Resume Cover Letter

Why the Cover Letter Matters As Much As the Resume
By http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Dawn_Rasmussen Dawn Rasmussen

I have the occasional client who pauses when they are told what the investment level is for a cover letter. Why so much, they wonder. Is it really that important?

Let me put it this way: What would happen if you had THE perfect résumé, but then sent along an accompanying cover letter that had grammatical, spelling and punctuation errors? What if you didn't express thoughts in a clear, compelling way? How would an employer respond to this? If you guessed not favorably, you are right!

Proofreading errors in a cover letter are the number one job prospect killer for résumés and applications. In fact, the same rules for résumés apply for cover letters. They HAVE to be perfect. Cover letters are in equal standing to résumés for the very reason that it tells a lot about a candidate that a résumé can't communicate.

Whereas a résumé is usually presented more in the abbreviated or 'telegraph' style of communication, a cover letter is a premier demonstration of your professional writing skills... much along the lines of how an employer might expect you to communicate via email messages or letters on their behalf, should you come under their employment.

Another key clue to prospective employers that a cover letter delivers is an understanding about the candidate that goes beyond the words on the page. Does the applicant actually 'get' what the employer is seeking in applicants for this particular position?

I recall one applicant who sent in a fairly qualified résumé paired with a cover letter that addressed the position we were recruiting, but the person clearly 'elevated' themselves to a much higher management role than what the position mandated. It was very clear that there was a disconnect between what the person's perception of the job duties were, and the ones being sought after.

Another thing employers check is whether the prospective employees follow the application directions. Failure to comply in the specified guidelines could be red flags about how this person might perform in a company - will they do it 'their way' or follow company procedures/policies? By failing to follow application guidelines, many job seekers make their own obstacles to employment by getting weeded out simply by not following directions.

Now let's tackle cover letter content. Earlier in this blog, Ernest White, the human resources professional, wrote about addressing skills. The cover letter is the prime spot to relate the skills and keywords of the job position to your experience. This component should be straight to the point, compelling, and make the reader want to read your résumé. One technique I use when teaching résumé-writing classes is to create the following equation to illustrate this point:

cover letter (why hire me) + resume (the facts) = the job

Personalization is also a key component of a cover letter. If the job opening has a generic "Attention Human Resources Manager" person to direct your application to, spend the time to try and 'dig' out a name. Call the company and ask the switchboard operator outright what the name of the HR director is. Google them on the Internet- chances are the person's name is mentioned in a press release when making high-profile hiring announcements. The person might be also a member of the local human resource professional association. Or, you might even find the person's name listed in an online business networking group like LinkedIn. Any steps you can take to personalize the cover letter and direct it to an actual human being is important. It could be that 99% of the other candidates submit their applications to "Human Resource Manager" and yours comes in addressed to Jane Smith, HR Manager. Don't you think that Jane might be at all curious as to how you got her name?

Finally, this introductory document should only be one page - no dissertations, please. Remember, you have the short span of mere seconds to either capture employer interest or get tossed into the rejection pile. You need to be concise, relevant, demonstrate an understanding of the job opening and be able to relate your skills as a solution to their staffing problem. It is a lot to do, but critical to making the pitch to employers as to why they should hire you.

The last thing I'd like to mention is that your cover letter should never be a litany of your skills nor should it repeat what you've already stated in greater detail in your résumé. You have to position yourself in the following ways: knowledgeable about their company, a perfect match to the skills that they need, and capture interest to compel the reader to turn to your résumé for greater detail. It's a tough thing to accomplish in just one page, which makes this document just as important as your résumé.

In short, cover letters can reveal a lot to employers, or they can show nothing at all. But remember, even nothing can show you something, so it is important that you realize that the cover letter is important and needs to be as perfect as your résumé!

