Reap the benefits of using a good cover letter
Start with an opening paragraph, briefly explaining the reason for your letter, and if appropriate, mention the source of your connection to the person as in the case of a referral.
Q: I have heard mixed advice regarding cover letters. Some of my friends who have gone through a job search tell me that using cover letters was OK but unnecessary. Others tell me their cover letters helped get them a second interview. What is your advice?
A: Cover letters often get a bad rap, with varying opinions. Some say they are no longer needed and have worn out their appeal, while others use them to explain gaps and reinforce their interests. Despite your views of cover letters, they do play an integral part in your job search strategy.
For starters, a cover letter is not something to take lightly, as in the use of templates where you fill in the blanks with your personal information and leave generic content to highlight your employment experience.
Writing a compelling cover letter is easier than you think. Most job candidates make cover letters unnecessarily difficult by analyzing them, using too much information, or cutting corners by using templates that all sound the same.
Why the need for a cover letter when you have a resume? A letter does what a resume cannot do. It fills in the gaps and answers questions such as relocation interests.
Here are some suggestions for writing a good cover letter and to help you formulate your thoughts:
• Nothing is appealing about receiving a generic letter addressed to whoever reads it, with all the junk mail and spam. If possible, take the time to personalize the letter instead of using a “To Whom It May Concern” greeting.
• Start with an opening paragraph, briefly explaining the reason for your letter, and if appropriate, mention the source of your connection to the person, as in the case of a referral.
• The body of your letter highlights the value you bring to the employer. Avoid using the space to convey what the company can do for you, such as allowing you to grow or learn new processes.
• If you want to generate attention, back up your experience with examples of how you produced results, then prove it with a brief story. Your unique examples make your content memorable and help you avoid sounding “canned.”
• Do not make your cover letter a mini resume by using the same accomplishments and keywords. Instead, use descriptions that support your value for the company. Cover letters also serve as an example of how well you communicate using writing skills.
• Always end the letter the way you began it with a personal touch, indicating your interest and your plans to follow up with them.
• Since email can be the preferred method in communicating to employers, using the content of your cover letter in the email can save you time. As with any job search correspondence, make sure you target your information for a specific job opening.