| |
|
Article Directory :: Business - General Articles
Your cover letter has only one job. It is meant to entice the reader to open and read your resume. Sounds simple, but job seekers often stress as much over their cover letter as they do the resume. If this sounds like you, relax, there is a simple approach to cover letters that will streamline your application process and give you confidence every time you send out your resume. Just keep these three cover letter tips in mind and you'll never stress over writing them again.
1. Keep it short.
More often than not you'll send your cover letter via email or some other electronic system. Your reader won't be looking at a piece of paper, but at their computer screen. Ever notice how short your reading attention span is when you're reading text on your computer? That's why online articles are typically shorter than print articles. The same holds true for email messages. If you've got 60 messages in your inbox you don't have the patience for lengthy text. Now imagine you're a recruiter or resume screener and you must get through a couple hundred resumes in a day. If you want your cover letter read keep it short, concise and to the point.
2. Focus on qualifications.
Most job seekers freeze up when writing cover letter because they don't know what information recruiters want to see. The first person in an organization to read your resume is a recruiter or HR professional who acts as a screener. They are interested only in identifying candidates who match match their set of qualifications. The better the match the higher the interest. Don't worry about explaining why you are interested in the position, the screener probably doesn't care. He/she only want to know if you qualify as a viable candidate. Use the job posting as a guide to know exactly what qualifications to mention in your cover letter.
3. Don't try to get fancy.
Job seekers get frustrated writing cover letters because they try to make it into a creative writing exercise. That's not necessary. It's much more important that you keep your ideas clear and easily understood. When writing about your qualifications do use the same verbiage to describe your skills as the job posting. You'll make the resume screener's work much easier and they will recognize you as a perfect candidate match much quicker.
Using this simple approach will allow you to take a customized approach with each cover letter you send. Generic cover letters usually sound canned no matter how much time was spent writing them. Worse, a one-size-fits all cover letter looks like it was borrowed off the page of a sample cover letter book. Would you take the time to read a mass-produced letter?
I'm often asked if cover letters are still relevant in today's fast-paced job market. While the form has changed from paper to electronic they are still a vital part of your job-search marketing materials. Cover letters provide your first opportunity to make a good impression on your potential new employer. It pays to write them with clarity and simplicity.
Deborah Walker, CCMC is a Career Coach helping job seekers compete in the toughest economy. Her clients gain top performing skills in resume writing, interview preparation and salary negotiation. Read more job-search tips at:
http://www.AlphaAdvantage.com
 EasyPublish™ this article - publishers click here
More articles by Deborah Walker
|
Free Report!
Ten Essential Secrets Of Article Marketing ... Grab Your Free
Copy Now:
Need Content?
Regular Top Quality Content for your Blog, Ezine or Website ...
Delivered Direct,
For Free!
Click For Details
Arts & Entertainment
Automotive
Business - General
Computers & Technology
Finance & Investment
Food & Drink
Health & Fitness
Home & Family
Internet Marketing/Online Business
Legal
Pets & Animals
Politics & Government
Reference & Education
Religion & Faith
Self-Improvement/Motivation
Social
Sports & Recreation
Travel & Leisure
Writing & Speaking
|
More business articles: - J.C. Penney and The Slippery Slope of Discounting (Ted Hurlbut)
Once you step out onto the slippery slope of discounting to drive sales, there's no going back. As J.C. Penney and its new CEO Ron Johnson is learning.
If you're an independent retailer and tempted to resort to discounting to drive sales, for whatever reason, stop for a second and consider the mess that J.C. Penney finds itself in. - Fabulous Summer Fashion Tips (Stella Manson)
In some parts of the country, things are already heating up nicely. While you are enjoying your summer, you can look your best. You will have fun and look stylish on any occasion after reading the following fashion tips. - The End of the Recession (Ted Hurlbut)
The recession is coming to an end. That is now clear. What comes after is also starting to come into focus as well. We're not going back to the way things were. The things that have worked in the past for independent retailers are not likely to be good enough going forward. - Small Business Web Hosting: Shared Hosting is The Top Choice (Hanson Raider)
People who have a small business and are looking web hosting services to entertain their website, they should try out shared hosting. Many small business owners looking for web hosting services may not be aware of what shared hosting is and why it makes a top choice but that is what I am here to explain you. - Outrageous Advertising Techniques - Four Words to Transform Your Advertising (Jonathan McCulloch)
Outrageous advertising techniques are extremely powerful for small busiensses, but there's always some resistance. And guess where it comes from? Yup, the business owner. So in this article you'll see why you really do need to relax about this, because being uptight and solipsistic can cost you a fortune. - Five Shoes For Serious Shoppers (Stella Manson)
As most ladies know, it's easy to get carried away when shopping for shoes. The key to smart shoe shopping is to know what you need and when you need it, and then have fun building your shoe wardrobe around that idea - Quick Ways To Save On Shoes (Stella Manson)
Shoes don't have to be expensive if you know where to look. Why spend a few hundred dollars on a name brand shoe, when it can be purchased cheaper elsewhere. - Top Fashion Mistakes To Skip This Summer (Stella Manson)
Today's fashion rules are much more relaxed than those of the past. In fact, it is trendy to occasionally break those traditional cannons. It is perfectly acceptable to mix prints and patterns, and to forgo winter white. - 3D Fireworks Glasses for the 4th of July (Lindsey Fontana)
Looking for a way to wow your customers and clients this Fourth of July holiday? The latest and greatest in 3D technology allows for your advertising campaign or promotional campaign to go off with a bang! Read on to learn how you can use 3D glasses to make this Fourth of July unforgettable! - Top Fashion Mistakes To Skip This Summer (Stella Manson)
As the seasons begin to change and summer starts to heat up, many women are pulling out their summer wardrobes or shopping to pick up new items. With summer trends being more daring than ever, most women want to try some new fashions out this year.
We Automatically Distribute Articles
To Thousands Of Publishers And Web Sites:
Submit Article
All content is viewed and used by you at your own risk and we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of any of the information. The views expressed are those of the individual contributing authors and not necessarily those of this web site, or its owner, Takanomi Limited.
|
|
