No one really likes writing cover letters – not even me, and I write clients’ career marketing documents every day. Personally, I find creating resumes, executive bios and LinkedIn profiles much more fun. But – cover letters are an important part of your job search that you cannot overlook. 
Typically, your cover letter is the first writing sample reviewed by a potential employer, so make sure yours will help, not hurt, your chances of winning an interview. Continue reading
Over the last few months, I have conducted an informal survey of recruiters’ opinions on cover letters. The results were pretty evenly split, with half the group reporting that they generally do read cover letters and the rest sharing that they hated them and never read them! 
Of the recruiters who do read cover letters, nearly half said that they use the cover letter as a measure of how eager the applicant is to work for the company. A generic cover letter that appears to be one that is sent out to every job opening will be quickly dismissed– along with your hopes for an interview. Continue reading
Most jobseekers I speak with hate writing cover letters even more than resumes. Many ask if they really need to send one. My answer? “Only if you really want the job.”
Here is a simple formula for writing an effective cover letter that will entice the reader to want to get to know you:
The Salutation: Do a little research and locate the contact information for the hiring manager. If you absolutely cannot find the contact name — then use Dear Hiring Manager, not To Whom It May Concern.
First paragraph: Clearly let the reader know for which position you are applying. Include one of your primary qualifications and explain how you will use it to complete one goal for the position as outlined in the job description.
Second paragraph: Use one specific example of a previous career accomplishment that relates to the position for which you are applying. Make sure it is relevant so that the reader can envision you in their position.
Third paragraph: Mention a few of your key competencies as they relate to specifics contained within the job posting. What value do you offer the employer?
Final paragraph: Convey your excitement about the position and request an interview.
A few tips to make your cover letter more effective:
It only takes a few minutes to tailor your cover letter to each position. Show the employer you are the best candidate for the position. This extra effort will improve your chances of being granted an interview. Best of luck in your job search!
Trish Thomas founded The Resume Resource in 2009 to help people advance their careers with rewarding jobs that provide more than just a paycheck. As a Career Coach and Resume Writer, she provides her clients with the tools and strategies needed to achieve their goals and guides them through the job search process to make it less overwhelming and more successful.I have covered this topic before, but am frequently asked about functional resumes by jobseekers, so I figured I’d address them again here. I strongly advise against using a functional resume. Period.
Most recruiters and hiring managers do not like functional resumes. They are more difficult to read, and immediately raise a red flag. The reader asks him/herself “What is the candidate trying to hide by grouping together their competencies and not showing me what they did where? A gap in employment, excessive job jumping or lack of experience?” Regardless of your reason for using a functional resume, you are doing yourself a disservice. The last thing you want to do is cause any negative feelings — and confusion is a negative feeling. You want the reader of your resume to feel nothing but positive feelings. The goal of your resume is to pique the interest of the reader and entice them to invite you in for an interview, right? So, don’t annoy them. Make it easy for them to see the value you would add to their team.
If you are using a functional resume because you were advised to do so — find a better source of employment advice. Ask someone who has been trained in effective resume writing within the last few years, because the resume world has drastically changed. If you are trying to hide any of the fore mentioned scenarios, it won’t work. The hiring manager will see it anyhow, so it is better not to attempt to hide it. You should address anything that an employer may see as negative in your cover letter. Explain it simply and let the employer know why it will not be a problem. They just might appreciate your honesty and directness.
I won’t even write a functional resume. If a client comes to me requesting a functional resume because they want to change careers or get back to something they enjoyed doing in the past, I show them how we can effectively sell them with the traditional reverse chronological resume. Still not convinced? Give me a call and I’d be glad to discuss it. 860-658-6480.
Trish Thomas founded The Resume Resource in 2009 to help people advance their careers with rewarding jobs that provide more than just a paycheck. As a Career Coach and Resume Writer, she provides her clients with the tools and strategies needed to achieve their goals and guides them through the job search process to make it less overwhelming and more successful.Need a great idea for the best present you can give a recent college graduate? Consider an Entry Level Launch Package from The Resume Resource, which includes a resume and cover letter with job search counseling and LinkedIn advice, is the perfect gift to help your grad jump start their career.
The job market for recent college grads is the most competitive it has ever been. With many carrying high student loan debt, these new college graduates must demonstrate that they have transitioned from “college kids” to “young professionals” to be considered serious candidates. A professionally written resume gives these new grads the competitive edge needed to win interviews.
The Resume Resource assists new college graduates as they embark on their professional careers. We guide them through the job search process to make it less overwhelming and more successful, and help them develop the tools and confidence to achieve their specific career goals.
1:1 Career Coaching: If you are not sure of the specific career you would like to pursue, we can help you identify the types of positions that best align with your education, natural talents and interests, and establish a realistic career goal.
Resume and Cover Letter Package: Focusing on what you have accomplished academically and personally, we will design personalized career documents that sell you as the ideal candidate. We will highlight your personal qualities to show that you have transitioned from a college student to a young professional.
Job Search Coaching: We will share proven methods and strategies to locate jobs, how to use social media in your job search and application best practices that will accelerate your results. Together, we map out a structured and systematic job search plan.
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The Resume Resource helps their clients develop and express their personal brand with a compelling resume and cover letter that stands out among other candidates’ submissions and persuades employers to call for an interview. Your career success starts here!
Trish Thomas founded The Resume Resource in 2009 to help people advance their careers with rewarding jobs that provide more than just a paycheck. As a Career Coach and Resume Writer, she provides her clients with the tools and strategies needed to achieve their goals and guides them through the job search process to make it less overwhelming and more successful.Make sure your resume shows employers that you have what it takes to join their team. Highlight these qualifications on your resume; demonstrate how you have utilized these skills throughout your career to deliver results for your previous employers.
1. Ability to verbally communicate with persons inside and outside the organization
2. Ability to work in a team structure
3. Ability to make decisions and solve problems
4. Ability to plan, organize and prioritize work
5. Ability to obtain and process information
6. Ability to analyze quantitative data
7. Technical knowledge related to the job
8. Proficiency with computer software programs
9. Ability to create and/or edit written reports
10. Ability to sell or influence others