EXPERT ANSWER
Nov 30, 2019 - 11:37 AM
A cover letter can hurt your chances of getting an interview if it is poorly written, rife with crimes against the English language (grammar, spelling and punctuation issues) and/or not focused on the position and what you can bring to the role.
Your cover letter should be thoughtful. It should be well-written and convey how your skills and talents will support both the company’s goals and the role's goals. Focus less on what you are looking for and more on how you are the answer to the company’s issues.
When a company posts a vacancy, it is because they have a business challenge they need to solve. Make your cover letter and your resume focused on addressing that challenge. Try to add some personal elements to the cover letter. Do not regurgitate the same information that is contained in your resume. It is okay (even good) to get a little creative. The cover letter is a good way to show that you have some writing chops while also allowing your personality to come through.
Given the number of applications hiring managers receive, your cover letter can allow you to stand out. Try to get the name of the hiring manager, so you are not writing to "Dear Hiring Manager." Put some effort into the letter so that it does not sound like a form letter. Finally, don’t agonize over it. The application process is time-consuming. Make sure your message hits the high points and send it out.
If you need some assistance with your cover letter, consider putting LiveCareer's Cover Letter Builder to use!
Your cover letter should be thoughtful. It should be well-written and convey how your skills and talents will support both the company’s goals and the role's goals. Focus less on what you are looking for and more on how you are the answer to the company’s issues.
When a company posts a vacancy, it is because they have a business challenge they need to solve. Make your cover letter and your resume focused on addressing that challenge. Try to add some personal elements to the cover letter. Do not regurgitate the same information that is contained in your resume. It is okay (even good) to get a little creative. The cover letter is a good way to show that you have some writing chops while also allowing your personality to come through.
Given the number of applications hiring managers receive, your cover letter can allow you to stand out. Try to get the name of the hiring manager, so you are not writing to "Dear Hiring Manager." Put some effort into the letter so that it does not sound like a form letter. Finally, don’t agonize over it. The application process is time-consuming. Make sure your message hits the high points and send it out.
If you need some assistance with your cover letter, consider putting LiveCareer's Cover Letter Builder to use!
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