The Value of a Cover Letter

So you’ve found a job you would really like to have. You prepare your resume, format it nicely, and send it off to the company. A month later, and you still haven’t heard from them. Any number of things could have happened, but one possibility is this: you didn’t include a cover letter, so they didn’t read your resume.

Cover letters are becoming an increasingly neglected part of the application process, which is unfortunate because cover letters can very much advocate for you when applying for a job. In his article “Job hunting: The real value of a cover letter,” (link here) Dave Johnson writes “Without a cover letter—or with a cover letter that misses the point—I might never get to your resume at all.” Here at Career Solutions Group, we can help you generate a cover letter that consistently helps you land 50% or more interviews. You might feel that a cover letter is unnecessary—after all, you just devoted hours to perfecting a resume which should tell a potential employer all of your relevant skills and experience. But a cover letter is much more than a mere rehashing of your relevant skills and qualifications. It is a way to very specifically tell the reader why you are perfect for the job, to bring together the far-flung volunteer experiences, certifications, and qualifications which make you imminently qualified.

So, what should your cover letter look like? Again, it shouldn’t merely rehash your resume. The cover letter should be a one to two paragraph document detailing a) what position you’re interested in, b) why you would be an excellent fit, and c) thanking them for taking a look at your qualifications. It allows you to address a specific person (the hiring manager), and it gives you a chance to display your professional voice. Your resume, though important, will not provide the voice that really humanizes you to a hiring manager.

If you’re looking for more resume tips, check out Leslie’s article from yesterday here. Are you interested in making a career change, but uncertain where to start? Consider emailing us at info@careersolutionsgroup.net. We have proven methods to help you make a fulfilling career change.

By: Julia Pillard, Career Solutions Group