New graduates, COVID-impacted employees and the normal churn of job seekers cause a lot of people to be working on cover letters these days. A strong cover letter is a magic elixir that can help you stand out from others applying for the same job. It’s your opportunity to share the characteristics and traits that make you special – and that aren’t listed on your resume.
Too many letters are just a narrative version of the bullets already spelled out on the resume, rather than taking advantage of the opportunity to provide a sales pitch. When writing a cover letter, do so from THEIR perspective – what can you offer THEM? How do you help them solve THEIR problem? Yes, it’s nice that you want to move to that city or you’d be excited to work there, but they are hiring you (in other words, giving you money) to meet THEIR needs, not because you think you’d be great.
Consider the difference between:
I read the listing for XYZ position and want to express my interest in taking this job. I have a degree in ABC and am excited about the opportunity to join the QRS team.
vs.
It is with great enthusiasm that I submit this letter of application for XYZ job. I believe I possess the drive and integrity you seek which will allow me to serve your clients effectively and to help QRS become the provider of choice in X industry.
By focusing on the company, you maintain your role as a SELLER (not a buyer) and can frame your letter in such a light. You can share information beyond what is on your resume, focus on the future rather than your past and make the critical connection between what you have done and what you can do.
Too many people spend all their time on their resume and use the same cookie-cutter cover letter for all their jobs. Don’t make that mistake. Whether you’re applying for a job or the one reading the letters, ask yourself if the letter answers the question: “How will this person do the job differently than anyone else?”
If the letter isn’t clear about the answer, you should stop there and hire someone else.
For more on resume writing, see my handout here.
Guess what… its not just resumés requiring cover letters these days. Apparently a new phenomenon (new to us who havent house shopped in 7 years) is, essentially, a cover letter with your purchase offer.
We arent truly house shopping but we are interested in a house with a pool. So, we tend to pay attention for those since our search area is pretty specific. We found one that we really love this weekend and submitted an offer. Our agent recommended a letter with the offer. The way the housing market has evolved, sellers now set a deadline for offers and agents are presenting the offers to the sellers at one for consideration. Thus, the cover letter. (And, thus the fact that most houses in our area are going for above asking price)
Brian Gardner briangardnerstl@gmail.com
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