Cover Letters Whats the Point

Cover Letters Whats the Point TweetIts easy to feel that cover letters are a waste of job seekers time. The resume tells everything the employer needs to know, so a letter is just redundant, right? I couldnt disagree more. Before I explain my opinion, let me suggest a change in how you think about cover letters. Stop thinking the cover letter is all about you. Its about the job. I may be exaggerating, but its in the service of a crucial point: A cover letter is not going to impress unless it shows that youve done some homework on the company, understand their culture and needs, understand the job theyre looking to fill and can relate your qualifications to these specifics. Most cover letters dont do this, so yours will stand out. Most people send out the same generic cover letter for every job opening and just insert the job title and company name an approach that misses the point. For really eye-opening cover letters, go a step further by preparing way in advance. Start a list of companies youre interested in, and start following and researching them through social media, Google Alerts and networking. When you eventually respond to a posting from one of these companies or contact them proactively youll be able to write a very impressive letter that shows you are a savvy individual who is highly motivated to work there. Am I crazy? Or do I have a point? (I realize these two options are not mutually exclusive.) Click here for more good reasons to use cover letters! Cover Letters Whats the Point TweetIts easy to feel that cover letters are a waste of job seekers time. The resume tells everything the employer needs to know, so a letter is just redundant, right? I couldnt disagree more. Before I explain my opinion, let me suggest a change in how you think about cover letters. Stop thinking the cover letter is all about you. Its about the job. I may be exaggerating, but its in the service of a crucial point: A cover letter is not going to impress unless it shows that youve done some homework on the company, understand their culture and needs, understand the job theyre looking to fill and can relate your qualifications to these specifics. Most cover letters dont do this, so yours will stand out. Most people send out the same generic cover letter for every job opening and just insert the job title and company name an approach that misses the point. For really eye-opening cover letters, go a step further by preparing way in advance. Start a list of companies youre interested in, and start following and researching them through social media, Google Alerts and networking. When you eventually respond to a posting from one of these companies or contact them proactively youll be able to write a very impressive letter that shows you are a savvy individual who is highly motivated to work there. Am I crazy? Or do I have a point? (I realize these two options are not mutually exclusive.) Click here for more good reasons to use cover letters!