Researching resume cover letters, I have come across many arguments both for and against writing cover letters for a resume.
I recommend cover letters primarily as according to my observations, many recruiters will cull those applicants from the process if a cover letter is not supplied.
The resume cover letter has always been and will always be the absolutely ideal venue by which a job seeker can extol his virtues in more detail than what can be found on his resume.
If you can think of your job search as the personal marketing campaign it really is, you will quickly see how crucial an excellent cover letter is to your overall success. With that in mind, think of a resume as your personal marketing piece. Think of a professional resume service as your personal marketing and advertising agency. Now, think of your cover letter as your press release – a marketing piece that provides marvellous audience specific details about you.
Just as a business must have an effective marketing program in place to attract new customers, a job hunter must employ the exact same strategy to attract possible new employers. And just as a press release provides relevant details about a company, details not covered in their regular marketing material, your cover letter includes details not provided in your resume.
The major purpose of any cover letter is to provide information that would make you a desirable candidate for that particular job. Information that is not on your resume (and shouldn’t be).
The cover letter you send to ABC Ltd. is probably not the same cover letter you would send to XYZ Partners. Why not? Because you are dealing with two different companies, with two different jobs, and two different corporate identities. Information that would impress one may not even be relevant to the other.
I know many of you are saying, “But I’m only a mail room clerk. What else could I possibly say that would interest someone?” or perhaps, “I’m a doctor for heaven’s sake! What else do they need to know?”
In either case, that one unique statement that you so carefully script into your cover letter could be the reason you are called in for an interview.
Perhaps ABC Ltd. is a start up company searching for a Managing Director who specifically has experience in their industry (medical equipment), who has worked in start ups in the past, with a proven track record of success, and would be able to travel almost constantly.
As you read the job description you almost leap for joy as you think, “That’s me! That’s exactly what I’ve done!” And to sweeten the pot you are also single with no reason to worry about being away from home all the time. So, why is the cover letter important in a situation like this? Because the precise reasons that make you an ideal candidate for this position are the same details that will not be (or shouldn’t be!) on your resume!
Your cover letter for this particular position will focus on the fact that you have the background, experience and talents that match the specific needs of the employer.
Example of a poor cover letter for this position (this is an actual letter in response to a similar posting):
“Dear Hiring Manager:
I am submitting my resume for consideration in response to your recent posting for a Managing Director . As you can see from my resume, I have eight years experience in sales with increased responsibilities. I believe that my “can do” attitude will be a benefit to any company that hires me.
Regards,
John Smythe”
Why is this a poor attempt at getting at least an interview?
1. It adds no value;
2. It tells me nothing that isn’t on the resume;
3. It offers no insight relevant to the job at hand.
Here is an actual cover letter sent in response to the position described above:
“Dear Hiring Manager:
I am submitting my resume for consideration in response to your recent posting for a Managing Director.
As detailed on my enclosed resume, I have a graduate degree in Sales and Enterpreneurial Sciences which allowed me the valuable opportunities I have had over the past ten years as I worked for two start up medical equipment companies. During my tenure with both organisations I helped grow the companies from under twenty employees and no customers, to multinational organisations with over $25 million in annual sales.
Althought I have not held the position of Managing Director, my last position was that of Director of National Sales and I was directly and indirectly responsible for 117 people who, under my team leadership and management skills, all became award winning members of my department.
I can also offer an additional benefit in that I can travel with virtually no notice. I hold a current passport and I have no family obligations that would prevent this type of flexibility.
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss my abilities as they pertain to your current and future needs, and I will make myself available at your convenience.
Regards,
James Doe.”
James got an immediate response to his cover letter. Why? He discussed the needs of the new company and how he could fill each need. He provided additional details that are not, and should not be, on his resume:
1. He points out that he has no family obligations. Your marital status should never be mentioned on your resume simply because you never know if it’s a help or a hindrance.
2. He specifically says he has experience in start ups and making them successful. Although it’s a good idea to list your successful accomplishments on your resume, i.e., helping them grow, you don’t want to allude to the size of any of these companies because, again, it could work against you.
Now that you know what a good cover letter is, and what it can do for you, I do have to admit that yes, there are times when it is virtually impossible to provide a cover letter in conjunction with your resume or application.
Many of today’s companies limit their application process to online submissions and they neglect to provide a vehicle by which applicants can submit a cover letter. This is a major stumbling block for all parties concerned. The employer could be missing out on valuable information and high quality employees.
Rule of thumb: focus on submissions where you have the best chance to shine, usually the companies that give you the opportunity to submit a real resume and a real cover letter.
More than just a cover
It is your cover letter that actually creates the first impression.
A survey conducted by the Wall Street Journal in 2004 cited professionals in the career industry, and those employers surveyed, as stating that an average of 85% of cover letters they received were so badly written that they materially damaged the applicants chances.
One company quoted gave the example of a recent position they had advertised where they received in excess of 150 applications. Fifty of the applications did not come with a cover letter – despite the job description specifically requesting the inclusion of a cover letter.
Of the approximately 100 remaining applicants 97% were so badly written, or contained mistakes or irrelevant information, or did not address any of the advertised position requirements, that the resume was not even viewed – that’s right – 97% of the cover letters were of such a poor standard that the resume was dismissed.
The possibly carefully crafted and beautifully presented resume was not even looked at because of the poor quality of the cover letter. Only three of approximately 150 applicants got through to the stage of having their resumes viewed due solely to the standard of the cover letter.
When compiling your cover letter think about these few points:
* Ensure that your letter is laid out professionally and that the header and body text font is identical to your resume
* Make it clear that you really want THAT job. Clear your mind of all negative thoughts as you write, sit upright and write with confidence and certainty and the words you automatically choose will reflect your enthusiasm.
* Though advertisements through recruitment agencies will not divulge any useful information, do your best to research the com pany as it may be possible to incorporate information relevant to the company in your letter.
* Only mention personal information if it is highly relevant to the position or the company
When you have finished the letter ask someone who you know has an eye for detail to check for spelling and grammatical errors and for repetitive words.