- Does your cover letter immediately let the reader know you are a candidate he or she wants to meet?
- Does it shed light on why you are a good match for the employer’s position?
- Does your cover letter make a connection that will get you past the initial screening process?
How important is a cover letter? So important that it can make the difference between your resume being read and being set aside! Think about your job-seeking process as a ship on the sea—would you set out for a new port without a chart or map to take you there? Of course not! Your cover letter is the chart that will take you into the reader’s world.
Job seeking is a game—and you need to know the rules of the game! Remember, it is the best-presented person who lands the job, the person who understands the game. Your resume should never be sent without a cover letter, even if the job announcement is a blind ad in the newspaper. Your cover letter should do just that—cover your resume in such a manner that the reader becomes really interested in meeting with you.
Your cover letter is frequently your first introduction to a potential employer. The interview has begun. Your cover letter should be succinct, hard hitting, and tell the employer why you are a good fit. It should demonstrate your potential value in such clear terms that the reader will be compelled to give your resume the attention it deserves.
Some basics about cover letters and their contents:
- They should translate your skills and experiences into the language of the job announcement. This critical piece virtually guarantees the reader will become excited and interested in reading the rest of the letter, your resume and want to meet with you!
- They should be personalized (unless you are responding to a blind ad).
- They should be clear, concise and contain the job title for which you desire consideration.
- They should contain some information about the employer—which demonstrates your interest in the position. People (including employers) are flattered when one takes the time to get to know about them, their goals, their issues and their needs.
- They should contain statements about you and why you are the perfect fit for the position. Once again, it is time to put away the "Humble Mirror"! This is YOUR time to spotlight your accomplishments and potential.
- They should indicate what you will do to follow up in the employment process (when you will make contact).
- They should be upbeat, energetic and professional.
Sound like a tall order? The Career Lighthouse writers are experienced in incorporating the information noted above. Your cover letter offers a powerful opportunity to showcase YOU. We have chartered many job candidates through the hiring process, and we would like to do that for you!
Pricing:
- Targeted Cover Letters (specific to individuals and industries) — $50.00 for the first letter, $25.00 for additional letters.
- Cold Calling or Marketing Letters (to individuals and industries in which you have an interest, but no specific job announcement; like it or not, the job seeking game requires sales—and YOU are the product!). The format we will provide enables you to personalize your cover letters — $45.00
Do You Send a Thank You or Follow-Up Letter After Your Interview? If You Don’t Do This, You Are Missing a Wonderful Opportunity to Focus the Beacon of Success on YOU!
- Remember who lands the job? Not always the best person, but the best presented person! Two applicants, equally qualified interview for the same position. One immediately sends a thank you letter, one does not. Who missed the mark?
- Does your thank you or follow-up letter "seal the deal"?
- Thank you letters are critical—a golden opportunity!
The thank you letter is one of the most important—and perhaps the most important—written communications in the job seeker’s arsenal.
- This is your opportunity—
- To remind the interviewer that your talents and skills are exactly what he or she is looking for.
- To clarify any portion of the interview you feel needs amplification.
- To underscore your experience and/or potential to meet the goals of the position and the employer.
- To provide additional information and/or referrals.
- To demonstrate to the potential employer that you are a person who understands the rules of the job-seeking game and, more importantly, someone who is gracious, appreciative of the opportunity, and would be an excellent representative for the firm.
Our thank you and follow-up letters are powerful, effective and will add that final luster to your presentation. Don’t miss this opportunity to shine!
Pricing:
- Thank You & Follow-Up Letters — $50 with resume package; $75 alone.
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