When you approach potential employers, Introducing yourself and your resume with a cover letter will greatly increase your chances of getting job interviews. A resume outlines your qualifications, experience and abilities, but a well-written cover letter sets you apart from other candidates and makes a lasting impression on the reader. The key is to use this opportunity to let potential employers know why they need you and to explain what you can do for them.
Employers want to know what's in it for them before they hire a new employee. When you write a cover letter, your primary focus should be explaining what you can do for them. Keep it concise, no more than a page long, and create a unique, personalized letter each time you apply for a job. Incorporate a few creative ideas to make your letter stand out from the rest.
Develop a creative tagline that summarizes your expertise, and include this tagline at the beginning of your cover letter. A phrase such as "Expert Project Manager with an Eye for Detail" catches the reader's eye when it sits near the top of the page, and this increases your chances of getting an interview. Continue the letter with relevant experiences and accomplishments that support the claims made in the tagline, elaborating on why you're the best suited candidate for the position.
Take the time to learn more about the company's history and values before you apply. Describe how your qualifications align with the employer's core values and how your skills help fulfill their primary mission. Review the short and long-term goals of the business, then mention ways that your experience can help in bringing the goals to completion. Use 3 to 5 paragraphs to show the employer what you can do for them, along with details explaining how you can do it.
Close your cover letter with something more memorable than a traditional thank you, suggests an article on IvyExec.com. Finish off with a brief summary of what the employer can expect to gain when they hire you, or reiterate the key benefits the company enjoys when they employ someone with your skills and expertise. Remember to directly address the specific position you are interested in throughout the letter and always maintain a professional tone.
Job seekers often find themselves on a very competitive playing field. Don't rely on a good-looking resume alone to give you the advantage you need to stand out from the competition. Grab the attention of potential employers by letting them know what's in it for them before they even glance at your resume. Always introduce yourself with a short, creative and well-written cover letter and your chances of getting job interviews will multiply.
Photo courtesy of phantom_900 at Flickr.com
Become a member to take advantage of more features, like commenting and voting.
Register or sign in today!