Cover Letters are King - The Dos and Don'ts

Joseph Eldon

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The resume is what gets you in for an interview, but what gets that resume in the door? The cover letter. The cover letter serves as an introduction to a prospective employer, much like a handshake. Make sure that you make a good impression on your prospective employers with your cover letter. If the cover letter is not a good one the process stops there. A cover letter is often overlooked, but is definitely something that you should give your attention. There is never a question of whether or not you need a cover letter. It is ALWAYS necessary. Remember first impressions are key. A cover letter is the first thing the HR professional reads in the actual resume submission process.

Dos

Good cover letters will convey to the reader the specific job for which you are applying and send the cover letter to the specific person hiring for the position, the person you will be able to follow up with later.

A basic description of your personal results-focused experience that speaks to the advertised qualifications is important to make the cover letter a hit.

Be sure to mention any contacts/commonality you share with the reader to peak his/her interest.

Being polite is crucial. Be sure to thank the reader for their time in reviewing your information and mention your experience in terms of their needs - not yours. Mention only your qualifications that best match the position for which you are applying.

End the cover letter with an action plan - you'll follow up with them next Tuesday, etc.

Don'ts

It is very impersonal and easy to ignore when you address the cover letter To Whom It May Concern. Put more time into it. Find out the name of the person handling this hire. Call around and use your resources. This will make a big difference.

Keep it simple. A cover letter shouldn't be more than one page. Stay on subject and think of the letter in terms of the reader not yourself. Talk more about things you can do for the company rather than only what you've done successfully throughout your career.

Negative information about the companies you've worked for or the layoff of which you were involved has no place in a cover letter. Not much about your personal life is encouraged. Nobody wants to deal with baggage. Try not to create any for yourself.

So you now have the information necessary to draft an intelligent cover letter that should not be overlooked. Start researching the companies you are interested in, locate the names of the people you will be sending resumes to and begin to draft your work of art.

 

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