subject: Resume Cover Letters - How Necessary? [print this page] Resume cover letters are not always listed as compulsory requirements when applying for a vacancy. Whether or not it is demanded, always attach one. Resume cover letters would be of great advantage to you.
What really is a resume cover letter?
Apart from your resume which states your qualification, work experience etc, your resume cover letter sells you for THAT particular vacancy. In your cover letter, you show your understanding of what would be required of you and your ability to suitably meet those requirements.
What Do You Need To Write A Professional Resume Cover Letter?
The first thing you require to do is be sure you really have a good understanding of the job requirements. Meaning, you need to fully know and appreciate what would be required of any successful candidate. This is very important because you require to show in the body of your resume that you understand this and can deliver appropriately.
Your next move will be to gather all the information you can about the organization. This enables you to tailor your resume to include current issues in the company that affect the position you want to apply for showing how you may respond to them. With this knowledge, you can think like you are already on the job and sell ways you can add solutions to any of the company's programs.
A cover letter is just like a sales letter. Well, that is exactly what it is since it seeks to sell you to the employer. You can't achieve this just with your resume. The letter covering the resume shows the application and suitability of your several qualifications for the job. When a recruitment officer goes through a good cover letter, they should look at your resume and understand clearly what solutions you can bring to the table.
Considering the above, resume cover letter therefore requires to be unique for each application. You can't afford to have a generic cover letter for all your applications as this would lack the personal touch required to get you an interview invite.
Your cover letter should spark of so much interest in the recruitment manager to want to have a face to face with you. You get invited for interviews this way.
You resume cover letter should contain the following:
1, The name, title and contact of the manager in charge of hiring. Do all within your power to get this detail. To whom it may concern doesn't just cut it.
2, Eagerness to work with the organization
3, What Quality you can add.
4, Your right contact information (phone, email, physical address).
5, Ask to be interviewed, promising to have a lot to offer.
6, Close respectably.
Steer Clear Of These!
1, Do not sound like your life is dependent on that job. If you are good at what you do, you can't be without other offers.
2, do not make your letter too long. There may be little time to read long letters so keep it precise and short.
3, do not use overly big words. Your best bet is to keep your letter simple.
You know your chances of getting a job has Improved when you write and attach a well written resume cover letter.