When Cover Letters Get Personal
Also: Five Cover Letter Mistakes, How Beneficial is a Sample Cover Letter?, When Cover Letters Get Personal

“It is with great interest and enthusiasm that I submit my resume for your review.” Most cover letters are written in this humdrum tone. Cover letters do not need to be so dull, nor so uninteresting. This style of cover letter writing has been around for years; and it’s a trend that has overstayed its welcome.

It’s perfectly acceptable to add pizzazz to cover letters in an effort to engage the reader in your story. Taking a business approach while adding a personal touch to the cover letter will certainly make you stand out from other candidates. But many are skeptical about adding a personal story to the cover letter because rumor has it that cover letters should be completely business-oriented. That isn’t true. There are occasions when it is appropriate to deviate from what others expect to read, and of course, there are times when you should remain with the “tried and true” method.

When Getting Personal Doesn’t Make Sense

Getting personal can be tricky because most people have a tendency to reveal too much. Only choose to disclose personal information if doing so will help sell you for the position. Don’t use the cover letter as a vehicle to make excuses, to apologize for your current situation or to describe how difficult the job search has been. For example, the following is not a personal story that should be fleshed out in a cover letter:

A few months ago, I was laid off and haven’t been able to secure a position since. I have answered countless classified ads and no one will give me an opportunity. My bills are piling up and I need someone to give me a chance. I am a good worker and if you hire me, you won’t be disappointed.

The above introduction smacks of desperation, and although you may be truthful when saying you’ll do a fantastic job, the reader will think either: a) if nobody else wants this person, I sure don’t or b) this person will take on any position just to pay the bills while continuing to look for the right opportunity. While that may not be your intention, it will be the perception.

State who referred you or how you found out about the job opening. "Linda McCain mentioned that you might be hiring a new computer programmer soon." or "I learned about your opening for a Sales Associate from your posting in the San Francisco Sun and would like to discuss a few ways I can contribute to your team."

Resume cover letters should discuss how you can help the employer, not about why you need the job. The employer has posted a job opening because they need that position filled and they need the best candidate to fill it. Convince them why you are that person.

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Make Yourself Stand Out from the Crowd

Demonstrate you know something about who the employer is and what they do. If you don't know anything about the company, find out what products or services the company offers, their competitors; any recent or upcoming changes. Employers will be impressed with your knowledge, especially if their company services a specialty niche that isn't well known.

Do not discuss salary requirements in resume cover letters. If the job posting requests that you respond with salary information, simply state in your cover letter "I would be pleased to discuss my salary history in an interview." Then quickly move on to what you can offer them in terms of your talent and skills.

Give an exact date when you will follow-up to discuss an interview. Don't depend on the employer to follow-up with you.

Keep it Short and to the Point

Do not say 'enclosed please find my resume.' This wastes valuable space in resume cover letters you can devote to highlighting why you are perfect for the job.

State what you need to, but don't draw it out. Keep resume cover letters to one page, preferably about four short paragraphs.

Neatness Counts

Proofread your resume cover letters and then ask someone else to proofread as well. Don't eliminate yourself from the candidates called for an interview because of a simple typo or mis-spelled word. Don't rely on your computer's spell check. It does not always catch everything.

Make sure your letter is neat. If at all possible, spend a little extra and print it on nice, professional paper. Make sure there are no wrinkles, folds or smudges.

Following a few simple rules can help your resume cover letters stand out from all the rest and get you in the door for an interview and on your way to that great new job!

Also: Five Cover Letter Mistakes, How Beneficial is a Sample Cover Letter?, When Cover Letters Get Personal

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Certified in all three areas of the job search—Certified Interview Coach ™ (CIC), Job & Career Transition Coach (JCTC), and Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW)—Linda Matias is qualified to assist you in your career transition, whether it be a complete career makeover, interview preparation, or resume assistance. You can contact Linda directly at linda@careerstrides.com  or visit her website www.careerstrides.com for additional career advice and to view resume samples.

Source: Job-Interview-Advice.net

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