Cover Letter confusion

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

For some reason, I’ve gotten a number of questions – this past week – about the importance of cover letters. Rather than give my opinion, this week’s blog offers others’ comments and a number of links.

Purdue (University’s) Online Writing Lab (link through www.larrylitwin.com or http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/549/01/) says it much better than I:

A cover letter introduces you and your resume to potential employers or organizations you seek to join (non-profits, educational institutions, etc.). It is the first document an employer sees, so it is often the first impression you will make. Take advantage of this important first impression and prepare the reader for your application, stating why you are writing, why you are a good match for the job and the organization, and when you will contact him or her.

Cover letters do more than introduce your resume, though. A cover letter’s importance also includes its ability to:

• Explain your experiences in a story-like format that works with the information provided in your resume
• Allow you to go in-depth about important experiences/skills and relate them to job requirements
• Show the employer that you are individualizing (tailoring) this job application
• Provide a sample of your written communication skills

Another link, “Cover Letter Myths,” says, “Exposing Cover Letter Myths”

Your cover letter is a first impression to potential employers. If you expect to be a successful job seeker, you’ll want to know how to attract positive attention with your cover letter, while avoiding common mistakes.

Believing the myths that follow can kill your cover letter before it has a chance to sell your skills.

It’s okay to send your resume without a cover letter

False! Unless you like to send your resume into other people’s trashcans, make sure that a cover letter accompanies your resume.

Here is that link: http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/exposing-cover-letter-myths.html rCareer Builder says this in “Cover Letter Dos and Don’ts”: Most people are familiar with the importance of a well-constructed resume, and put a fair amount of time into creating one. But just as important is the cover letter that accompanies and introduces your resume.

In an extremely competitive job market, neglecting your cover letter is a big mistake. Why? A cover letter is your first opportunity to tell a prospective employer about yourself, and to do so in your own words. Like a written interview, a cover letter gives you the opportunity to point out applicable experience and qualities that make you right for the job. And just like any other important job searching tool, there are definite dos and don’ts to follow to make sure your cover letter is an asset, not a hindrance.

Here is that link:  http://www.careerbuilder.com/Article/CB-160-Cover-Letters-Resumes-Cover-Letter-Dos-and-Donts/

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]