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The Not-So-Effective Cover Letter
Here's a newsflash: Cover letters work, plain and simple. This is why I'm intrigued by the fact that a) jobseekers rarely submit them and b) hiring managers seldom read them. As a result, I started asking questions. Specifically, "What's your problem with cover letters?" Here's what I found out. Jobseekers claim all the pertinent information is included in the resume. Translation: "I don't know how to write an effective cover letter so I just scrap it." Hiring managers say cover letters serve no purpose. Translation: "Jobseekers don't know how to write an effective cover letter so I'd just as soon not be bothered." Top 3 Reasons Most Cover Letters Don't Work 1. The one-size-fits-all method. Hiring managers are extremely jealous. Although they are aware you are courting other companies, they want to know that you at least care enough to hide it. Solution: Avoid form letters. Instead, customize each letter with the hiring organization and the position in mind. Here's an example. "With over nine years of HRIS and human resources experience, I have had the opportunity to contribute strong, sustainable improvements within the HR functions, particularly in areas of systems development, implementation, and maintenance. When I read the job description posted on your corporate website, I was immediately drawn to the similarity between your requirements and my experience. In particular, I meet your prerequisite for an HRIS Specialist who has the ability to train end users effectively in a variety of applications and processes. From my enclosed resume, you will note that I approach end-user training with a patient, diligent manner." 2. I want, I need, I must have. Me, me, me. That is the approach many candidates take when writing their own cover letter. This self-centered approach, without a doubt, backfires every time. Solution: Focus the letter on how you can benefit the hiring organization. Here's an example. "The following are examples from two different employers that illustrate my ability to integrate time- and cost-saving solutions for the HRIS infrastructure:
3. Taking a "pretty please" approach. No one wants to hire a desperate jobseeker. Solution: The tone of the cover letter must be kept on a professional level. Here's an example. "In addition to technology and problem-solving skills, what I also offer is the ability to create and maintain data tables, structures, files, interface requirements, and data integrity protocols for ongoing administration." Cover Letters Can Win Job Interviews Persuasive, targeted, and commercial-like cover letters fare well. And that is exactly what a cover letter is-a commercial, starring your experience. About The Author Recognized as a career expert, Linda Matias brings a wealth of experience to the career services field. She has been sought out for her knowledge of the employment market, outplacement, job search strategies, interview preparation, and resume writing, quoted a number of times in The Wall Street Journal, New York Newsday, Newsweek, and HR-esource.com. She is President of CareerStrides and the National Resume Writers' Association. Visit her website at http://www.careerstrides.com or email her at linda@careerstrides.com.
MORE RESOURCES: Careers University of Northern Colorado February US job openings slip to 7.6M, consistent with a healthy but decelerating job market AP News Supply Chain Lowe's INTERNSHIP - SIMULIA EMAG User Success Dassault Systèmes Careers City of Phoenix (.gov) Working for ICE ice.gov How to use AI to get a job interview and nail it – along with the salary you deserve | Job hunting The Guardian Careers City of Ontario, California (.gov) Careers at Prairie View A&M University PVAMU Home Careers | Home USDA (.gov) Careers at FEMA FEMA.gov Meet a millennial who quit her tech job, temporarily moved to Paris, and started a baking business in NYC Business Insider Careers and Jobs at CRS Catholic Relief Services Careers - MDOT Maryland.gov Careers Baxter Current Job Opportunities City of Keene (.gov) Jobs City of Rochester, New York (.gov) Work at Fairfield Fairfield University Corporate Career Job Areas Target Employment Opportunities | Game Commission Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (.gov) Store Hourly Job Areas Target Careers at USCIS USCIS (.gov) Careers at TWU Texas Woman's University Jobs and Training at FDA fda.gov Work at Butler Butler University Employment | Department of Corrections Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (.gov) Water Services Careers City of Phoenix (.gov) Job Search Results UnitedHealth Group Careers Work With Us National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (.gov) Careers at University of Missouri Health Care | University of Missouri Health Care jobs University of Missouri Health Care Careers at Willamette Willamette University Career Opportunities UMHB Careers Johnson & Johnson Career Opportunities Gilead Sciences Finding Your New Career at the City of Phoenix City of Phoenix (.gov) IOM career gateways International Organization for Migration Careers Washington State University Jobs at Liberty University Liberty University Careers BASF Careers at the IOC Olympics.com Healthcare Jobs at Novant Health | Novant Health Novant Health Jobs and careers | Veterans Affairs VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs I landed job offers at Meta, Microsoft, and Google, thanks to this LinkedIn hack anyone can use Fortune Student internships at J&J Johnson & Johnson Careers Career Comeback UBS Certified Direct Care Professional (CDCP) Wisconsin Department of Health Services (.gov) Future of Jobs Report 2025: The jobs of the future – and the skills you need to get them The World Economic Forum Work for the City of St. Louis City of St. Louis, MO (.gov) Careers WVDE Careers The Ocean Cleanup Ready for your next great job? ADP Careers Our Hiring Process Target UF Health Careers UF Health Careers Job Seekers Illinois Human Resources Careers CrowdStrike.com Careers KPMG Careers at Union Union College March 2025 Preview: What to Expect in the Jobs Report Center for Economic and Policy Research EPA employees rally in Denver against President Trump’s job and funding cuts Colorado Public Radio Careers at Balfour Beatty Balfour Beatty Jobs for Veterans and transitioning military VA Careers (.gov) DOE Report Shows Clean Energy Jobs Grew at More Than Twice the Rate of Overall U.S. Employment Department of Energy (.gov) Job Opportunities Bellevue School District Talent Solutions CBIZ The Job Market Is Frozen The Atlantic Careers Euromonitor Interview Guide and Tips Target Provincial Government Job Opportunities Government of Prince Edward Island Current opportunities Turner & Townsend Recorded Video Interviews Target 25 Best Jobs That Pay $100K or More | Careers | U.S. News Money/ US News Why hasn’t AI taken your job yet? Financial Times RESTORING ACCOUNTABILITY TO POLICY-INFLUENCING POSITIONS WITHIN THE FEDERAL WORKFORCE The White House (.gov) Work at UI Health Care | University of Iowa Health Care University of Iowa Health Care Medical Center Surging job market could prove costly for households, businesses as odds of quick rate cuts fade AP News WORK AT LVMH LVMH Careers at Jacobs Jacobs SNAP Helps Millions of Workers in Low-Paying Jobs Center on Budget and Policy Priorities Work with us JPMorganChase Tariffs are 'lose-lose' for U.S. jobs and industry, economist says: 'There are no winners here' CNBC |
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