Cover Letters: Your Chance to Make a Great First Impression!
It has been said that it is easy to find a job; but, it is much harder to find a job that you love! When you do find a job posting at a company where you would like to work, it is well worth your time to prepare a dynamic application package – cover letter (yes, you really DO need one!) and a resume/curriculum vitae. Your cover letter allows you to demonstrate your intentions, qualifications and potential to a prospective employer in a succinct and appealing way.
Try these tips to enhance your cover letters:
1. Personalize it to the company. "To Whom It May Concern" does not cut it! Phone the company and find out the name and title of the person to whom you should send the application. State the reason why you want to work for this company. Mention company specfics such as a special project or a recent acquisition.
2. Make it clear and to the point. (More on this in a later post!) Mention the specific job title, and two reasons why your experience would make you a good fit.
3. You may be wonderful person and never call in sick; but prospective employers really want to know practical reasons why they should hire you. Give them a bunch of reasons why. List some accomplishments you achieved on recent jobs. Brag a little! Eg. "I created and implemented new training programs which reduced staff turnover by 20%."
4. What makes you so different? Highlight your skills, talents, and experiences. Eg. if you are a manager who worked in an internationally-renowned firm and who has worked and lived in Europe and Asia and spoke several different languages – highlight that in your letter!
5. Do not include any negative information. Avoid mentioning any conflicts or sarcastic remarks, etc. If the interviewer senses/reads you bad-mouthing a current or past place of employment, she would be concerned that you would do the same to her company.
6. Be direct. State that you are available for an interview. Provide your home, work, cellphone numbers and personal email address where you can be reached.
Good luck with your new and improved cover letter!
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