Unless an employer specifically directs you not to include a cover letter, you should never miss an opportunity to include this highly effective tool. A good cover letter is the perfect complement to your resume, and it allows you to share a bit of your personality and to promote yourself in a professional way.
While your resume is a practical reflection of your work history, your cover letter gives you the opportunity to truly speak directly to your prospective employer, to convey your enthusiasm about the position and to express your appreciation for his or her consideration.
When writing your cover letter, try to follow these guidelines:
- Write concisely—be direct and to the point, and try to avoid overly descriptive language.
- Address your letter—be sure to address the recipient directly if at all possible.
- Show your personality—be professional, but don’t be afraid to be yourself!
- Promote yourself—tell the employer exactly what skills make you perfect for the position and reference specific points in your job history. Focus on communicating why you will be a good addition to the team and what you can do for the company—don’t simply list your strengths as an employee.
- Keep it fresh—don’t use a boring form letter. Tailor your letter to address the employer’s needs and respond specifically to the job posting if applicable.
- Review, review, review—check your letter thoroughly for errors!
- Be consistant—Match the style and font of your cover letter to your resume to make a strong visual impression.
You can find even more tips to assist you in finding your new job by downloading our free Ultimate Job Seeker’s Guide from http://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.