiters and hiring managers spend only a few seconds viewing a resume. Job seekers need all the tools available to grab an employer’s attention and focus it on their qualifications.

A cover letter is one of the few tools available to influence a decision – so don’t neglect it!

            There are two basic types of cover letters. They are the solicited and the unsolicited letter. Both are important in complementing a resume and that is what they should do – complement.

            The solicited is used for advertised jobs or for employers expecting to receive a resume for a particular position. The unsolicited letter is when there is no advertised position or when the employer is not expecting to receive anything from a job seeker.

            There are two main purposes of either letter. First, it should point out your qualifications for the job or area of interest. Second, it should direct the reader to the parts of the resume that reinforce your qualifications.

            You want to make it easy for the recruiter or hiring manager to understand what you bring to the job and to the employer. No matter how smart, talented and well suited you are for the position, if the employer does not understand this – you will not receive an interview.

            To accomplish your goal of being hired, there are certain things you need to perform before writing the letter. Research the job requirements and list the needs the employer is looking to fill for the solicited letter or potentially fill for the unsolicited letter. Consider the skills and experience you possess. Is there a clear match? Do you have some of the qualifications?

            Your cover letter should be used to emphasize what you bring to the table. As your personal marketing tool it can brush over what experience or skills you lack and instead, focus on your strengths. You are steering the reader to what you want him or her to know.

            The content of a letter should be customized to meet the employer’s needs. It should be concise and forceful. Most letters should range between three and four paragraphs. Don’t let it become too lengthy. You do not want to lose the reader’s attention.

            There are certain common sense things to do with all cover letters. They should all be typed, have correct spelling throughout and be on good quality paper.

            In addition, there are things you should not do. Do not go beyond one page unless requested by the employer. Do not include letters of references unless requested. Do not include a picture of yourself.

SOLICITED COVER LETTERS

            Generally, the first paragraph should introduce you and explain right away why you are suited for the job. You want the reader to continue.

            The second paragraph should list key accomplishments in your past and present positions or while in school. Examples of successes should be provided. Remember to quantify and qualify your performance. In other words don’t just list skills and duties, show them you know how to get results.

            The third paragraph should explain in more depth your qualifications for the job. You can elaborate on skills and abilities beyond the scope of the job, but still relevant to the employer’s overall mission. Explain you have added value that can be beneficial. However, be careful not to appear to be over qualified. 

            The last paragraph can provide why you want the job and are interested in the employer. Here you can show you took the time to research the position and are knowledgeable about the employer.

            Make sure you have a strong closing sentence.

            Consider the little things. Check your spelling. Use good quality paper. Make sure you address the letter to the proper party. Provide where you can be contacted including telephone, address and e-mail address. Sign the letter.

            Not all human resource personnel, recruiters and hiring managers look at cover letters. Most do, however. Some consider it very important, some important and some not important at all. You need all the tools available to get the job you want and need to assume the employer you are targeting will read your cover letter. Taking a chance of no letter or a poorly written one can cost you.

            Remember that you are competing against others, much like in any competition. Put forth your best effort. Show your enthusiasm. Become a winner through preparation, by taking enough time and by indicating your relevant skills and abilities whenever possible.