November 27, 2007
Setting Yourself Apart Through Your Cover Letter
Many job-seeker's think the cover letter is not very important and I think I can understand their thinking with all the focus that is put on the resume, but if that's their thinking they are dead wrong. The cover letter just might mean the difference between a person getting the job and not getting the job. It's the first thing employers see, a first impression of sorts. It also may be the last thing they see before they make their hiring decision. The cover letter is an opportunity to broadcast not only your worth but your desire and what you add to the entity in the end.
First off, a cover letter tells the employer the type of position you are seeking and then explains how you are qualified for such a position. A resume is pointless if they don't know what kind of work you want to do and how you can justify yourself in applying for such a position.
A cover letter is a focus on your experience and what you think will be the greatest value you bring to their entity. When there are hundreds of people applying for a choice position often the employer will only skim, so make your cover letter shine in the least amount of words possible. The cover letter should point out your skills, talents, and experience that you've gained.
Let your cover letter explain things that your resume can't. If there are large gaps in your resume explain it through your cover letter, including such details may just set you apart a little bit more as the employer digs through their stack of resumes.
In your cover letter take the opportunity to expand upon your "job objective" on your resume. The more specific you are the more likely you are to catch people’s eye. Specific acts will bring specific results.
Lastly, your cover letter should be a window to your personality, let it shine. Your potential employer will read many professional resumes with zero personality. You can still be professional and let your personality shine a little bit. Let your personality be displayed so that your future employer will want to get to know you.
To learn more how you can improve your cover letter visit www.business-letter-templates.com
Posted by cmanscill at 8:37 AM | Comments (0)
November 11, 2005
10 Tips for finding the job you want
Here is the Cover Letter Blog's top ten tips for finding a job in today's market
1. Research the company using its website. This will help you learn about the company and its culture.
2. Create a new resume for every position you apply for. Use the keywords from the job announcement.
3. Be honest when writing your resume. Eventually you will have to interview and it will be obvious if you do not have the experience they want.
4. Always submit a cover letter with your resume (you didn't think we'd leave this one out :) )
5. Concentrate on the content of your resume - not the design.
6. Include examples of your accomplishments at the company in your resume and cover letter. Employers want results!
7. Keep resumes brief. The average resume is two pages long.
8. Proofread you resume and cover letter carefully, and then check it again!
9. Be patient. You won't get every job you apply for, and it is not a good idea to stalk the companies you want to work for (it doesn't work in relationships either).
10. Be early for your interview and show enthusiasm for the position. Dress professionally.
Posted by Jon at 2:32 PM | Comments (0)
October 6, 2005
The Key to a Great Cover Letter...
I can feel the excitement now - I am about to reveal the key to writing a great cover letter! Drum roll please........... And the key to a winning cover letter is: the first sentence!
What?!? This isn't new! At least I hope it isn't anything new. Since you started learning how to write your teacher has been telling you to open an effective opening is the key to a great document. Well, nothing changes when you write a cover letter. If you want to get the employer's attention, you need to start out your cover letter with an effective opening sentence.
I hope you're not disappointed that the key is so simple. I also hope that next time you write a cover letter that you'll spend a little more time on the all-important first sentence. "I saw your ad in the newspaper" is not an effective opening, but if you've been reading the Cover Letter Blog you already knew that.
So, how do you write an effective opening? Make them want to find out more about you. Be original! Try to write something that they've never read before. Get their attention right away and you'll have a much better chance of getting the interview you need.
Posted by Jon at 1:58 PM | Comments (0)
September 2, 2005
Cover Letter Tip #1 - Personalize Your Cover Letter
Every time you apply for a job, you should write a new cover letter. You can use the skeleton of another cover letter, but don't just change the name and address and send it out.
After you have applied for a position, make a copy of the cover letter and resume you sent and staple them to the job description. That way you will be able to keep track of the positions you applied for and what you sent out with your application.
Posted by Jon at 8:44 AM | Comments (0)
August 26, 2005
Who to send the cover letter to
If you've done any reading on cover letters you have read that you should always try to send you cover letter to an acutal person.
Never send your cover letter "To Whom it May Concern!"
So, where do you find the information?
1. Look at the advertisment to see if it says who you should send the cover letter to.
2. Call the company and ask to speak with someone in their human resource department. Tell them you are interested in the position and ask for the name of the person who will be reviewing the resumes.
3. If you know someone who works for the company, ask them who would be reviewing your resume.
4. Ask the receptionist at the company
5. Visit the company in person and ask the receptionist who will be interviewing for the position
6. Check the company website
7. Do ANYTHING!!!
If you get a letter in the mail that is addressed "to whom it may concern" are you likely to read it? I didn't think so. Remember, a person will be reading your cover letter, so let them know you've done some homework.
Posted by Jon at 1:16 PM | Comments (0)
August 23, 2005
Selecting paper for your cover letter
Your cover letter should not be printed on just any paper. Like your resume, it is important to print your cover letter using a high-quality paper (24 lb to 28 lb).
The color of the paper should match your resume. If you are using white paper, make sure there is a water mark. Many people like using a colored paper to help their cover letter and resume stand out. Use a light pastel color if you decide to use a colored paper. The best colors to use are ivory, light blue or rose, tan, and light gray. Don't use bold or bright colors because it is difficult to read. You want the color of your resume and cover letter to draw attention to your application, but you don't want it to be the focus of the reader's attention!
If you have any question about the type of paper you should use, visit a local printing shop and look at their samples. They will be more than willing to assist you.
Posted by Jon at 10:29 AM | Comments (0)