While on the search for a new career or after spotting your dream position on a job listing, you are likely to be sending out your resume, but when you do, no matter how you do, you should include a form of cover letter. It is that letter that makes your first introduction to the employer and puts your personality and writing ability on display.
Any time your resume goes to an employer, you should make sure to attach a cover letter to it, unless the employer asks applicants not to include one. Otherwise, the only time you don't include your cover letter with a resume is when you go in for a job interview. The cover letter is intended to secure that interview, so by the point you go in for one, its purpose is served, and while an employer might appreciate you having an extra bulleted resume to refer to, they aren't as likely to that with the text in a letter.
When it comes to creating the perfect cover letter, you should not approach it as a summation of your resume, or something that can be mass-mailed to a number of companies. Each cover letter you write should have personal touches, particularly an attempt to address it to an actual person whenever possible. You should also address what you can offer each business specifically and show you already have an understanding of what it is the company does.
Your cover letter should be unique and make you stand out from other candidates. Don't waste your first paragraph on boring summations; instead try to show a little of your personality and what you can offer the company. The rest of the letter should include answers to the questions you think the employer is most likely to ask, but without becoming negative. This is also your opportunity to request an interview instead of waiting on the company to take the initiative.
Make sure that your letter is written with correct grammar and spelling and done so tightly; eliminate any unnecessary words or phrases. This is especially true when you are sending an e-mail as your cover letter. When compared to their print counterparts, e-mailed cover letters are expected to be much shorter. Regardless of whether it is in print or on a screen, the focus is still the same: to present yourself and land that interview.
 |
You can find even more tips to assist you in finding your new job by downloading our free Ultimate Job Seeker’s Guide from www.mybackgroundcheck.com/JobSeekerGuide/. The Ultimate Job Seeker’s Guide is packed with help from cover letters to growing you professional network. It’s a great tool for job seekers in any field. |