Resume cover letters are often just dashed off in a hurry, yet these are just as important as your resume, if not more. Why? Because you can think of them like the covers of books. And people do not generally open up books that do not have appealing covers.
Your cover letter is like that proverbial book cover. When you send your resume out, the person who receives it will often take at least a cursory glance over your cover letter. This is your chance to give them a reason to want to know more about you. It is your chance to show why the book should be opened up.
You should write a different cover letter for every position. If a name is listed in the advertisement, use it. Never use a generic Dear Sir or Madam when you can address the letter specifically.
Always refer back to the advertisement for the position. This shows that you have actually read the posting and are writing this letter specifically for that particular opening. Mention where you saw the advertisement. Use the exact language from the advertisement when explaining why you are applying. If they are looking for someone who is detail oriented, you can say that you are detail oriented.
But saying that you have a specific skill is not sufficient. You need to follow it up with an example of how the reader can say in your resume that you have that skill. Refer to a specific position that illustrates that you are detail oriented, such as having been a proofreader for several years.
Express interest in both the position and the industry that it is in. Give reasons why this position excites you. Again, give specific examples of why they should be interested in you. You do not want to duplicate your resume in your cover letter, just highlight key experience that fits as closely as possible with the position in the ad.
Sign off confidently, saying that you look forward to meeting with them and showing them how you can help them meet their goals. And always thank them for their time and consideration.
The final step is proofreading, and you must be very thorough with this. It is never a bad idea with job applications to have someone else read over letters and resumes. Misspellings or grammatical errors in cover letters will make you appear careless and as if you do not really have much interest in the position, regardless of what you have stated in the letter. The prospective employer will be concerned that your work will reflect the same carelessness.
Resume cover letters are your first impression. And, like all first impressions, you only get one chance. By following the above tips, you are far more likely to have you resume read and make it in the door for that all important first interview.
Author Resource:
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