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 there 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.
For more FREE advice like this, enter your name and email address below to receive your Complimentary copy of "70+ Tips to Perfect the Interview."
Check your email inbox for the copy after you click "submit."
I agree that a well written cover letter is one more way to set yourself apart from the crowd, plus you are able hit some highlights that aren't as easily seen in your resume.
Generally, if I'm emailing my resume to someone, I create one PDF, which includes both my cover letter and resume, that I send as an attachment along with my brief email. That way, you have to read the cover letter, unless you scroll past it, to see the resume. Not sure if this is the best technique, but it's how I've been doing it.
Great points, Kevin. In fact, many successful job seekers have clinched an appointment with a highly-targeted, well-written letter.
I recall contacting a VP of Marketing years ago when searching for a new position. In my letter, which I think was the only thing he read, he noticed that I was inaccurate about his company's previous year's revenues. (My research showed $60 million.)
The VPM called me two days after receiving the letter and said: "I'm calling because I got your letter and the company revenues are WRONG! We earned $80 million last year." I said "Great! Why don't we get together and talk further."
I didn't get a job, but the experience continues reminding me how important it is to do your homework and distinguish yourself from the other 90% of job applicants who send canned letters.
When I write a cover letter I do not use a template or the same old form that many books tell us we should use.
I see a cover letter being more personal at a professional level. So I write more as a business letter than a cover letter.
It is attention getting because it isn't in the same old format we always see as hiring managers. It shows initiative, professionalism and courage to take risks.
Think about it the next time you need to write one.
It's the canned letters that deserve to die out. People should them more as a guideline and not their actual letter. I think companies are more inclined to look at original, more personally written cover letters.
Usually I do not read article on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up very pressured me to take a look at and do so! Your writing taste has been surprised me. Thank you, very great article.