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Creating A Quality Resume Cover Letter

Written by Author on January 3rd, 2010

After my job hunting skills were honed and my resume was updated, it was on to the next item in the process to help me find a job. What I’m referring to is a well-written resume cover letter. Once again, I found myself at a disadvantage because it had been so long since I had to search for employment. Not only did I not have a cover letter but I was under the impression that it really was not that important. However, after doing some research as a part of my search for employment, I discovered that a cover letter might be the difference between getting an interview and simply having your resume tossed aside without ever being reviewed. Your resume cover letter effectively serves as an introduction of you to possible employers and they may elect to only interview those to whom they have been properly introduced. Obviously if you don’t get an interview, then it stands to reason that you won’t get the job.

Just having a cover letter is a beginning but if it is a cover letter of poor quality, then you may be better off not using it. I’d rather not have a cover letter at all than to have one which does a poor job of representing me in a positive way. In my opinion, a bad cover letter can do more damage than good. A poorly constructed cover letter tells a story about you just as one of high quality does except in a negative manner. There are obvious details that you will want to pay close attention to such as spelling, grammar, and punctuation but there are additional things to consider if you really want to make a positive impression.

First of all, it is a good idea to customize your resume cover letter to fit each position for which you apply. A generic letter will probably make you seem lazy and will definitely sound boring. Include the name of the company and the title of the position for which you are applying. If you were referred by someone, insure that you include this fact along with the name of that person. This information should be in the first paragraph.

Next, demonstrate to your potential employer that you have taken the time and put forth the effort to find out enough about the company and about the open position to focus your cover letter accordingly. Tell them why you are the one who should be hired for that specific position and why you are a good match for the company in general. As an example, maybe mention something related to the company’s mission statement and explain how it aligns with your beliefs or background. Back up these declarations with pertinent facts about your accomplishments, skills, education, and job history that were not detailed in your resume. Don’t loose sight of the fact that the cover letter is intended to be a complement to your resume and not an exact copy.

Third, set expectations in your final paragraph. If it is a case whereby it would be appropriate to follow up, then indicate that you will do so and specify how you will do it (i.e. letter, phone call, email, etc.). Don’t forget to thank whoever is reading your cover letter for taking the time to do so and for considering you for the position. Also let them know the best method of contacting you for an interview and include your contact information.

Finally, don’t make your cover letter too long. Just get to the point and include the the most crucial information as mentioned previously. Remember that the primary objective of your letter–paired with your resume–is to get you an interview. Think of it as simply another tool designed to help you along that path. Don’t try to make your resume cover letter your interview. I also want you to understand that these are just a few basic tips about creating a quality resume cover letter. There are many resources available online that go into more detail but this information should provide a good starting point. However, I encourage you to continue researching in order to increase the quality of your final product. Even as I write this article, I am still in the process of perfecting my cover letter because I know that when it comes to taking steps designed to help me find a job, I can’t over do it. Hopefully you agree.

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