Letters are read as long as they’re written right. Not those generic ones that you submit in a job search engine blast. Cover letters are meant to put you at the top of the pile and to get your resume noticed quicker. Many people start off with the wrong salutation and follow up with the same exact things that are already in their resume. The following are some key things you should and should not add in a cover letter.
What you should add:
A salutation to the effect of: Dear Mr./Ms., Dear Recruiter, or something that addresses a direct person.
Examples of how you will solve their problem, save time, grow their business or whatever their goal is.
Professional Development…any additional training, seminars or workshops you have attended. This can be especially helpful if you’re an older worker or someone who’s been away from the industry for a period of time.
Additional accomplishments that you didn’t have room in the resume to add. You can even add customer kudos if you have them.
Sabbatical reasons, but don’t go too deep. You just want to briefly explain a gap. For example, if you were laid off and used this time to finish school, took time off to travel overseas, care for family or what have you.
What You Should NOT Add:
Antiquated salutation that says: Dear Madam or Dear Sir. Not only does this scream cover letter blast, but to a hiring manager it shows that you didn’t even care enough to look up the name of the interviewer, hiring manager or company department.
The same exact details already in your resume. If you just want to reiterate something, you can reword it without sounding repetitive. So that when they do get to the resume it’s not boring.
Salary requirements unless they are specifically requested.
Everything you want because it’s not about you. It’s about what you can do for the company.
Too many personal details such as a major illness or having and raising children. Some job candidates think that honesty is the best policy. Well, when it comes to the job search don’t ask don’t tell is the best policy.
And lastly you SHOULD answer any questions that are listed on a job posting specifically requesting a cover letter and you SHOULD NOT add things that just “sound” nice and flowery. Like non-relevant info. or generic phrases.
Got questions? Feel free to email BluePrint Resumes & Consulting at: info@blueprintresumes.com.
And as always… Good luck in your career search!