If you are like many who have resolved to move your job search into high gear, don’t forget the importance of the cover letter as part of your self-marketing materials. The cover letter is essential for creating a positive first impression. Additionally it answers questions such as:
“Why should I bother reading one more resume?”
“What’s this applicant’s interest level?”
“How is this prospective candidate unique?”
Unlike a resume, which usually remains unchanged, cover letters should be customized according to each of the four basic job search strategies:
1. Responding to job postings.
2. Resume distribution to employers of your target market.
3. Contacting recruiters or headhunters.
4. Networking among your professional contacts.
Each strategy requires a different type of cover letter.
1. Cover letters responding to job postings.
This is the most common job-search activity. Rather than respond with a canned message, take the time to write a brief cover letter that maps your work experience to the job qualifications.
Here are a few tips on writing a cover letter when responding to job postings.
A little practice at customizing your cover letters will help get you through the screening door and on your way to career-changing interviews.
2. Cover letters proactively sent to your target market of employers.
The savvy job seeker does not wait to hear about openings-he looks for openings before they become public knowledge. One way to find unpublished job leads is to conduct your own target-market search. This strategy involves first defining a group of companies or organizations most likely interested in your background and expertise then contacting hiring managers to let them know of your availability. The Reference Librarian at your local library is a valuable source of information on how to research your target companies.
Below are a few hints on writing effective cover letters for your target market:
While the target market strategy is time consuming it often yields surprising results. A job lead discovered through proactive methods means little or no competition from other job seekers.
3. Cover letters sent to recruiters and headhunters.
Most recruiters and headhunters specialize by industry or job type. For maximum effectiveness, target only headhunters who specialize in your field. Since the best way to contact them is through email, your letter will take the form of an email note accompanying your attached Word formatted resume. A brief cover letter (or note) is essential to make sure the recruiter opens and reads your resume before storing in an electronic resume storage database.
For best results:
Working through headhunters is a numbers game. The more qualified recruiters you contact the better your chances are of finding great job leads. Don’t minimize your efforts by contacting only those in your geographic area. Recruiters and headhunters who specialize in a given industry usually work nationally and sometimes internationally. Investing in a resume distribution service that allows you to target recruiters by specialty increases your efforts exponentially.
4. Contacting your professional network.
Most job-search surveys indicate that a majority of people find jobs through networking-someone they knew told them of a job lead and introduced them to the hiring manager. An effective method of contacting those in your circle of influence is through a special form of written communication called a resu-letter.
The term “resu-letter” may or may not have originated with Jeffrey Fox, author of “Don’t Send a Resume”, but it’s where I first read of the concept. A resu-letter combines the elements of both a cover letter and a resume. A resu-letter allows a job seeker to get the word to his or her professional network without sounding desperate to find a new job. This letter is especially nice for those conducting a confidential search while still employed. Usually this letter is send as an email. A hard-copy resu-letter may seem to stiff and formal for networking purposes.
A few pointers on writing a great resu-letter are:
With competition for good jobs at an all-time high, job seekers can’t afford to cut corners in their written communication. The extra time and effort taken to customize your cover letters goes a long way toward placing you at the top of the candidate pile.
Deborah Walker, CCMC
Resume Writer ~ Career Coach
For more tips on resumes, job-search strategy and interview skills, check out the article archive at my website: www.AlphaAdvantage.com
Email: Deb@AlphaAdvantage.com
Toll-free phone: 888-828-0814
