14 April 2008

A Good Cover Letter Makes A Resume Shine!

Resume Cover Letters

Free Resume Cover Letter Articles : A Good Cover Letter Makes A Resume Shine! by Larry Presley

As good as any resume can possibly be, it can become even better with a well written cover letter. You absolutely "never" mail a resume without a cover letter. Why? Because it can say so much more than your resume is supposed to. It can explain what your intentions are with the resume you're presenting, such as your plans for changing careers or industries. It can also reemphasize the strengths and competencies that you are offering a potential employer. It's an important tool that you must use in the pursuit of employment.

The key to writing a great cover letter is to start with a draft, making sure all important issues concerning your experience, skills and abilities are included. Work with the draft until you get all the critical information addressed om a succinct manner. Remember, if the letter is too wordy, there's a good chance it won't be read. Good writing skills are important. Typically, you will be able to write your own cover letter, but if you feel you need assistance, seek it out. There is nothing wrong with getting help from someone else or using a resume writing service, if necessary. It is just that important! The letter has be developed and written properly.

The good thing about a cover letter is that you only need one good one. That's right, only one good one. Once you have the body of the letter written (the part that showcases your experience, skills and competencies), you just simply adapt that same letter over and over again to the particular employer by changing the inside address, salutation, etc. It might be necessary to make other slight adjustments if you are attempting to make some major change in your career outside of your normal profession or industry.

If a part of your job search includes direct mail, always indicate in the last line of your letter that you will be following up with a phone call at some point. Make that phone call. Otherwise, don't waste your time. Direct mail without a phone call is a complete waste of time and postage.

Always try to address your letter to a person. You want to avoid, if at all possible, a general salutation such as "Dear Hiring Manager". However, in the absence of a name, use "Hiring Manager" as opposed to "Dear Sir/Madam" or "To Whom It May concern".

TIP: If you don't know the appropriate manager's name, do a little leg work and find out. You can call the company's Human Resources Department and get the name. Be sure and ask for the correct spelling. You have a much better chance of getting your letter and resume in front of a hiring manager if you address it directly to that person.

TIP: Better yet, send only a strong cover letter to the manager. It may increase your chances of getting your letter read if a resume does not accompany it. Why? Because in most cases if a resume is detected by the person who opens the mail it will most likely be forwarded to Human Resources. Generally, a manager will have a letter or card that is personally addressed to him/her forwarded to his/her desk.

So, bottom line, never underestimate the importance of a good cover letter with your resume, especially in responding to ads. If you want your resume to shine, a well written cover letter is a must!

About the Author
Larry Presley is owner/operator of "Resumes That Open Doors", a resume preparation service including cover letters and interview coaching. Larry has extensive experience in Human Resources management, consulting and insurance. Visit his blog on homeowners insurance policies, The Basics of Homeowners Insurance http://larrys-insurance-tips.blogspot.com

Source: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=570789

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