The key ingredient to your responses to any job openings are your resume cover letters. These letters are like book covers. Fair or not, we naturally do judge a book by its cover. And an interesting cover is usually what grabs our attention and pulls us in to find out more.
As much as the adage tells us not to judge a book by its cover, we all do. So when your cover letter is being read, which it often is before the resume is even looked at, it needs to give the reader reasons to want to know more. The reader needs to know why they should open up the book or, in this case, continue on to the resume.
No two cover letters should be exactly alike. They should be modified for each specific position for which you send a resume. If a name is given in the advertisement, be sure to use it. Never send a letter to a generic To Whom It May Concern unless you absolutely have to do so.
As you are writing your cover letter, refer back to the description in the job opening. You want to show that you have read the advertisement carefully and are writing the letter just for that position. Indicate where you saw the ad posted. Repeat phrases that were in the ad (but not too many). Again, you want to indicate that you are conscious of what they are looking for in a prospective applicant. So, if the ad says you need to be detail oriented, go ahead and say that this is one of your skills.
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.
Be enthusiastic when discussing your interest for both the position and the industry and be descriptive. Expand a little on why you would be a good fit and, again, give an example or two, always referring to your resume. You do not want to have a long cover letter that is a duplicate of your resume. Only highlight a few key job duties at a couple of positions that show your relevant experience for the position you are applying for.
When you end your letter, do so with confidence. You do not hope to meet them; you look forward to meeting them and discussing how you can be an asset to the company. Be sure to express appreciation for the consideration and time of the person reviewing your application.
Always proofread both resume and letter very thoroughly for both spelling and grammar. It is never a bad idea to have someone you trust give them a quick read as well. Cover letters with poor grammar and misspellings make it seem as if the position is not important to you. If you are so careless in the beginning, how will you be when you are actually employed?
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.
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