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It’s hard enough to get your resume is tip-top shape for submission, but more and more, employers are expecting cover letters to be submitted for application as well. If all of the highlights of your career are listed neatly on your resume, what’s the purpose of having a cover letter?
From an employer’s perspective, a cover letter can help them gain insight into a candidate that a resume cannot. While a resume is usually just a list of accomplishments, a cover letter is drafted in paragraph format, better showcasing a candidate’s personality. It also allows an employer to see nuances in grammar and punctuation that a resume may not display. The more information an employer has for a candidate, the easier it becomes for them to decide if they’d like to move forward with the interview process.
From a candidate’s perspective, a cover letter is an opportunity to personalize a message to a prospective employer. Not only can you show off your personality, which doesn’t usually come across in a resume, but it you can also prove that you’ve done your homework on the company to which you are applying. Consequently, you are likely to get “brownie points” from an employer who can see that you’ve taken the time to research their company and have a specific interest in working for them.
Tips for cover letter drafting:
• Keep your cover letter to one page – anything longer will be a hassle for a hiring manager to read
• Taylor your cover letter for each company you apply to by listing several reasons you’d be a great fit for the specific position of your interest
• Comment about any information you’ve discovered about the company via their website, ads, word of mouth, etc.
• Give personal background information that doesn’t fit anywhere on your resume, such as interests or hobbies that somehow relate to the available position (i.e. if you are applying to be a receptionist at a sporting goods company, mention the fact that you are an avid baseball fan and attend games regularly)
Submitting a cover letter with your resume is beneficial to both you and your prospective employer. Though your resume is paramount in landing a new job, adding a cover letter to your submission can be the final touch that helps you get your foot in the door.
For more info: Read my articles Top 3 Cover letter pitfalls and 3 More cover letter pitfalls to avoid. Also, email questions or comments to jobtips4you@yahoo.com
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