Saturday, June 9, 2012

About Cover Letters

Many people are having a hard time with cover letters, ofttimes sending it to "to whom it may concern".  This practice has become a bit antiquated with the advent of LinkedIn.

One of the most critical parts of the submittal to a position is the resume.  The resume, however, is fairly generic.  It gives a short, succinct, look into your professional history.  It may or may not tell the employer how your background specifically is a great fit for his/her position.  The cover letter serves that exact purpose. 

The Cover Letter is meant to be placed in the text of the email (no, not as an attachment).  and must address the needs the employer has....and how your skills address those specific needs.  It emphasizes some of the information in your resume.  It also fortifies your interest in being in the "top cut" of his final selections. 

Please remember, the resume is the complete recent history....the cover letter must address their needs and explain, in detail, how your skills addresses those needs.  Groveling doesn't work.  Pleading doesn't work.  Straight forwardness and informing them how YOU can "hit the ground" as a major contributor will (more than likely) separate you from the "pack". 

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