Cover letters - ThinnerTimes

mistymee · 12-04-2008, 06:24 AM

Short and to the point... I suck at writing cover letters. I've search the web and found so much of the advice is contradictory.

I have not had many interviews and though I know a lot of this has to do with living in one of the highest unemployment area's in the nation so there's a lot of competition, but I do feel that my cover letters are part of my problem.

Anyone have any tried and true, gold star advice for me on this?

Thanks.

Phoenixfire · 12-06-2008, 02:55 PM

I'd be more than happy to help you. I've got professional experience with this sort of thing. Just PM me and we can do it that way, or by email. Heck if you email me your letter I can edit it to help you.

Yes the cover letter makes a BIG difference and it IS an example of your writing ability. Employers care about that. When you PM me, let me know what sort of field are you in.

coptergirl · 12-06-2008, 03:47 PM

I also do HR, so am happy to help. There is no cookie cutter and killer formula, unfortunately. I read with a red pen in my hand, so if there are grammaticall or spelling errors...they're out of the running for a phone call. My boss reads everything with a grain of salt...it really depends on who's reading, and their mood that day, for that matter.

Glad to help as well...send me a PM...

Josephine · 12-07-2008, 02:12 AM

Honestly, I get called back for interviews when my cover letter is exciting and TRUE, which is due to REALLY wanting the job and genuinely being excited about it and just writing how you feel you'll be a good match with them. Find what makes you happy and apply for jobs in that field. THAT is when you'll write brilliant cover letters. Just my honest opinion.

splendifor · 12-07-2008, 09:28 AM

when I read cover letters I think that saying something that lets the reader know you actually know about the company (or the type of job - the mission) is good but not overboard.. I like that because it shows the person was interested enough in THIS job and THIS company to do some research. But a couple of sentences at most is enough. I mostly just scan the cover letter to see what the person has to say and then move on to the resume.

One I saw recently that sort of went overboard (but still stood out) said something like, "I read on your website that your agency has recently celebrated 25 years of working to end child abuse.." and then something about "I am interested in this position because of the proven track record xxx (the position) has in addressing the issues families face when dealing with abuse and neglect..." it was very on point and was exactly what we do. I think reading the company or department's mission statement and/or description of the job and being able to somehow drop that specifically in the (SHORT) cover letter makes a big point that "I want THIS job with YOUR company..."

Aviator · 12-08-2008, 06:13 AM

As an employer, I pay as much attention to the cover letter as to the resume itself. It lets me know how your experience is relevant to your perception of my job opening, and what your expectations are.

It is more work than to just blindly send out resumes, but it lets me know youve made the extra effort to find out something about my company.

I get hundreds of "mass mailing" resumes every month. They go in the round file.

Make the effort.