The key ingredient to your responses to any job openings are your resume cover letters. These letters are like book covers. Fair or not, we naturally do judge a book by its cover. And an interesting cover is usually what grabs our attention and pulls us in to find out more.
A cover letter serves the same purpose. The person who is responsible for reviewing responses to job openings will usually take a quick read over your cover letter at first, if not more. So the letter is your opportunity to let them know why they should want to continue reading to the resume. You are showing why they want to open up the book.
No two cover letters should be exactly alike. They should be modified for each specific position for which you send a resume. If a name is given in the advertisement, be sure to use it. Never send a letter to a generic To Whom It May Concern unless you absolutely have to do so.
Mention where you read the posting and refer back to it when discussing why you should be considered. Use the language that was given in the advertisement. For example, if the ad says they need someone who is detail oriented, say that you are exactly that. Referring to the advertisement directly shows that you are writing a letter just for this position and that you have read the posting carefully.
But saying that you have a specific skill is not sufficient. You need to follow it up with an example of how the reader can say in your resume that you have that skill. Refer to a specific position that illustrates that you are detail oriented, such as having been a proofreader for several years.
Show enthusiasm for the position. Express that you are interested in the industry and give reasons why you are excited about the opportunity. Let them know how you see yourself as a good fit for the specific position and the company. Give specific examples and refer back to the resume. This may go together with the prior example.
End your letter with confidence, stating that you are looking forward to hearing from them and discussing how you can help the company. Be sure to express appreciation for their consideration.
Always proofread both resume and letter very thoroughly for both spelling and grammar. It is never a bad idea to have someone you trust give them a quick read as well. Cover letters with poor grammar and misspellings make it seem as if the position is not important to you. If you are so careless in the beginning, how will you be when you are actually employed?
When applying for jobs, resume cover letters are like first impressions. You only get one chance at them. But with these tips your resume is much more likely to be read, and you will be that much closer to being invited in for an interview.
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