The last thing an interviewer wants to read is yet another dull cover letter.
He's just read one which simply refers to the 'attached resume' and 'looks forward to hearing from him' and little more. He turns to yours and it says the same. So do the next 5 cover letters. He yawns.
Then he comes across a good resume cover letter. It's interesting, compelling even and the bored interviewer sits up and takes note.
He gets to the end of the letter and reaches for the resume or CV. He already knows the candidate meets his needs from the letter but he's eager to read the resume or CV nonetheless.
He likes this candidate. In fact, he'll invite him for an interview.
Shame it's not you.
But it could be. A well written cover letter really can win interviews. It's the first thing interviewers read and it's an opportunity to make a great first impression that shouldn't be missed.
Here are 8 resume cover letter tips that will help you on your way to writing great cover letters.
He's just read one which simply refers to the 'attached resume' and 'looks forward to hearing from him' and little more. He turns to yours and it says the same. So do the next 5 cover letters. He yawns.
Then he comes across a good resume cover letter. It's interesting, compelling even and the bored interviewer sits up and takes note.
He gets to the end of the letter and reaches for the resume or CV. He already knows the candidate meets his needs from the letter but he's eager to read the resume or CV nonetheless.
He likes this candidate. In fact, he'll invite him for an interview.
Shame it's not you.
But it could be. A well written cover letter really can win interviews. It's the first thing interviewers read and it's an opportunity to make a great first impression that shouldn't be missed.
Here are 8 resume cover letter tips that will help you on your way to writing great cover letters.
8 Resume Cover Letter Tips
1. Find out who to address your cover letter to and then write to that person. Use his or her name and title and make sure that you spell all names correctly.
If you do not know the person's name, either call the company or do on online search to find out. Simply writing "Dear Sir/Madam" shows a lack of initiative on your part and Personnel Departments get loads of these kinds of letters each week. Most are ignored or wind up in the waste basket.
2. If you have spoken to someone before sending your CV/resume and cover letter, make reference to this in your opening paragraph.
If you have not, briefly introduce yourself in the first paragraph and give a short reason as to why you, in particular, would be the best person to hire for this job. It should be your main goal to stimulate the employer's interest so that he or she will want to read your entire cover letter and your resume or CV.
3. If you are applying for a specific job, come right out and state the following:
* Why you want the job
* Why you meet the requirements
* What benefits you would provide your new employer
4. Whether you're replying to an advert or approaching employers speculatively, tell your future employer what you will contribute to them. To do this, you need to read about the company. Find out the nature of its business, its products, needs, etc. Briefly discuss how you can advantageously help your employer if they hire you.
Do not be shy! Say exactly why you are right for this job and what you can do to help make the company successful. You must sell yourself because no one else is going to.
5. Finalize your cover letter with a request for action. Say something like: "I look forward to hearing from you," or "I will be available for an interview at your convenience." The purpose is to encourage your potential employer to take positive action which may lead to your hire.
6. Keep your cover letter short and to the point. Ideally it should only consist of one side of paper.
7. Always type your letter, unless you are asked to send a handwritten one.
8. Our final resume cover letter tip is to carefully check for misspellings, typos, grammar, etc. Correct any mistakes, print out the letter and sign it with your signature.
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