When writing a cover letter what should you include in the letter and should you include those key words from the job posting? Is there anything that you have to include or anything that should be excluded?
Answers
You should include evidence if you claim to have a qualification.
Most editors want an unique perspective. So, I say why my perspective is unique.
Good morning Andrea. The cover letter should serve only as an "attention getter." As you know, the resume is the appropriate place to tout your qualifications, and the cover letter is a teaser to make a prospective employer want to know the details. Keep your letter concise and to the point. You want to: (1) demonstrate your experience for the job ( I have ten years experience in accounting with two highly respected financial service organizations), (2) highlight your skills ( strong financial analysis and cost accounting skills), (3) advise of any management/ supervisor experience ( I have managed the ABC Accounting Department/ functioned as a Team Leader of twelve people for the past three years), (4) education ( I have BBA in Accounting, plus graduate work in finance at SU), (5) the reason you are applying for the position If appropriate ( as you are aware ABC and DEF banks have merged resulting in a downsizing of redundant accounting positions.(6) Often a salary range is good to include ( my previous salary was in the $------'s) , and (7) if you are open to relocation, this can be a attention getter. Take the KISS ( keep it super simple) your letter will create interest in you. All the best to you.
Andrea,
One thing I always recommend is some form of connection with your research you have done on the company. A small paragraph that you speak to the "connection" you outline to the organization, division, or even department. Keep in mind-cover letter goal, read your resume, resume goal to obtain the interview. Also that value in #$% are what employers want-solve their problems, add value-sooner they see that better chance you move up the chain. If someone is networked you in, that is also key in the cover letter. Good luck. Thanks for your service. Good Bless.
I can send you free four cover letter examples to answer your question: slmathews99@gmail.com
If your resume focuses on accomplishments from your career, not just tasks, experiences, and/or skills that just describe what you have, not what you've done, the cover letter is a great opportunity to either expand on an accomplishment you see as more closely fits the position or company you're applying to -- or add an accomplishment, again, one that fits the specifics of this application.
Other advice you've gotten here is good, particularly keep it short and tailor it...
Cover letters have been, for many recent years, a widely debated topic: arguments from they're outdated and not needed to the kind of advice you're receiving on specificity and brevity. Like others, I'm always willing to review one of your letters.
Hi Andrea
Thank you for your service.
Cover letters should speak to how your experience and training will benefit the company that you are applying to. Limit the use of terms like me ,I, my and use terms like your company or your organization. Include the relevant experience and training in a way that will show your interest in providing that valuable knowledge to their organization
Your cover letter should be short, positive, NOT a regurgitation of your resume, has a focus on your TALENTS (resume is for experience), ties the needs of the targeted company to your TALENTS, expresses eagerness to relocate to where the position is, and for sure, provides the reader with an encouraging invitation to contact you for an interview.
And, while I am thinking about it, do not discount the value of an exploratory interview.
Hope these items help . . . . .
Keep it short and sweet. Think about it like this. If you were meeting someone for the first time, in a professional setting, how would you introduce yourself? You'd say something like this:
Hi, I'm Steve Jobs, glad to meet you. I'm really interested in working for Apple Computer and I'm open to starting in any position. I have a degree in Software Engineering from Stanford, and I've built some great computers in my garage that use a thing called a mouse with a graphical user interface. I just love working with this stuff. I'm ready to start working right away and here's a copy of my resume.
Now, that's what you might say in person, but it would be a bit more formal in a letter. If you have a good (short and interesting) story to tell about yourself, do it. But only if it is relevant to what you would be doing for them. That will separate you from the competition.
Hope that helps.
The cover letter needs to be concise and specific to the company and their needs. It is a good way to get someone’s attention (even if the cover letters are electronically read / screened) that you have what they are seeking.
A page or less is more than adequate to address its intent. Good luck.
Hi Andrea. My philosophy with the cover letter is to use it to make the recruiter's job easier. That said, I use the "T" format cover letter. Start with a short intro paragraph. Below that, divide the page in two vertically. On the left side, pull out key qualifications/requirements from the job listing. On the right side, match those up with the parts of your resume that show that you meet those requirements or qualifications. Keeping it to one page, you will likely only have space for about five requirements/qualifications, so choose the ones that either you think are the most critical for the job or the ones where your own qualifications are a strong match.
Once I started using this format during my transition out of the military, contact from recruiters increased dramatically. I have a few examples if you would like me to send them to you. Good luck!
Andrea,
The cover letter should be an interpersonal yet professional note with one purpose: to express your interest in the position, and your readiness for an interview. At this point, your cover letter and c.v. presentation has but one end: to meet with them. The meaningful information about you will come in the interview.
Make the cover letter no more than two paragraphs, in a positive, enthusiastic tone. The more 'formal' information goes in the resume or c.v.
End the cover letter with an action: e.g., you hope to hear from the company within two weeks' time, say, after which point you'll call them. Something like that to show you're doing what you can to 'lead' the process.
Finally, don't promise that you're right for the job. Instead, convey your desire to, along with them, discover if you're right for the job. Again, it's about getting a meeting.
Good luck, Andrea.
Steven Hart
Thank you for the reply. I have sent you an email.
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