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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: McKesson Careers | The future of health starts with you. McKesson Careers Corporate Lowe's Careers 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 Phoenix (.gov) Working for ICE ice.gov Careers University of Northern Colorado Careers at FEMA FEMA.gov Job Loss Is a Kind of Grief The Atlantic Careers City of Ontario, California (.gov) Careers at Prairie View A&M University PVAMU Home Careers | Home USDA (.gov) I landed job offers at Meta, Microsoft, and Google, thanks to this LinkedIn hack anyone can use Fortune Jobs Multnomah County Careers and Jobs at CRS Catholic Relief Services Careers - MDOT Maryland.gov Work at Fairfield Fairfield University Careers Baxter Employment Colby College Careers Johnson & Johnson Store Hourly Job Areas Target Corporate Career Job Areas Target Employment Opportunities | Game Commission Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (.gov) Careers at Touro Touro University Careers at USCIS USCIS (.gov) Careers at TWU Texas Woman's University Jobs and Training at FDA fda.gov Amazon CEO Andy Jassy shares his top tips for a successful career: ‘Don’t be afraid to fail’ AboutAmazon.com Work at Butler Butler University Water Services Careers City of Phoenix (.gov) Job Search Results UnitedHealth Group Careers Jobs City of Rochester (.gov) Employment | Department of Corrections Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (.gov) Work With Us National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (.gov) Career Opportunities Gilead Sciences Career Opportunities UMHB EPA employees rally in Denver against President Trump’s job and funding cuts Colorado Public Radio Careers at Willamette Willamette University Finding Your New Career at the City of Phoenix City of Phoenix (.gov) Jobs Report NFIB IOM career gateways International Organization for Migration Careers at University of Missouri Health Care | University of Missouri Health Care jobs University of Missouri Health Care Careers Washington State University Careers BASF Careers at the IOC Olympics.com Jobs at Liberty University Liberty University 5 Best Job Search Sites of 2025 money.com Student internships at J&J Johnson & Johnson Careers Healthcare Jobs at Novant Health | Novant Health Novant Health Why hasn’t AI taken your job yet? Financial Times Jobs And Careers | VA Montana Health Care | Veterans Affairs VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs Careers | Human Resources Seattle University 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) Ready for your next great job? ADP Careers Careers WV Department of Education Our Hiring Process Target Careers The Ocean Cleanup Job Seekers Illinois Human Resources Fargo VA Health Care System Jobs And Careers | VA Fargo Health Care | Veterans Affairs VA.gov Home | Veterans Affairs UF Health Careers UF Health Careers Careers CrowdStrike DOGE Terminated Me After I Moved Away From My Family for a VA Job Business Insider Careers at Union Union College KPMG Careers KPMG Jobs for Veterans and transitioning military VA Careers (.gov) As Layoffs Continue, Federal Workers Face Sluggish Job Market The New York Times Careers Euromonitor Interview Guide and Tips Target Job Opportunities Bellevue School District Current opportunities Turner & Townsend Recorded Video Interviews Target RESTORING ACCOUNTABILITY TO POLICY-INFLUENCING POSITIONS WITHIN THE FEDERAL WORKFORCE The White House (.gov) Job application FAQs Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services 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 3. Skills outlook - The Future of Jobs Report 2025 The World Economic Forum |
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