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:
- For XYZ, I implemented an entirely new HRIS system that affected data and records for 25,000 team members, expediting processes by converting our applications to Lawson as the company grew at a breakneck pace.
- For ABC, I eliminated a slow-moving manual process and developed a system from the ground up that processed commissions for 700 people, leading to a reduction of three processing days per month."
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.
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CAREER
ASSESSMENT TIME?
If you need a change in career path, you should be taking a closer look at your particular abilities and interests, which will go a long way in helping you to make better choices when facing critical decisions that decide your employment direction.
Before setting your goals in stone, try pondering the things you enjoy doing more than anything else, the particular skills you possess, and how the challenges that lie ahead might impact you and your family's future. At some point you'll want to ask yourself some of the following questions:
- Where do I currently stand in terms of career development?
- What are my interests, strengths and abilities as they relate to my future goals?
- Have I identified various programs and training that will assist me in my journey to reach my goals?
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Questions To Consider About Your Resume Writer
- Is your resume writer certified by a reputable resume writing organization?
- Does your resume writer possess at least 12 years of resume writing experience?
- Is your resume writer available throughout the day to discuss your project?
- Are flexible appointment hour available from your resume writer?
- Does your resume writer use print marketing strategies to get you noticed?
- Can your resume writer offer over 10 years of hiring and interviewing expertise to the project?
- Is your resume writer punctual in returning phone calls?
- Will your resume writer show you samples of work prior to job acceptance?
- Does your resume writer offer a performance guarantee?
If the answer to any of these questions is "no", then you should consider The Resume Clinic.
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