Don't Send Your Resume Undressed!
Whether you submit your resume via standard mail, which is the traditional method, or if you plan to use the Internet to post your resume online with recruiters or corporate employers, don't send your resume undressed. Include a cover letter! Below we cover the key components of crafting an effective and well-written cover letter - opening, body, and closing.
Opening:
Address your cover letter to an individual, not the standard 'Dear Sir' or 'To whom it may concern.' Although many companies do not reveal contact names for applicants wanting to apply for a posted position, this doesn't mean you can't find out. Research the company, make inquiries, and dedicate yourself to make every possible effort to find out who will be the recipient of your resume.
Just imagine the impression you will give the employer or recruiter when he receives your resume and cover letter personally addressed to him. Especially, when he knows that his name or contact information was not made available in the job posting. This clearly demonstrates your dedication to make certain your resume was delivered into the right hands and that you are taking your job search seriously.
A cover letter should clearly communicate who you are, what your key selling points are, and how you are able and qualified to meet their company needs. The opening paragraph is your sales pitch. As with your resume, your cover letter must also sell you to the reader to motivate him to take an in-depth look at your resume. Your cover letter can help position you as a qualified interview candidate.
Body:
Make sure that your cover letter compliments your resume and does not repeat it. A common mistake made by many people is that their cover letter repeats, sometimes word for word, of what is mentioned in their resume. For example, duplicating the information provided in their profile summary or achievements.
Touch on your career highlights, areas of expertise, and the value you can bring to their company. What will catch your targeted audience's attention? Why are you different from other candidates applying for the same job who have the same credentials as you? What do you offer that is unique and will benefit their company? Asking yourself these questions can help you develop this section of your cover letter.
Closing:
When closing your letter, indicate your career objective and inform the employer that you will be following up with him. Don't make the employer guess your objective or what you hope to achieve. Be direct. An example would be - 'My objective is to secure a XXX position with a XXX organization.'
Be proactive rather than passive to stand out from the crowd. Follow up with employers and let them know of your intention in your cover letter. This should be done tactfully and professionally. Inform the employer that you would be happy to discuss your qualifications in more detail and that you will be following up with them to see if you can schedule a mutual time to meet. Note: If you state that you will be following up, make sure you do! If you don't, your credibility and dependability will be lost.
Writing an effective and powerful cover letter can be just as challenging as creating your resume. As mentioned in my last Insider Secrets newsletter, take advantage of the resources available to you. Visit your local library. Review books on cover letter development and look at cover letter samples written by certified resume writers.
Does your cover letter motivate employers to review your resume? If you want to get started on your job search or need help with your career transition, please visit www.WritingResumes.com for more information or contact Maria Hebda, CPRW at maria@writingresumes.com or by phone (734) 676-9170.
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