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While the resume is a critical marketing tool for the job seeker, for some hiring managers the cover letter can be an equal or even more important tool for assessing a candidate's competencies. The cover letter gives the job seeker an opportunity to connect with the reader and even show a bit more of their personality and passion for their work. Yet some job seekers view the cover letter as an afterthought and do not pay enough attention to the role the letter can play in showcasing their value. Below are seven common cover letter mistakes.
- Make the cover letter all about you. Employers do not want to see a data dump of everything you have ever done. They want to see a letter with a laser focus on the skills and achievements that are relevant to their business and address their pain points. Be specific and write with the employer's frame of reference in mind.
- Write more than one one page. In today's fast-paced world, no one has time to read long cover letters. Get to the point quickly and use brief paragraphs or bulleted lists of competencies and achievements to demonstrate a succinct and compelling value proposition.
- Write less than a paragraph . Writing a cover letter that simply states "my resume is attached for your review" adds no value to your candidacy. Use the cover letter as an opportunity to connect with your reader. Usually you should be able to get your point across in three or four brief paragraphs.
- Forget to sign your name. Overlooking this detail may leave the hiring manager wondering what other details you do not pay attention to.
- Neglect to reference the position you are applying for. Some hiring managers are recruiting for multiple positions simultaneously. Refer to the position you are applying for early on in the letter to avoid confusion.
- Fail to proofread the letter. Again, paying attention to the details is important. Use spell check, proof read, and ask someone else to review the letter to catch any errors.
- Send your cover letter / resume with a generic subject line. Recruiters may be receiving hundreds of resumes for the same position. Stand out from the crowd by using an eye-catching subject line when you send an e-mail with your resume / cover letter attachments such as "Award-Winning Sales Manager" or "Top Producing Customer Service Representative."
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Source by Barb Safani
