ALT-1 Cover Letter
With a more competitive job market than ever before, the cover letter has become critically important. Cover letters are more than just a quick hello, please read my resume. They are a tool that should be utilized to the best of your abilities. You have a limited opportunity to impress upon a potential employer that you should be invited to an interview or be considered for an opening, so you should maximize every opportunity that you have, and this includes the cover letter.While there are varying “formats” or “standards” that should be followed, the content is always the same. Here is a quick look at what to say on a cover letter.What to Say on a Cover Letter1. Target the Letter Correctly. If possible, it is important to address the cover letter to the right person, by name if possible. While this is getting harder to do since many job postings can only be found online, it should always be taken into consideration.2. Utilize Personal Contacts. If a friend or colleague referred you to this opening, then it is always wise to mention them by name in your cover letter. If someone from the hiring company thought that you would be a good fit for the position, then you should let the organization know. In a sense, it pre-qualifies you for the position and increases the likelihood of getting an interview.3. Complimenting Your Resume. While you want to your cover letter to sync with your resume, it isn't helpful to repeat the same information that was included in your resume. Not only is it redundant, but it can lead interviewers to believe that you have run out of reasons that you should be considered for the position. The cover letter is also a great place to provide more specific examples of previous successes. It is also important to substantiate the claims that are made in your resume. By using hard facts and figures, you can connect the employers needs to your successes.4. I and You. While it is important to focus on promoting yourself in your cover letter, it is just as important to talk about the company that could be hiring you. Make sure that you are addressing how you will fill the needs of the company. By letting them know that you could be the solution to their problems, it is much more likely that you will be invited to an interview.5. Things NOT to say in your cover letter. While it is important to know what to say in a cover letter, it is equally important to understand what not to say. One of the most important things not to do is address potential negatives. Damage control should be saved until the interview. The cover should promote the positives not discuss the negatives. It is also important that you do not sound arrogant or self-defeating in the cover letter. Both ends of the spectrum can get you into trouble.Writing aneffective cover letteris more important than ever before. By knowing what to say in a cover letter, you can quickly get a step ahead of your competition.
