Understanding What Is A Cover Letter
A lot of jobseekers go through the motions of applying for a job and fulfilling the requirements that go with it; yet, they do not really know the purpose of having a good cover letter. What exactly is a cover letter? What should be in it? How can one make a good cover letter? These are just some of the questions that run through the minds of eager jobseekers.
First things first. A cover letter is a document that goes with one’s resume. It contains information about an applicant’s purpose for applying, along with additionally relevant details about himself/herself. Basically, it is used to let the prospective employer know why an applicant is the best one for the job. Majority of HR managers deem the cover letter more important than the resume itself. Of course, a resume is important as it contains vital details about one’s qualifications. However, the cover letter is sort of like the introduction, and it is the one that gives the initial impression. It is like an applicant’s first line of evidence or proof that he/she is the most qualified person for the position.
The best cover letter is one that lures or persuades the HR manager or interviewer to go on and look through an applicant’s resume.
What should a good cover letter contain?
- A cover letter has to indicate an applicant’s interest in the position he/she is applying for. It should also state some specific reasons for why he/she is the best person for the job.
- A good cover letter should contain some details about how an applicant functions on a day-to-day basis, as this will give the prospective employer the chance to discover how the applicant approaches or deals with various situations. These details should stress an applicant’s strongest points (i.e. leadership skills, flexibility, willingness to learn, etc).
- A good cover letter should show respect to the interviewer/prospective employer/HR manager. The applicant should use the proper terms and words. Applicants should make sure that the name of the person being addressed in the letter is properly spelled. The company name should also be correctly spelled. This will give the impression that the applicant pays attention to small but important details, and this can be a big plus in the “ratings department”.
- Applicants should include complete contact information, especially those that will help the prospective employer to easily get in touch with the applicant. Examples of useful contact information include telephone number or cell phone number and email address.
The cover letter is an applicant’s most important weapon when applying for the job or position of his/her dreams. The best and most effective letter is the one that is done by the applicant himself/herself, and one that was simply downloaded or copy-pasted.
