A person looking for a job can now take advantage of applying for certain jobs simultaneously through the Internet. The use of online submissions of application letters has made applying for a job as easy as 123. However some job applicants have committed and are still committing a mortal sin in job applications. Job applications should always come with a cover letter no matter if it is being sent the traditional way that is by snail mail, or by email. Some people believe that a cover letter is no longer important since they already sent their comprehensive resume. However, job applicants should be aware that a comprehensive resume or bio-data is different from a cover letter. A resume is called comprehensive because it can take on as many pages as your qualifications and job experiences may require. On the other hand, a cover letter should be a short letter which should not even exceed a page. A cover letter is actually the first part of the application of a person and this is the first thing that most human resources managers see and base their decisions on. Human resources managers and even their staff do not have all the time in the world to read very long resumes. Thus a person who wants to get an interview with a company should write a very brief, concise and interesting cover letter that would get him an interview. Most human resources staff just takes a look at the cover letter and sees if the applicant has all the basic requirements for the job. An application without a cover letter would not help at all and in most cases it would just be thrown or misplaced. Writing a very good cover letter or introduction is thus a very important t part of every job application. Job applicants should learn how to write a very good cover letter because it is the only way they will be able to catch the attention of the hiring officer no matter if they have a very good resume.
A cover letter is much like a sales letter which provides a one-page summary of how the applicant meets the requirement of the vacant position being sought by the company. Once the applicant has been chosen and scheduled for an interview then this will be the time when his comprehensive resume will be of use. It is a given that almost if not all people called for an interview already meets the basic or the minimum requirements of the company. However, their resumes will show who among them has an edge over the others. A cover letter actually gets a person through the door of the company while the comprehensive resume makes sure that he gets his foot permanently in the company concerned. Writing a winning cover letter could not be achieved in one sitting except of course if the applicant is a very talented and convincing salesman or writer. Like most things, a person has to practice writing his cover letter until he gets it right. It may be a strenuous pursuit but if the aim is to be called for an interview then a person has no choice but to do it.
Your cover letter must be a presentation of your qualifications and abilities and must be presented in a professional yet personalized format that says you are serious about getting hired. It is your first chance to make a good impression and makes the hiring manager want to continue to read your enclosed resume.
Do You Really Need a Cover Letter?
You bet that you do! It is the first chance you have to market yourself to a perspective employer. It is the most important way to introduce yourself and give a brief highlight of why you think you are right for the position.
Think about this, you would never show up at a perspective employer’s door uninvited, therefore your resume should never just show up on the hiring manager’s desk without some kind of introduction. Your cover letter is that introduction. Through it, you introduce yourself, sell your qualifications and show them that you are a strong candidate for the position. You don’t put too much information into it, just enough to make them interested in learning more about you and what you can offer the company in terms of your abilities and experience.
Cover letters should be created with care. Don’t rush it, take your time to think through what needs to be mentioned in it and write a draft on paper. Go over it afterwards and edit it for spelling and grammar. You don’t want to send a cover letter that is full of errors. Here are some steps to help you create your own cover letter.
Creating a cover letter
1. Get personal The cover letter should be directed to a specific individual whenever possible. Because many companies recruit for many positions at the same time you should also indicate the position title you are applying for.
2. Why do you want this job? The cover letter should also say “why" you are interested in the position. Be clear and get to the point. Cover letters should be specific but concise. The letter should not be more then one page. Perspective employer’s are not looking for your life history in a cover letter, just a brief introduction and overview of your qualifications. Include a few reasons why you think your skills are a good fit for the job and briefly mention the highlights of your career. State your intentions and qualifications. Hiring managers do not want to read a list of skills that have nothing to do with the position you are applying for. They want to see that you have the skills needed to do the job well.
3. Talk about your strengths Hiring managers want to know why you think you are right for the position. Tell them in a big way by listing some of your major career accomplishments. The point here is to make the best impression that says how much value you can bring to the job. Some examples may include: Examples: ·Increased sales by 93 percent in first quarter. ·Renegotiated leases or loans at a reduced interest rate that resulted in a yearly savings of $50,000. ·Implemented new processes that resulted in savings of 100 man-hours.
4. No Negative Information Never include any negative information or remarks of any kind. Especially about your current or past employers or coworkers. This will turn off the reader and your resume will never get read.
5. Salary and/or Relocation Information Include this information only if the perspective employer requests it and do not include it on your resume. If requested, the cover letter is the place where you should include it or create a separate sheet listing your salary history. Salary is usually negotiated once you become a clear choice for the position. Never ask how much the position pays. The interviewer may ask you what starting salary you are looking for, but rarely will tell you how much the position pays until you become a clear choice for the job.
6. Take charge Make sure that you mention in the cover letter that you are available for a personal interview. Include all your contact information so that the perspective employer has several ways to reach you, E.g. email, phone, cell etc.
A professionally written, error-free cover letter can open the door to your dream job or to a new career and will increase your chances of getting the interview.
Both Davinder Ys & Simone Emmons are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.