No matter how you look at it, the cover letter is still the fundamental key to your job hunting success. In general, resumes act as support to your cover letter. Since the letter should be as compact and short as possible, you are hindered to write everything in it. Alternatively, you integrate this important data in your resume. As such, it is critical to compose a cover letter with caution.
A job application process is a step-by-step process. If you set about badly at the beginning, anticipate the result to be undesirable. A sloppy cover letter throws your chances to get your resume read. If your resume is not read and scanned, your chance to be interviewed is also ruined. Without a job interview on your part, the door to career chance is not open. So when composing your cover letter, here are few tips for you.
· Do not Re-hash Your Resume on Your Cover Letter. It is not recommended to make only a summary of your resume and integrate it on your cover letter. A good cover letter should spotlight only your applicable skills and experiences and attach them up gracefully with the job position. Metaphorically, a cover letter acts like a bridge between the resume and the job description.
· Coordinate Your Resume with Your Cover Letter. Aside from it to be visually appealing, the cover letter should be incorporated nicely with the resume. For instance, if you use a particular font on your cover letter, you should also use the same font on your resume. Use also the same quality of paper on both documents. Moreover, use the same header on your cover letter and resume. With well-coordinated documents, your marketability will be tremendous.
· Keep it Simple and Yet Elegant. Exaggerating the style and format on your letter is a terrible mistake, unless you are applying for a position as a graphic designer. A simple letter with great content is enough to convey your message. Never go for common decorative fonts to attract attention because they will not. However, if the employer is unconventional, be as creative as you can possibly be.
· Be Brief on Your Letter. It is important that you capture and keep the attention of the employer within 10 seconds. A brief and snappy letter is a good choice in doing so. If you make your letter long enough, you will lose the interest of the hiring manager. To avoid long paragraphs, do not use sentences with identical thought. Frankly, you do not need to explain everything on your letter. This is because your intention is to lead the employers’ curiosity on you. Let them call you and learn more about you through job interview.
· Use Different Letters for Different Job Applications. This only means that the cover letter should be customized and fit the job description perfectly. It must be specific enough to highlight your strengths. Tailoring your letter for every job application can consume much of your time. However, it is very effective.
Landon Long is the founder of InterviewMastermind.com. You can download his FREE "Resume Rebel" Video Course to learn how to write a resume and stand out in a slow economy.
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