Writing an effective cover letter is one of the most important and most overlooked parts of the job application process. Given the current state of our economy, competition for jobs is stiff. For many positions, an employer might receive hundreds or even thousands of applications. What will make yours stand out from the pile? Your letter of application is your chance to sell your self to the potential employer. It is your job to inform the employer what your skills are and why you should be hired for the position. Follow these tips and you will be sure to have a cover letter that gets noticed:
Why?: Why are you sending your resume? In your opening paragraph you should always state the position you are applying for and how you found out about it.
Start Strong: Your cover letter is your chance to make a good first impression. Before your potential employer looks at your resume and long before an interview, the first impressions that they will begin to make about you will be based upon your cover letter. Entice the reader to want learn more about you. Show your enthusiasm and your personality in your cover letter.
Sell Your Self: Highlight areas of your professional experience, education, abilities, or background that you feel make you especially qualified for the job. Draw parallels between areas of your resume and job requirements. Let your employer know why you are qualified and why they should hire you. Remember, there may be applicants with similar credentials, but no one will have the same cover letter as you.
For more tips check out these helpful sites: Writing an Effective Cover Letter, Virginia Tech: Cover Letters, Ezine: Cover Letters
References:
Martin, Dana. "Writing an Effective Job Application Letter." 13 Apr. 2009. http://www.washburn.edu/services/zzwwwctr/aplicationletter.wp51.txt
"Cover Letters." Virginia Tech. 13 Apr. 2009. http://www.career.vt.edu/JOBSEARC/coversamples.htm
Jaan, Imran. "Cover Letters." Ezine. 13 Apr. 2009. http://ezinearticles.com/?Cover-Letter&id=1997180
Interesting topic once again Tyler. It includes 3 major points to consider before submitting that resume/cover letter. Jobs sure are stiff, so if you want that interview a strong cover letter is a MUST.
ReplyDeleteVery helpful topic, the first impression is always key. Like how you separated the main points so it does not look clustered. Good Job
ReplyDeleteNice links to cover letters. I was hoping your graphic would look like a cover letter. It looks like a resume, which may confuse your reader.
ReplyDeleteGood information that everyone can use.
ReplyDelete