By Joanna Boydak, LiveCareer
Sending your resume to a company without a cover letter is like shaking someone's
hand without introducing yourself. Your cover letter is your introduction. It's
your first (and sometimes only) chance to show your enthusiasm for the position
and to describe yourself in the best light possible.
Convey your interest: If you are applying to jobs, you have
already completed the hardest part—writing
your resume. The cover letter is simply the icing on the cake, and an excellent
way for you to convince the hiring manager to read your resume.
Use your cover letter as an opportunity to show the hiring manager what you can
do for them once you're hired. Researching the company before you begin will demonstrate
that you are informed and willing to go the extra mile—now and if you get the job.
Don't get excluded: Hiring managers need to narrow down
the list of "yes" pile applicants. Don't give them the ammunition! If you have some
red flags in your resume such as unexplained gaps,
career transitions, or lack of required skills, the cover letter is the
perfect opportunity to address these issues head on, and avoid getting passed up.
In this competitive job market, you may not get the chance to explain yourself at
an interview, so increase your chances of passing to the "yes" pile by answering
the questions a hiring manager may have when he see's your resume.
Writing a different cover letter for every job may seem like a lot of work, but
it will pay off in the long run. Companies make it easier for you by outlining the
specific job requirements, so take advantage and use these requirements and connect-the-dots
to the qualifications listed in your resume. In your
job search, quality plays a more important role than quantity.
Need a fast cover letter? Resume Builder now features our new
cover letter builder. Get matched up to a customized template and create
a professional cover letter in minutes.