I can’t give you any hot stock-market tips, but I can offer useful tips for cover letters. This post provides cover letter tip #1. It’s the first in a planned short series.
Here are a few questions you might ask about submitting a cover letter with your professional resume:
- Do I need a cover letter?
- Do employers read cover letters?
- What makes a good cover letter?
Do I need a cover letter?
Maybe. If the job strongly attracts you, I’d say yes, you do need one. It can’t hurt (if you do it well), and it gives you a possible second chance to connect with the employer.
The key point in this answer is “do it well.” A poorly written cover letter could hurt your chances of being considered by an employer.
Do employers read cover letters?
Again, the answer is, maybe. It’s possible quite a few of them don’t. However, we know that some do. So, if you don’t want to risk losing out, create a good cover letter for each job opportunity you’re seriously interested in pursuing.
Only a few employers read the cover letter first, then the resume. On the other hand, if they read it at all, they will probably look at the resume first. What matters most? You want employers to be attracted to your letter by giving it some “meat” they can relate to. Then they might, indeed, read it.
What makes a good cover letter? Here’s cover letter tip #1:
Opinions differ on this subject. My take:
Your cover letter should present your value to the targeted employer both concisely and compellingly. It must make you stand out to that employer as a potential asset well worth checking out. What’s more, it should not read as if it went to hundreds of employers in a mass (uncustomized) mailing. Finally, your letter (and resume) must be error-free!
Proofread your letter or have someone else do that before you send your submission to an employer. Then recheck to make sure your value proposition comes across clearly. That can help you open doors!
P.S. Cover Letter Tips #2 and #3 (or more) will appear in future blog posts. In the meantime, if you need help, call (508-263-9454) or email me (careermaster@asuccessfulcareer.com)!
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