What information should I include in a cover letter?
When applying to a job that requires a resume and a cover-letter, what information should I include in the cover letter so that I don't 'repeat' what's on my resume? #college #career #internships #interviews #volunteering #cover-letters #job-application
6 answers
Ollie’s Answer
The purpose of the cover letter (and the resume) is to GET THE INTERVIEW.
Nothing more, nothing less.
Think about the reader of your cover letter. She's screening 75 applications, trying to pick four people. Your job in the cover letter is to make her job easier by picking you. If she's super-diligent, she'll spend two minutes on each application, for a total of two and half hours of screening work. If she's like the rest of us, each application gets about fifty seconds of consideration. You want her to be able to say "yes!" to one of those applications: yours.
So write the cover letter in a way that makes it clear why you're a good candidate for her to decide to interview. Tell why you're a great person for that particular job.
Don't worry about issues of form, like whether your cover letter duplicates your resume. It just doesn't matter.
Thank you!
Jackie
Gary’s Answer
Hi,
Good question.
You will find a lot of information on cover letters, everyone has different ideas and opinions...I have done a lot of trial and error with cover letters and sometimes what the experts say not to do has worked for me. for example, I do include my resume summary (bullet statements) on my cover letter because the letter is usually read first by HR or the hiring manager and the actual person that will interview you may not see your cover letter, only you resume, in my experience.
Here is a good link for cover letter basics:
https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/the-cover-letter-basics-hot-jobs
Good luck! :)
Thank you!
Jackie
matthew’s Answer
Your experience and how your expertise and skill fit into the job is very important in a cover letter. you must demonstrate your skill is what they need and how you'll add value to the organizztion
Thank you!
Jackie
Jane’s Answer
I believe it's always good to give your motivation for the company and the role within your motivation letter. Let them know your interest, why your applying and why you'd be good for the position are some things to consider.
I'd say keep your cover letter short and sweet and let your resume do most of the talking.
Good luck!
Thank you!
Jackie
Sheila’s Answer
This is a great question. In my opinion the cover letter and resume duplicating each doesn't matter. Here are my tips for your consideration.
TOP THREE THINGS THAT MUS BE INCLUDED IN A COVER LETTER
1) How a candidate’s work experience meets job requirements
2) How a candidate’s skills meet job requirements
3) Why a candidate wants to work at the organization
Your cover letter needs to provide this information and leave the reader convinced that you are the right person for the job.
To accomplish this, you should be using the requirements of the job to dictate the content of your cover letter and following these best practices.
SHOW HOW YOU CAN SOLVE SPECIFIC PROBLEMS
Saying you’re a ‘problem-solver’ is about as helpful as explaining your preference for chocolate croissants over regular croissants. Don’t tell them about your amazing problem-solving skills. Explain the details of a particular problem you were key in solving and how exactly you employed your skills to solve it. Better yet, if you know the company has a particular problem you could help solve, outline how you can help solve it.
PICK AN APPROPRIATE VOICE AND TONE
• You should write like yourself, but you should also pick the appropriate voice and tone for the company you’re applying to.
• Researching the company will help dictate the tone you want to use, which may differ greatly, depending on where you apply. For example, the tone of your letter for a legal consulting firm will likely differ from a tech startup.
TELL YOUR STORY
Telling stories from your career is a great way to demonstrate your skills and give hiring managers some insight into your personality and work style.
HOW TO MAKE YOUR COVER LETTER UNIQUE
When thinking about how to make your cover letter unique, keep the following statements in mind:
• You should make your cover letter unique and show the reader who you are as an individual.
• You should include experience and skills that relate directly to the job posting.
There's lots of good information out there and comments shared by the CV Profs. I wish you much success on your journey. Best of luck to you!
Sheila recommends the following next steps:
