Resume Cover Letters: “Must Know” Tips for Job-Seeking Success

Did you know that your cover letter can be more important than your resume?


It’s true!


If your professional strengths are related to your skill set and work ethic, as opposed to your on-the-job experience, your resume cover letter is the key to success.


In such a case, your cover letter is a “sales pitch” that will sell the potential employer on your future potential to perform exceedingly well.


Even for more experienced professionals, the cover page is still of critical importance. Why? Because there are likely dozens of well-qualified applicants with similar skills, experience, and training. No matter the case, a powerful letter can set you apart from the rest, and function as a catalyst for a job interview.


Before the potential employer ever reads your resume, the cover letter should have sold you as the perfect candidate.


Makes sense, right? It’s all about first impressions, just like when meeting new people face to face.


The tone of your cover letter should be focused, energetic, and factual. Let the reader know that you have what it takes to succeed and briefly cite related training, experience, or coursework in support of your claims.


Here’s an example of a great line:


“For five consecutive years, while working as a consultant for ABC Corporation, my marketing efforts generated more than $1M in annual new revenue.”


This type of claim is substantial and proves that: 1) your work ethic is solid, 2) your efforts result directly in business growth, and 3) you are consistent and dependable.


If you don’t have experience or if you recently graduated from an educational institution, substitute sales numbers with coursework, internships, or past accomplishments in the same manner.


Be specific in all aspects of your cover letter, highlighting only your top qualities as they relate to the position opening. After the introductory paragraph, tell precisely, in one or two additional paragraphs, how your skills meet the employer’s needs.


Remember, your cover letter is your one chance to “voice” your enthusiasm and “win over” a prospective employer. A good cover will motivate an interviewer to contact you in hopes that you are exactly the right candidate for the position.


One additional item you can include to greatly increase your chances of a “call back” is to mention a referral when possible. Even a long-tail referral, a past or present employee at the company, that would recommend you for the job, can be extremely powerful.


By Chris G. Barr