The myth that the cover letter is no longer relevant can hurt your chances of obtaining the position of your dreams. Employers need more information than your resume alone can provide, and introductory letters give candidates more of an opportunity to sell their skills and experience. Resist the temptation to dismiss the importance of submitting thorough documentation during your job search, and take every step necessary to impress a potential employer.
The purpose of a cover letter is to draw a hiring manager's attention to you and your skills, explains Wilson Employment Networks. Lead off the letter with a catchy statement that grabs attention and draws in the reader. Show that you are well-versed in the company's operations, products and services to display your knowledge and research of the business itself. Candidates who provide materials during the job search that are different from the pool of applicants stand out and increase their chances of obtaining an interview.
Use the cover letter to highlight your skills, especially competencies that are not included on your resume. Hiring managers read through hundreds of resumes when scouting for potential employees. Show that you are the best candidate for the job by detailing skills and experience that is desirable and noted in the job description. Outline how each skill you have meets the criteria the company is seeking.
Emphasize why you are interested in the position and working for the company when writing a cover letter. Detail what you know about the company's mission, goals and accomplishments in the industry and link them with your talents. Employers are often impressed with a candidate who has researched the company's initiatives, involvement in the community and standing within the industry. Detail what traits of the business are desirable to you and compare how your professional goals mesh with the operations of the company.
A cover letter provides candidates with the opportunity to share personality traits, hobbies and interests that are in line with the company culture. Outline how your work ethic, professional goals and needs fit with how the business operates. Indicate willingness to work with teams, enhance the company's productivity and improve profits. Hiring managers are not only seeking employees who have the skills and experience desired, but also candidates who will work well with others and complement the company's existing culture.
As a job applicant, you should leave no doubt in the mind of the hiring manager that you are the best candidate for the job. Use your cover letter to highlight your skills and experience as outlined in the job description. Request an interview after detailing how you can benefit the company's growth, and maintain a confident and professional demeanor from first encounter to the last.
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