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The Not-so-effective Cover Letter
Here’s a newsflash: Cover
letters work, plain and simple. This is why I’m intrigued by the fact that a)
jobseekers rarely submit them and b) hiring managers seldom read them. As a
result, I started asking questions. Specifically, “What’s your problem with
cover letters?” Here’s what I found out.
Jobseekers claim all the
pertinent information is included in the resume. Translation: “I don’t know
how to write an effective cover letter so I just scrap it.” Hiring managers
say cover letters serve no purpose. Translation: “Jobseekers don’t know how
to write an effective cover letter so I’d just as soon not be bothered.”
Top
3 Reasons Most Cover Letters Don’t Work
1.
The one-size-fits-all method. Hiring
managers are extremely jealous. Although they are aware you are courting other
companies, they want to know that you at least care enough to hide it.
Solution:
Avoid form letters. Instead, customize each letter with the hiring organization
and the position in mind. Here’s an example.
“With over nine years of
HRIS and human resources experience, I have had the opportunity to contribute
strong, sustainable improvements within the HR functions, particularly in areas
of systems development, implementation, and maintenance.
When I read the job
description posted on your corporate website, I was immediately drawn to the
similarity between your requirements and my experience. In particular, I meet
your prerequisite for an HRIS Specialist who has the ability to train end users
effectively in a variety of applications and processes. From my enclosed resume,
you will note that I approach end-user training with a patient, diligent
manner.”
2.
I want, I need, I must have. Me, me,
me. That is the approach many candidates take when writing their own cover
letter. This self-centered approach, without a doubt, backfires every time.
Solution:
Focus the letter on how you can benefit the hiring organization. Here’s an
example.
“The
following are examples from two different employers that illustrate my ability
to integrate time- and cost-saving solutions for the HRIS infrastructure:
-
For
XYZ, I implemented an entirely new HRIS system that affected data and
records for 25,000 team members, expediting processes by converting our
applications to Lawson as the company grew at a breakneck pace.
-
For
ABC, I eliminated a slow-moving manual process and developed a system from
the ground up that processed commissions for 700 people, leading to a
reduction of three processing days per month.”
3.
Taking a “pretty please” approach. No
one wants to hire a desperate jobseeker.
Solution:
The tone of the cover letter must be kept on a professional level. Here’s an
example.
“In addition to technology
and problem-solving skills, what I also offer is the ability to create and
maintain data tables, structures, files, interface requirements, and data
integrity protocols for ongoing administration.”
Cover
Letters Can Win Job Interviews
Persuasive, targeted, and
commercial-like cover letters fare well. And that is exactly what a cover letter
is—a commercial, starring your experience.
Recognized as a career expert, Linda Matias brings a wealth of experience to the
career services field. She has been sought out for her knowledge of the
employment market, outplacement, job search strategies, interview preparation,
and resume writing, quoted a number of times in The Wall Street Journal, New
York Newsday, Newsweek, and HR-esource.com. She is President of CareerStrides
and the National Resume Writers’ Association. Visit her website at
www.careerstrides.com
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