Cover letters can be referred to as the sales copy of the job seeker. They are used by employers as a means to separate candidates based on their communication skills and past accomplishments. Job seekers should use resume cover letters as a way to promote themselves and to start a dialogue with a potential employer early on, even before they land an interview. In extremely competitive job markets, having an edge is critical to getting your dream job. A professional cover letter can be the one thing that pushes you past the other applicants in your field.

Application packets should not read like a life story. While they should include important details about your past and your experience, you should not give a potential employer every last detail about your life. There will be plenty of time for getting to know each other on a personal level later on. The cover letter should simply get your foot in the door so that you can “sell” yourself to the manager face to face. There are a few specific ways that a cover letter can do this:

1. A cover letter shows professionalism – Writing a clear and concise cover letter explaining why you should get the job is one of the best ways to show that you are professional and were born for this business. More than a memo to the employer, the cover letter can a mini report of your background and education.

2. Cover letters explain why you are the best – The cover letter is one of the only places in business that it is not only okay, but recommended that you brag on yourself. Pull out all the stops and talk about every accomplishment that is applicable to the job you are applying for. Talk about how you kept your last project financially successful despite tough economic times or how you were the number one salesman at your last company three years running. Make sure that all of what you say make sense for the job you are applying for or at least “spin” them in such a way to make them make sense. It is never easy to figure out what will be important to a potential employer and what will not be, but make your decision based on their job ad.

3. Cover letters show attention to detail – A well written cover letter that zeros in on the aspects of the job mentioned in the job ad, indicates that you not only pay attention but that you are concerned about what it is that the company does. Do some research on the company on the web and through old newspapers and find out about some of the issues surrounding the company. Knowing your interviewers names and addressing them personally in the header of the cover letter is one of the best ways to show attention to detail and showcase your knowledge of the company.

Share and Enjoy:
  • Digg
  • Sphinn
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Mixx
  • Google Bookmarks

Tagged with: • • •

Filed under: Job Cover Letters

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!