Add
the finishing touch to your resume with a cover letter
Once your resume is a finished document, complete with
an attractive design and comprehensive content, it's
time to add one last thing…a cover letter. While
a resume is the bread and butter of who you are to a
potential employer, a cover letter can be the personal
touch that makes you stand out from the rest of the
crowd.
Second in command
When preparing a cover letter, it's important to remember
that the resume is always the most important part of
your application. In fact, most employers read the resume
first, and then if they are still interested they will
take the time to read your cover letter. So never rely
on the cover letter alone to get you in the door--use
it instead to give you an edge once your resume has
gotten you through the first round.
Get personal
Always write your cover letter to the appropriate contact
at the company. "To Whom It May Concern" does
not cut it if you are serious about applying for a position.
Take the time to find out whom you should send your
resume to, and direct your letter to their attention.
This gives you a specific contact with whom you can
follow-up, and they will know you were interested enough
to do some research on the company.
What you have to offer their
company
Every cover letter you write should be customized for
the specific company who will receive it. It is not
enough to simply change names at the top of the letter.
Research the company and address their specific needs;
more specifically, concentrate on highlighting the benefits
you can offer to the company. The cover letter is your
chance to interpret the top skills on your resume and
discuss why they make you the best candidate for the
position.
The next step
At the end of your letter, make it clear that you are
actively pursuing a position with the company, and not
just sending out your resume to a long list of potential
employers. Request an interview, and let the contact
know that you will be in touch to further discuss your
credentials and the open position if you haven't heard
from them by a certain date.
Final countdown
Once you are ready to send out your resume and cover
letter, do a final edit! Mistakes on a cover letter
are just as detrimental as they are on a resume. Your
letter is an excellent indication of your communication
skills, and a great opportunity to display just how
well you can express yourself. A cover letter is usually
not the first thing an employer reads, but it does have
the power to make a more personal, customized pitch
for your credentials. Be sure it's customized for every
company that receives it, make it clear that you are
active in your pursuit of the job and edit it just as
carefully as your resume. The cover letter is your chance
to actually discuss your credentials, and serves as
the first "conversation" with a potential
employer, giving you a better chance of setting up your
second conversation--an interview
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