Cover Letter knowhow
There are may job seekers who believe they are not necessary – after all isn’t that the point of the resume? To tell the potential employer about you – the perfect applicant!
The truth is cover letters actually play a vital and important role in the process for both the potential employee and the employer or advertiser.
For the potential employee the cover letter is a way of introducing themselves on a more personal level than their resume and reiterating their suitability for the position and why they are particularly interested in it.
For the employer, often it is a way to screen applicants to determine if the applicant has the required skills, experience or qualifications or even if the applicant is particularly interested in their position. Let’s face it how many potential employers are going to interview someone who does not provide them with a cover letter; or if someone’s cover letter is sloppy and badly written if other applicants provide them?
When job application writing, you should be referring directly to the job description and writing a cover letter specifically for each position you are applying for. Use key words from the job description in your cover letter to demonstrate your enthusiasm for the job and that you have actually read the information provided.
Use your cover letter to draw attention to your strengths as they appear in the job description. Link your experience and skills to the required competencies or expectations. That is not to say that your cover letter is a rehash of your resume. Rather your cover letter is the highlighter for the main body of your application.
Target the employer needs or requirements that you have identified in the job description that demonstrate best how you can fit into their position. Use your cover letter to explain in brief what is detailed within your resume. It draws the employer attention to your resume where you are providing more detailed information.
Use your cover letter to tell the employer about your achievements or successes that are particularly relevant to their needs and requirements. This can gain their interest and encourage them to invite you for an interview to find out more about you and give you the opportunity to sell yourself.
When you are writing a cover letter it is good practice to find out the hiring managers name and address the letter directly to them. This can be done with a phone call to the company or through use of the company website. Personalising the cover letter greeting demonstrates respect for the person and their position.
Your cover letter should be professional in appearance. Use a header to give the document a name and match it to your resume so it is easy for the hiring manager to identify which documents belong together. Use a font size and type that is clear and easy to read and provide plenty of white space on the document for notes and for clarity. Check for spelling and grammar errors prior to sending.
When it comes to being competitive in the current job climate anything you can do to increase your chances of success is worthwhile. If it is overwhelming consider seeking the support of a professional job application writer to help you hone your cover letter skills and put yourself at an advantage.
