Face facts: Some people will never read your cover letter. The rest of the people may trash your resume if it does not include a cover letter. Others will value the cover letter over all other application materials. Since you can’t know for sure which type of employer or recruiter will receive and review your materials, assume the cover letter is a crucial piece of your application package. [Read more…] about Are cover letters important? Cover letter mistakes
Questions to Consider for Your Cover Letter
Once you have a great resume, writing a terrific cover letter is the next important step. It’s not a good idea to skip the cover letter, as many employers think of it as the equivalent of an introductory handshake. If you wouldn’t skip the handshake, don’t skip the cover letter!
I’ve written all about cover letters…Follow THIS link to read my suggestions for how to compose yours.
I recently read a post by my colleague, J.T. O’Donnell that I thought offered some terrific, thought provoking questions for job seekers to consider when writing a cover letter. She suggests that they answer questions such as:
—Looking at your past professional success, what makes you good at what you do?
—How has your work inspired you?
—What value does it provide?
—If asked to describe yourself in an honest, humble, funny yet confident sort of way, what would you say?
The key thing is to connect what you have to offer with what will appeal to the employer. I think these questions are a great way to start thinking!
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Cover Letter Inspiration…So Be It!
Are you suffering writer’s block when it comes to your cover letters?
Your first inspiration should come directly from the job description. This is your best source of information about what the employer is seeking. In addition, be sure to visit their website and take advantage of any information that helps connect you to the organization. Finally, if you have been networking well, you may have personal information directly from employees of the targeted company. USE IT to help you draw the lines between what you offer and what they want.
How Can You Describe Your Qualifications and Strengths?
Resources that might be helpful include:
- Phrases from prior performance appraisals, letters of commendation and letters of recommendation.
- Current and past job descriptions and standards of performance that clearly express job expectations and responsibilities.
- Desirable characteristics and requested skills for similar advertised jobs.
- Newspaper editorials and business sections to help write paragraphs about your industry, occupation or the economy.
More Tips to Make My Cover Letters Effective
- Keep a copy of every letter you send as part of your job search file. Besides providing you with a record of your search, you can use portions of these letters in future ones.
- To be efficient, develop two or three basic paragraphs and modify them slightly to personalize each letter.
Read more about cover letters from Keppie Careers:
Don’t Skip the Cover Letter
Cover Letter Tips
Don’t want to write a cover letter? We’ll do it for you! www.keppiecareers.com.
Photo by Eva the Weaver