Our position at The Ayers Group is, Yes, write that cover letter. At a minimum it is a great exercise to go through because it requires that you think about the "fit" between the job you are applying for and You.
And if the hiring manager actually reads it, it could be a differentiator, especially if the others who applied chose not to write one.
So, what makes a good cover letter? Here is a brief guide we have developed, with two examples.
Like a resume, your cover letter is another way in which you present yourself to the market. You want to present yourself as professional, confident, positive, and capable.
Unlike a resume which generally does not change very much each time you send it out, a cover letter is always customized. Ideally each cover letter you write is addressed to a person by name and deals with a specific opportunity at a target employer.
We recommend keeping cover letters short and specific. As a guide, there are 3 parts to a cover letter: 1) the Introduction where you say Why you are writing; 2) the Body where you show how you may be a good fit with their needs; and 3) the Closing where you express interest in meeting them.
If you have a job ad that you are writing about, take the time to read it carefully and analytically, identifying what you think are their "must have" requirements. These will be key to part 2, the Body, mentioned above.
Example A – With a job ad
Dear [Their Name, if you have it],
I am writing to you with interest in the opening for a Software Development Engineer that I saw on Dice.com.
In analyzing the job requirements, it is clear that you are looking for someone with certain capabilities. First, you are seeking someone who can lead the development of complex software projects. I have over 15 years of hands-on experience in leading and managing complex software development projects including (give some examples). Second, I see that you are seeking someone who...... Third.....
As you can see, my capabilities are well aligned with the requirements you have listed for this position. I would like to speak with you about this opportunity at your earliest convenience. I can be reached at...
Sincerely yours,
Ramprasad
Example B – No job ad
Dear Mr. Eastwood,
Mitch Samson gave me your name and suggested that it would be a mutually beneficial for us to meet. I have known Mitchell for the past two years and highly value his opinion.
Currently, I am in transition from York Merchants and would like to take my career to the next level and focus on building a single brand such as Casa Noche. I have a tremendous passion for tequila and have become quite fond of the product and brand Casa Noche is creating. I have expressed my interests and ideas about Casa Noche to Mitch and he thought you and I should try and speak about our shared interests in the brand.
Mitch has said you are not hiring right now, but I would love to show you what I can bring to Casa Noche and potentially help build a team utilizing the industry contacts I have made along the East Coast and ideas I have been working on. Perhaps we could arrange a meeting within the next month before the holiday season begins to ramp up?
Sincerely,
Mike Masters
Terrence Seamon helps his clients to position themselves for success. Follow him on twitter @tseamon
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