|
|
|
Cover Letters: Sell Your Sizzle
Not Your Steak
(by Jim DeSantis) |
|
|
Are you interested in changing careers? If you
are, you will soon start examining all open jobs
in or around your area, if you haven't already
done so. Once you are able to find one or more
jobs that meet or exceed your expectations, you
will likely start submitting your resume. But,
before you do that, you will want to place a
focus on creating separate cover letters for
each position you are interested in.
If you already have a cover letter developed,
you need to rethink it. If you do not, good. The
reason it is good that you do not have a cover
letter already written is because you need to
carefully craft separate cover letters that
speak to the requirements of each position you
are applying for. "Cookie-cutter" cover letters
just will not do.
Unfortunately, many job seekers do not realize
the importance of cover letters and the impact
they have so they opt for a one size fits all
approach with only minor edits.
Here is why cover letters are so important, as
well as some tips on how to make each cover
letter targeted:
You need to understand that you have a choice
about whether to use a cover letter. Cover
letters are most commonly used with resumes that
will be mailed in. However, when you submit a
job application in person, you are able to
introduce yourself to the individual who is
collecting them so you actually become the cover
letter in-the-flesh. This introduction is not
possible when you simply mail in a resume. That
is mainly what cover letters are used for. They
give you the opportunity to quickly introduce
yourself on paper before your resume is read.
Resume cover letters also serve as a backup
plan. Although resume cover letters come in a
number of different formats, you will introduce
yourself, outline how you learned about the job,
why you would like to have it, and why you are
qualified for it. If properly written, a resume
cover letter can act as a backup plan in that it
likely will be read before your resume. This is
important because a well crafted cover letter
will entice the prospective employer to read
your resume. As we know, not all resumes are
perfect. Even if your resume is difficult to
read, employers should still be able to use your
cover letter to determine whether you should be
contacted for a job interview.
So, what constitutes a good cover letter?
A previously stated, cover letters come in a
number of different formats but they all have
the same goal. That goal is to sell you as the
perfect candidate for the job. When an employer
reads your cover letter, you want them to turn
the page to see your resume with anticipation.
You want to sell your "sizzle" not your "steak".
When creating a resume cover letter for
yourself, you will want to first introduce
yourself and mention the job that you are
applying for. You may even want to mention where
you learned about the job opening. Many
employers like hearing this information, as it
gives them reassurance that their marketing
tactics are working.
Now comes the "sizzle".
You will want to outline your work experience
but state why you feel that experience makes you
perfect for the position in which you are
applying for. When it comes to listing your
qualifications and work experience, it is
important to be very brief, as this information
can also be found in your resume. The most
important statement in your cover letter should
tell the prospective employer just how your
"sizzle" (experience) will benefit their
company. This will take a bit of advanced
research so you understand just what the
position entails. It may take a telephone call
to the Human Resources person and ask a few
questions about the position. This will give you
an edge over the other applicants.
As mentioned, if you are planning on applying
for multiple jobs, you will want to create
multiple resume cover letters. This is
important, as not all job opportunities are the
same. You can create a resume cover letter
template, but be sure to customize that template
each time before submitting it to prospective
employers. Customization and personalization are
important, as it can help your resume and cover
letter stand apart from all of the rest.
Remember, if you will be mailing your resume in,
include a cover letter. If submitting your
resume in person, you become the cover letter
in-the-flesh. The choice is yours.
Jim DeSantis, a former TV News Director,
provides cutting edge employment tactics. For
scripted job interview answers see
Interviewer and for the latest resume'
techniques see
Guaranteed Resume'. |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
| |
| |
|
|
Editor's Note |
|
If you are a
career coach or a human resources professional
and would like to contribute an article to
WorkBloom, please
contact us. |
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
|
| |
| |
| |
|
