Cover Letters Still Key to Hiring Decisions
Landing a job is more competitive than ever. First impressions are often had during a fifteen second scan of an online resume. As thousands and thousands of qualified professionals vie for scarce jobs, every effort counts. Despite recent trends showing a simple one page resume is all that’s typically submitted to companies nowadays, a cover letter is essential. Writing a cover letter that separates you from the pack, and sells your skills to an organization is not the easiest task – yet often most critical. It’s your elevator pitch on paper. Continue reading to discover the secrets to a great cover letter…
Cover Letters Still Key to Hiring Decisions
As the job application process increasingly moves online, some job seekers might be tempted to think a formal cover letter is no longer necessary — not so, a new survey shows.
Some 86 percent of 150 executives recently polled by staffing firm OfficeTeam said cover letters are valuable when evaluating job candidates. And, 80 percent of managers said it is common to receive electronic resumes accompanied by formal cover letters.
“Submitting a resume without a cover letter is like not shaking hands when meeting someone for the first time,” said Dave Willmer, executive director of
OfficeTeam. “Those who aren’t including cover letters with their resumes are missing an opportunity to make a good first impression and set themselves apart from other job applicants.” According to Willmer, a cover letter should demonstrate the applicant’s knowledge of the company, highlight applicable skills and work experience, and explain any resume anomalies, such as extended employment gaps.
Consider these tips:
- Name names: When possible, address your letter to the specific hiring manager rather than including a generalized introduction. If you don’t know the hiring manager’s name, call the company and ask.
- Do your homework: Research the company online and demonstrate how your knowledge and skills fit the job and could benefit the organization.
- Solve any mysteries: If you have any long employment gaps, explain how you filled the time. Mention professional development courses or volunteer activities that show additional efforts to keep your skills current.
- Leave something for the resume: Limit your cover letter to one page, if printed, or a few paragraphs, if submitted in the body of an e-mail.
- Make a plan: Demonstrate your excitement for the position and conclude by identifying specific pro-active next steps such as, “I’ll follow up with you next week to discuss meeting in person.”
- Read and reread: Just as you would scrutinize your resume, take time to review your cover letter for typos and grammatical errors. Have a friend or mentor read it as an added precaution.
- Be a savvy submitter: When applying through online job boards, always choose the option to add your cover letter to your resume. When e-mailing application materials to a hiring manager, paste your cover letter within the body of your message.
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Great information, I agree totally with the cover letter. It surprising how many people do not use them. Thanks for the great post!
Cover letters have long been the differential between candidates, but many don’t use them. I agree with Jenny that it’s surprising that more people don’t use them. I would figure that they would want to give themselves an advantage over the competition and one way to do it is with a cover letter.
Nice info! I agree with the cover letter, but I sometimes have a hard time writing one. With the lack of choice from the job seekers perspective you find yourself applying for jobs your not always that enthusiastic about. It’s those cover letters I have a hard time writing. I do always write one though
Cover letters are my biggest challenge when I apply for a job. It seems I never know what to say, where to start or how will what I say give me an edge. I used to feel I always did the wrong thing but with your tips, I’m good to go.
Thanks,
Jack
Most people don’t even use them so the fact that you actually use them is still better than not. It’s best not to get too detailed on them and just give an overview of who you are or you skill set, why you applying, and what you can bring to the table.