Dawn Rasmussen - CTP, CMP

President

Pathfinder Writing and Career Services

PO Box 20536

Portland OR 97294

503-539-3954 phone

503-408-4894 fax http://pathfindercareers.com - web

Advance your career with a professionally-written resume!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-the-Cover-Letter-Matters-As-Much-As-the-Resume&id=1829270 Why the Cover Letter Matters As Much As the Resume

1 Very Big Secret Hiring Managers Do Not Want You to Know
By http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Roland_Johanson Roland Johanson

How important is it to have a cover letter if you already have a well written resume?

Most if not every person that is in the tough job market knows that you need a great resume. Many also know that you need to include a cover letter to get yourself noticed. But, did you know that the cover letter may be the KEY to landing an interview?

Sure, you resume is important, but it pales in comparison to the importance of an amazing cover letter.

You may be asking yourself, Why? Well, let me let you in on one of the biggest secrets that hiring managers do not want you to know.

While have a great set of skills and some relevant experience certainly will not hurt your chances at landing a new job, it is NOT the one and only thing that companies are looking for in this extremely tough job market.

What are they looking for?

PERSONALITY!!!

There are many great applicants out there and they are also looking for work. With the tough competition, you need to make yourself stand out from the crowd.

How do you do that?

By writing a cover letter that shows your character and personality!

When you write your cover, you need to make it personal. Address the hiring manager in a sincere but professional manner, use their name. You also need to highlight your skills and achievements. But, the very most important thing you need to add into your cover letter is YOU!

Let your personality show, you need to write like you are talking with an old friend over a nice cup of coffee. Let your words flow in a very conversational way onto the paper and into the hands of the hiring manager.

This is your chance to make a great first impression and sell yourself as THE person to fill their job opening. Remember, you only get one chance at a first impression; you need to make your cover letter reflect who you are and show that you not only have some personality but that you would be a great fit and an even better asset to the company. Attitude is everything today and by showing you have a great one, you are putting yourself far ahead of other applicants that seem dull and boring.

Put yourself out there, get a face to face interview and land the job of your dreams!

This is just one tip to help you Learn How to Write a Cover Letter. Follow me over to http://www.simple-cover-letters.info to learn more and finally land that job of your dreams.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?1-Very-Big-Secret-Hiring-Managers-Do-Not-Want-You-to-Know&id=4057425 1 Very Big Secret Hiring Managers Do Not Want You to Know

Why a Cover Letter is So Important
By http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Jessica_M_Holbrook Jessica M Holbrook

Cover letters are the introduction of your resume and of you. They set the stage for what the reader is going to see on your resume and also will tell a recruiter or hiring manager if they want to read your resume.

A great introductory letter conveys a high level professionalism and shows the hiring manager that you're interested in their position and why you are the best candidate for the job. This is why it is always important to present a completely customized version. Anyone can write a blanket cover letter but you should always focus yours on the position and company that you want to interview you. It shows time, dedication, and interest.

Having a cover letter that clearly defines why you want the position and why you are the best candidate for the position speaks volumes for you as a candidate. it should include the company's name, the hiring manager's name and contact information if you have it, the position you are applying to, and a description of why you are the best candidate for the position. I would not advise writing in the cover letter 'I am the best candidate for the position because...' but rather specifically state accomplishments or contributions that you have made in your previous jobs that align with the main points the employer is looking for in this position.

As the employer scans through it they should say I like what I'm reading and this person sounds like they might be a good fit, let me read through their resume to get some additional information.

Every job seeker needs a strong cover letter and one that can be customized to different positions as you apply. Consider having a professional design one for you that can be easily altered to each position and company you want to apply to and is strong enough to catch the reader's attention and make them want to read your resume.

Jessica Holbrook is a former Hiring Manager and a professional resume writer with Great Resumes Fast. She creates powerful, customized, and targeted resumes and cover letters that are guaranteed to get clients interviews. For a free resume analysis visit http://www.greatresumesfast.com or for a free phone consultation call 1.877.875.7706 http://www.greatresumesfast.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?Why-a-Cover-Letter-is-So-Important&id=2155812 Why a Cover Letter is So Important