Cover Letters Do Matter

When you visit the book store in search of that great book that will hold your attention or keep you on the edge of your chair for the next few days or weeks, how do you pick one that will meet these expectations? Typically you would look at the cover flap or the back of the book and read the synopsis of the story. Did it peak your interest? Can you see it providing the relaxation, information, suspense, action or romance you are seeking? If the answer is no, you put it down and go on to the next book on the shelf. If the answer is yes, you buy the book, get comfortable, open it up and excitedly read.

This is the same process a recruiter, a Human Resources Manager or a Hiring Manager might use when they pick up your cover letter and resume. Don’t fool yourself; it can be just as exciting to read a well-crafted cover letter from an applicant who, through the course of the letter, convinces me that I had better flip the page and study that attached resume. And, conversely, it is disconcerting (if not annoying) to sit for hour after hour reading meaningless form letters, trying to get interested enough to read beyond these boring introductions.

Cover letters do matter! They matter so much that if you don’t take the time to write one that is interesting and relevant to the position you are applying for, then you might not bother writing one at all. An uninteresting, unrelated form letter can actually sabotage your chances of getting an interview. It gives the reader the impression you weren’t interested enough to customize a letter for that particular position and company. The reader might even think of you as lazy.

On the other hand, a letter that uniquely grabs the attention of the reader and tells the story of why you are the right person for this position will likely compel the reader to review your resume already anticipating it will disclose the experience and proficiencies they are looking for in the position, thereby greatly increasing your chance of getting that interview. Or, at the very least, it could impress the reader so much that they will keep your resume to be accessed for another position.

The cover letter also offers you the opportunity to add information that may not appear on your resume, e.g., you can reference the individual who referred you, notify them of the best time of day to reach you directly, compliment the company and give them a brief and relevant reason for your interest in working for the company. Here’s an example:

I have followed the growth of ABC Company throughout my career and have been very impressed with its track record, especially in the commitment to your “green” initiatives.

In today’s highly competitive market, it is the job seeker who can stand out from the crowd who will get the consideration. Your first opportunity to do that is with your cover letter. Be creative, be yourself and keep the following tips in mind when composing the “synopsis” of your candidacy:

1. Customize the letter for the reader you will be sending your letter and resume to; try to get the name and use it in the salutation.

2. Tell your story in a concise manner; don’t ramble.

3. Be creative; make your opening line grab their attention on a professional level

4. Show your interest in the company, and/or Hiring Manager.

5. Concisely point out correlations between the job requirements and your experience and accomplishments.

6. Reiterate your interest and willingness to be available to provide additional information through a telephone conversation or an interview; provide any additional contact information.

7. Show gratitude for the consideration and their time.

Today’s post was contributed by a new member of the Interview Angel team Valorie Margalit. Valorie has extensive experience in Human Resources and Recruitment, and is based in the Los Angeles area. Oh, and she wrote a stellar cover letter when she applied to work for Interview Angel Inc.

So cover letters do matter.

Cheers,
Brent

Author:

Brent Peterson is the founder of Interview Angel (www.interviewangel.com), the most comprehensive guide to executing near flawless job interviews. Brent’s goal is to help all job seekers take proper action to display their value and fulfill their professional goals.

Brent Peterson