Penning a Good Cover Letter
Occasionally cover letters come across as an afterthought when, really, they're maybe the most fundamental parts of a new candidates application procedure. Many times a new candidate's résumé becomes your main focus, but I've always felt it says the least around what you offer to an company or why you'd be a great fit.
Check out a few pointers to study to help get you through a weary organization HR screener and into the interview opportunity.
If you created your cover letter by copying and pasting a sample after a short Google lookup more than likely you won't get noticed.
Do not merely update me about your education, your company, what your interests are, or why you're so generally outstanding. Inform me about how you'll offer the department. How are you going to apply your skills to add to the company?
Did you note anything about the business you're applying to? If your cover letter has no conection to the job posting other than "I would be a neat match for X position." go back to the job posting and select specific needs the employer has and clarify how you can address them.
This is much easier than it might seem.
For example: My office creates websites for accountants. Have you ever even looked at a CPA website? It might take a few moments, but they'll be well spent. Search "CPA Websites". Find out what I'm doing. It won't take long. While you're at it take a look at my competitors. You'll want to know what they're doing too. Take a look at a few accounting websites. Do you have a favorite? What do you like about it?
You don't have to dazzle me with some kind of revolutionary brainstorm. I'm not asking you to reinvent the mouse trap. If you can simply demonstrate a real enthusiasm for the business you'll have succeeded in standing out, and your chances of getting an interview will have improved a lot.
If your objective is essentially "I want to use your office as a stepping stone." an employer might question "What's wrong with our organization?"
If an employer posts content in their job listing about their team and culture and you choose not to interpret it or mention it in your cover letter you've wasted an invaluable point of conversation. Relate to the job posting and the company website! Note things that resonated with you and why you'd like to be a part of the company. Talk about what you can add to the culture.
If you choose not to create a cover letter at all a department may opt not to even consider your resume.
Writing a sound cover letter is tricky, but if you understand and process what is in the work posting and present how you can specifically cover a company's needs you'll get noticed.
Feedback from a buddy or mentor can be very helpful. If you require assistance and you are searching for feedback don't waffle, just direct them a sample of your cover letter and resume and the employment posting you're applying for.