When writing your resume cover letter keep
in mind that the reviewer is only interested in one thing: the
facts. Do not think of your cover letter as an autobiography.
It should be brief and to the point. The purpose of the cover
letter (and resume) should be to demonstrate that you meet or
exceed the requirements listed in the job description. It should
convey that you’re interested in the position and that you're
available to accept the position, if offered.
When writing the resume cover letter avoid negatives. A cover letter is
not the place to explain why you left or are leaving an
employer, why there are gaps in your employment dates, etc.
These "negatives" are best delivered in person during the
interview so that your personality can counter them.
Try to avoid a salary history in the
cover letter. Even if the position specifically asks for your
salary history, providing this information may work against you.
If the job ad specifically says that resumes without a salary
history will not be considered, give a historical salary range
and state that your salary requirements are flexible based on
the opportunity the position will provide.
Spend time thinking about the layout
of your letter. Make sure that it is clean and easy to
scan. Keep in mind, the reviewer of your cover letter and
resume has hundreds (if not thousands) of cover letters and
resumes to look at. Your cover letter should not be a summary of
your resume; instead, consider it an introduction and an
argument for why you are the best candidate for the company and
specific position.
Above all, avoid the generic
cover letter you get from books. If you are not sure how
to write a targeted and personal cover letter, we suggest using
a
professional cover letter writing service. The
services are fairly inexpensive - professional cover letter
writing services start at about $30.
PLEASE do NOT follow the advice of
poorly written resume and cover letter books and websites that
advise on using platitudes and clichés in your cover letter.
Resume reviewers do this for a living. They know that almost
every candidate promises "excellent written and verbal
communication skills", and the ability to "think outside the
box" and "juggle multiple tasks". The point here is to be
different and stand out. The goal is to demonstrate your written
communication skills by writing a
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