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I'm getting ready to start job hunting; my new years resolution is to make more money and gain new experiences. I think one of my biggest problems is that I am completely clueless about writing cover letters. I've tried to go research and have still not yet learned the proper method for writing a cover letter.
Most blogs suggest writing about why I would be fitting for the job; however, when I read what I wrote, it sounds childishly boastful and unappealing. My only job experience is customer service, so I have to make that sound fitting for the jobs I am applying for. Many of the jobs are clerical positions.
Cover letters usually are nothing more than tooting one's horn. Having worked in HR for many years, it was extremely rare that anyone's cover letter was the criteria for them securing an interview. Their experience and qualifications listed on the resume was what drew the recruiter's attention. In fact, all cover letters were immediately stapled to the back of the resume. Any letters of recommendation were tossed.
It's interesting that you say that... It seems I get mixed signals; lots of people tell me cover letters are ignored and then many others tell me that cover letters are vital for catching the attention of potential employers.
Quote:
Originally Posted by katie45
Cover letters usually are nothing more than tooting one's horn. Having worked in HR for many years, it was extremely rare that anyone's cover letter was the criteria for them securing an interview. Their experience and qualifications listed on the resume was what drew the recruiter's attention. In fact, all cover letters were immediately stapled to the back of the resume. Any letters of recommendation were tossed.
I always look for a specific requirement in the job description. For example "excellent sales experience", and add that to my resume. "in 2014 I exceeded sales goals by 25% by bringing in two new clients" etc. etc. etc.
It seems mixed nowadays whether cover letters are necessary. It could be industry specific. I have always found if I include a great cover letter, I get an interview. When I don't, nothing happens.
Case in point, years ago hubby was nice enough to fax over (yes years ago like I said!) my resume. I wasn't getting any calls. I asked to see the cover letter. It said "here is my resume thanks for your consideration". Um no. I rewrote the cover letter for each employer, faxed ten resumes, and got ten interviews.
It's interesting that you say that... It seems I get mixed signals; lots of people tell me cover letters are ignored and then many others tell me that cover letters are vital for catching the attention of potential employers.
And you are correct in that each recruiter may have different preferences.
^^ Yep. Short, sweet. References relevant skills/experience. People like that.
(Business like with some personality, with out BS or wasting their time.)
Refers them to the resume.
Get's them to look at -- or at least NOT TOSS -- the resume.
Obviously, if you've got some other "IN" use that. His manager/colleague Joe Blow suggested you contact him, etc. Or you met him at a trade show, etc. OR you recently read that his company would be expanding X project, etc. But even then one sentence on that is enough.
Cover letters usually are nothing more than tooting one's horn. Having worked in HR for many years, it was extremely rare that anyone's cover letter was the criteria for them securing an interview.
We always ask for a cover letter in all our job advertisements. Not providing one means your application is taking a one way trip to the round file.
As for what it should cover, the best ones I see address the position specifically and explain why the applicant thinks they are a fit for it. They can also be used to address any shortcomings relevant to the job. What they shouldn't do is cover the same ground as the resume.
A well written cover letter will encourage me to look at the resume more deeply.
I always look for a specific requirement in the job description. For example "excellent sales experience", and add that to my resume. "in 2014 I exceeded sales goals by 25% by bringing in two new clients" etc. etc. etc.
This ^^^ trick, OP, is how you keep from sounding "childishly boastful."
Listing your accomplishments that affected the company in a positive way is NOT bragging. It's simply stating facts. You aren't saying, "I'm the best salesperson they ever had!" You're showing it with specific examples.
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