Stress Free Finance

Jobseekers frequently underestimate the importance of resume cover letters. A well-written cover letter can mean all the difference in the world, or at least become the deciding factor in whether your resume gets read or cast into the circular file.

Jobseekers commonly make the mistake of duplicating their resume when they write the cover letter– although many of them just plain forget to write the cover letter to begin with! However, you need a cover letter that expands on and complements your resume.

Imagine sitting at a desk with piles of resumes in front of you. They’re all printed on nice, white paper. All of them are covered in objectives and skills.

Many of them have letters, some of which are quite long. Overwhelming, isn’t it? Set yourself apart. The cover letter needs to get attention from the reader and give them plenty of good reasons for them to turn the page.

So where to start? You can always learn by example. There are many example resume cover letters online. They are available in several formats, for dozens of different types of jobs. You can find them all by using your favorite search engine.

Now, if someone that the company or interviewer knows well has referred you and also gave you permission to use their name in your cover letter, do it! Employee or networking referrals can go a long way towards ensuring your resume gets considered.

Look over the job description carefully. Reference it in your cover letter, mentioning appropriate skills that make you a great candidate. The easy thing to do would be to repeat everything that’s on your resume, but this is a golden opportunity to take everything a step further. Use the job description to show the reader how your skills will benefit the company.

Above all, picture the interviewer reading the cover letter and asking, “What’s in it for me?” The interview is more than likely thinking that exact thought when he or she is reading through a bunch of resume cover letters. The interview is sure to be yours if your answer sounds good!

Need the Perfect Resume? Visit Make a Resume. We cover everything from How to Design Your Resume Layout to Samples of Resumes for Stay at Home Moms and every other position you can think of.

- Carlie Evie