In the age of the fast and highly impersonal on-line application process, it seems the art of writing a cover letter has gone by the wayside for many. But, like so many other things in this challenging economy, now more than ever is the time to perfect the cover letter – not neglect it. Here are a few reasons to consider:
- Reflection of Your Interest – the ease with which you can apply to jobs on-line is the exact reason that a cover letter is paramount. It is a strong indicator that you are serious about your candidacy, not just slinging your resume out thre to see where it sticks.
- Template versus Boilerplate – Having a standard cover letter is a starting point, not something to arbitrarily cut-and-paste each time you apply. Make sure the document reads like it is written for the reader and only the reader. Ask yourself this – aren’t you more apt to take the time to read a letter you can tell was written just for you versus one that is clearly generic? I know I am.
- It’s All About Standing Apart from the Crowd – as unemployment continues to increase, so does your pool of competition. Differentiating is the name of the game now more than ever. Your cover letter is the perfect platform to do just that.
- The Interview Before the Interview – Every C level executive I work with says the same thing. They use the cover letter as a barometer to gauge a candidate’s ability to effectively communicate. This is an ideal time to showcase your written communication skills.
- Recruiters Don’t Read Them – Yes and no. The good ones do and the others should. For all the reasons listed here plus it gives them pre-packaged selling points for their clients, should they consider you a candidate. They, after all, are another example of an interview before the interview. Remember this though - for all the advice you might get from recruiters, they are never the one who hires you.
Are cover letter sometimes overlooked? Yes. On the other hand, they are quite often a deciding factor as to whether or not you will get an interview. So, take the time to put together a document that reflects you and why you should be considered over the other hundreds of applicants. This attention to detail could be the first step towards getting you the interview you want and the job you deserve.
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Kevin,
Good article. Short and sweet.
Occassionally, I will use an e-mail as a cover letter.
I always use a cover letter for each job, focusing on the qualities I have for the particular job.
Typically I will close with asking them for a follow-up call or reply to the e-mail.
After all I don't just want them to have my resume, I want them to hire me! Thank you.
Thank you for your words of wisdom. They are great.
Some great points to think about on the importance of cover letters. After churning out multiple cover letters the task becomes mundane and exhausting. As a result it is tempting to send out that cookie cutter letter. After all who reads it right? Well, the article is a reminder that no matter how weary we are, we have to make a personal connection with an employer and stand out from the competition.
While there is no guarantee that your cover letter will be read or tossed away, we owe it to ourselves to spend that extra 10-15 minutes carving out a compelling cover letter.
But writing a stellar piece may not be everyone's cup of tea and it certainly is a challenge for me. But it is worthwhile to seek advice from colleagues and good cover letter writers.
But there are so many different approaches to writing one that its probably advantageous to seek help from someone within your industry.
Kevin:
As always, you are right on target.
I was working on a cover letter when your e-zine arrived on that very subject. Any advice on length - I keep mine to one page, usually about three paragraphs. I customize each cover letter to the position and focus on why my experience and accomplishments make me worth considering.
Wow this is a great resource.. I’m enjoying it.. good article
Kevin...great article with practical application. As an executive recruiter that tries to help people in transition in my spare time, I think your points are excellent. Everyone needs a resume, but too many people blast them out indiscriminately. A well-worded cover letter allows you to highlight the aspects of your background that you KNOW will resonate...while minimizing potential negatives that exist in everyone's resume.
@Joe - Great point...a call to action is very important. Couple that with following up via phone and you have a sure-fire way to both stand out and get on your future employer's radar.
@Nancy - My pleasure...thanks for chiming in!
@Furhana - You make a solid point. I was commenting on this same aspect in a LinkedIn Group earlier today. The comment was made about all those who don't read cover letters. My response was not to focus on how many don't read them, but the lost opportunity (read - job offer) when you either send a template or don't include one at all.
@Andrew - Glad to help. My advice is to keep it to one page with a customized intro (making a connection with the recipient and showing demonstrating it isn't cookie cutter), 3-4 bullets quantifying and qualifying bullets as to why they need to talk to you and finally wrapping up with a call to action. There is a good template for this in the Career Mastermind "download" section.
BTW - great catching up the other day!
@CNA - welcome!
@Scott - I totally agree...and here is an example (for those job seekers reading) of a seasoned executive search professional who does see the value in a cover letter. Honestly, those recruiters who tell you it is a waste of time...well, I would give serious thought to how serious they are about their profession.
And...I know I haven't circled back with you on your email...let's catch up next week!
Kevin,
Good article. Short and sweet.
Occassionally, I will use an e-mail as a cover letter.
I always use a cover letter for each job, focusing on the qualities I have for the particular job.
Typically I will close with asking them for a follow-up call or reply to the e-mail.
After all I don't just want them to have my resume, I want them to hire me! Thank you.