Are Cover Letters Worth It?

When you are involved in a job search, you need to catch the attention of the hiring manager so you can get a chance to come in for an interview.  A cover letter is one of the keys to drawing attention and making yourself appear to be an interesting, worthy candidate.  A cover letter can be a great opportunity to sell yourself, and it’s definitely worth the effort, but it’s only effective if it is done right.  
To help ensure your cover letter is an asset in your job search, consider these key tips:

• Customize your cover letter to the job you are applying for. While a good cover letter can help you, a generic cover letter will provide little competitive advantage and could even hurt you by making you appear disinterested. When you write a cover letter, make sure it is addressed to the hiring manager or company, and that you include information in the letter that explains specifically why you can meet the needs of the organization.

• Use your cover letter to sell yourself. Your cover letter is your best chance to make a great first impression. Be sure to showcase your professional skills and clearly state what you are capable of. The hiring manager should be able to immediately see from the information you include in the cover letter that you would be an asset to their organization.

• Be succinct.  A cover letter should be brief, easy to read and direct to the point. You want a hiring manager to be able to skim the cover letter quickly and immediately find the relevant info that lets them know you are a great candidate.

Cover letters are just one of many different tools that can help you to make an impression and get your foot in the door. For many job seekers, one of the best ways to fast track their job search and find new opportunities is to work with a staffing service. SmartTalent serves employees in Fife, Kirkland, Renton, Lynnwood, and surrounding areas. Let us help put you in front of employers today who are looking for people with skills like yours.