Far too many people underestimate
importance of resume cover letters. In a sense, a well written cover letter works like an agent on your behalf. It tosses a sales pitch for you to employer, explaining why you should be at top of list for interview calls. Taking time to write a cover letter tells employer you are willing to go above and beyond; not just simply slap a resume in an envelope and mail it. Not All Resume Cover Letters Are Created Equal
No two resume cover letters should ever be same; each one should be uniquely tailored to job for which you are applying. A generic cover letter is insulting to an employer and will quickly find its way into trashcan. When writing cover letters keep following tips in mind:
Address resume cover letters to an actual entity, not just a generic “To Whom it May Concern” or “Personnel Director.” If you are not sure who to address, find out and then make sure you spell their name correctly. Do not just assume.
State who referred you or how you found out about job opening. “Linda McCain mentioned that you might be hiring a new computer programmer soon.” or “I learned about your opening for a Sales Associate from your posting in San Francisco Sun and would like to discuss a few ways I can contribute to your team.”
Resume cover letters should discuss how you can help employer, not about why you need job. The employer has posted a job opening because they need that position filled and they need best candidate to fill it. Convince them why you are that person.
Make Yourself Stand Out from Crowd
Demonstrate you know something about who employer is and what they do. If you don’t know anything about company, find out what products or services company offers, their competitors; any recent or upcoming changes. Employers will be impressed with your knowledge, especially if their company services a specialty niche that isn’t well known.
