According to the leading professional resume writers or the world, these days a cover letter is nearly as important as a resume. In fact, many career experts feel that a cover letter should always be included with a resume, no matter if the application says the inclusion of a cover letter is optional. The very first mistake in most job searches is failing to include a cover letter.
If you’ve never written a cover letter before, the task of writing your very first one can be daunting. But it doesn’t have to be, not at all. A cover letter is basically just a way to set the tone for the applicant (you) and make your intentions known right off the bat.
This is where you introduce yourself, and let your hopefully-soon-to-be employer know a bit about your career accomplishments and goals. Writing a unique and thought-provoking cover letter is one of the best ways to stand out from the other applicants. To get started on creating a killer cover letter, follow the tips provided below.
Always lntroduce Yourself at the Start
Remember what we just said about a cover letter serving as an introduction between you and a potential employee. That should be taken literally, and you should actually introduce yourself within the first sentence of any cover letter. You don’t have to formally introduce yourself with the “Hi, my name is…” format, since all of your contact information will be found at the top of the page. Just do your best to tell the reader a bit about who you are and what you’re all about.
Address the Letter to the Right Person
This can be difficult at times, but do your best to determine who exactly with be reading this letter. If you’ve been corresponding with someone about the application process, use that person’s full name in the “To Whom It May Concern” section. It might take a little bit of effort to figure this out, but it adds a special touch to any cover letter. It also shows that you’ve taken the initiative to find out this information, which is a great way to start off the application process.
Research the Job and the Company
One of the most unprofessional things you can do during the interview process is not knowing the exact job you’re applying for. The same goes for not having the faintest idea of the company you’ll be working for. Always do your research on the job position, what it entails, and the values of the company overall. Do your best to incorporate some of this information within your cover letter.
You Don’t Need a Complete Rundown of Your Resume
It’s important to understand the difference between a cover letter and resume. Remember that a cover letter is meant to introduce you and let the reader know why you’d be a good fit. It should be very general – leave the specifics to the resume. Avoid repeating the information that is found in your resume, the reader will get to that eventually.
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