Part III: Out of Work? Read This?The Power of the Cover Letter
As promised this will be the third installment of this series of blogs focused on helping people get back on their feet after losing a job.
So what is the purpose of a cover accompanying a resume? Basically a cover letter is an introduction that should cover:
1.) Which job you are applying for.
2.) What skills you have that pertain directly to that job.
3.) Why you think you would be a good fit for that job.
Ideally a cover letter should be about a paragraph long, as in three to five sentences with not more than 5 bullet points. Any bigger than that and it’s likely to end up in the recycle bin. It should be short, easy to read, direct to the point and contain no fluff. If it takes more than 10 seconds to read it needs to be condensed.
Some people use a cover letter to try and explain their resume, don’t do that. That’s what the interview is for. Other people stuff their cover letters with formality and flowery language, I find that after reading about 5 of these at a stretch I glaze over and just start skipping them. The cover letter is intended to generate interest in your resume, kind of like an appetizer before the main dish, quick, light, not necessarily filling. Make it quick, clean and to the point. Use it to hinge your resume to the qualifications they have listed on their posting.
I’ve browsed a lot of cover letters online looking at samples, many of which are a page long. Again these people (recruiters and managers) don’t even have the time to look at your resume much less read a long winded formal letter. Some people may disagree but there you have it, this is my personal opinion.
Imagine I’m applying for a Project Manager position at a telecom company. Within the job requisition they list the minimum qualifications as being 5 years experience (why I listed experience at the top), PMP Certification preferred (why it’s number 2), strong communication and leadership skills, etc. You get the point. I will take the top 5 things they are looking for and put them as bullet points on my cover letter essentially doing the homework for them. They shouldn’t have to figure out how I’m qualified by looking at my resume, I should be explicit in my letter.
Cajun Smith
2000 Main St.
Dallas, TX 75200
555-555-5555
Cajun@hirethisguy.com
Acme Co.
123 Main St.
Dallas, TX 75200
Dear Hiring Manager:
This letter is to express my interest in discussing the Project Manager position listed on the Acme Co. website (job req.123456). I believe that my experience and education strongly align with the job description as listed. The strengths I would be able to bring to this role are:
· 7 years experience as a Project Manager working with Telecom teams.
· Experience with the Project Management Body of Knowledge and PMP Certified.
· An ability to meet milestones in demanding and rapidly changing circumstances.
· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
· A successful track record of providing leadership.
I look forward to discussing my experience and qualifications in greater detail and I am available for a personal interview at your convenience. If you have any questions or would like to further discuss the position please feel free to contact me at any time.
Sincerely,
Cajun Smith
Note my letter is very short. It’s 5 sentences not counting bullet points and then 5 bullet points. I align my bullet points with their requirements and do so in order of priority. I use requisition numbers when available to remove any sort of ambiguity as to which job I am applying for. I use a mix of direct language, industry speak and some formality. It’s a mix, you don’t want to come off too strong but you don’t want to appear to be all flowers and sunshine either. You definitely do not want ambiguity. I hope this helps to those of you out there in the trenches.
