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Author: Jay Bently Help with cover letters for a resume
When looking for employment, you should not overlook the significance of a cover letter. Carefully done, a cover letter increases your chances for consideration, and provides an opportunity to highlight why you are right for the job. The following tips will give you help with cover letters for a resume that sells you!
A great cover letter is much more than just a note stating, "I read the employment announcement in Saturday's paper, please accept this letter as an application of interest". It is a statement that informs the potential employer what they can expect from you if hired.
The hard part of writing a quality cover letter is deciding on what information to include. Try to think of what you could add to your cover letter that would emphasize your unique qualifications. What sets you apart from other candidates?
Remember that the resume and cover letter have different purposes. A resume shows that you are qualified for the job, and it highlights your past accomplishments, while a cover letter shows the extent to which you fit the job requirements for a job and how you will fit in.
A well-written cover letter gives you an advantage over other candidates because it provides the opportunity to showcase your experience and qualifications.
You can master the basics of a cover letter by following these points:
Sell!! Sell!! Sell!!
Try to think of a cover letter as a sales pitch. Begin with a strong introduction, layout the benefits you offer, and establish credibility by showcasing your accomplishments.
Write the way you speak.
While still being professional, the cover letter should reflect a real person. Most people tend to use big words to communicate their message. Instead, write in a straightforward manner that entices the reader to review the resume. Use words that demonstrate enthusiasm for the position, company and industry.
Don't rehash your resume.
Don't bore the reader, but instead tell them interesting points about you. The best ways to do this is by selecting three to four great selling points and showcase them in the body of the cover letter.
Always ask for an interview.
Be proactive in your cover letter. In the last paragraph tell the potential employer that you will be contacting him or her to setup a time to meet. Really, the main reason of applying for a job is to be asked in for an interview, so don't be shy, give it a try!
These tips will give you the help with cover letters for a resume that will ensure you get in front of the employers.
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