How to Write a Good Job Application Letter
If you are looking for a new job, one of your most important weapons is a well written cover letter. When you write yours, here are a few things to keep in mind. If you do, you are far more likely to be considered seriously and get offered interviews.
The cover letter serves 2 purposes: 1. To support the resume. 2. To add information that cannot be covered on the resume. Your cover letter is the place to discuss your significant achievements, such as meeting sales goals. Be clear about your accomplishments and the steps you took to achieve them. Be sure that the traits and skills that would make you a good candidate for this job are clearly highlighted.
The cover letter should describe accomplishments and work or volunteer experience that can be validated or measured. Impress prospective employers by telling them about your verifiable achievements. If you must choose between discussing your success in increasing sales by 30% and your success in improving corporate culture, choose to talk about the sales. That is a measurable accomplishment.
Have you solved a difficult problem for a current or prior employer? Discuss the problem and how you attacked it in your cover letter. Be specific, but relatively brief. Remember that the person reading your resume may also be screening dozens of other candidates for the position in question. You don’t want to risk losing his or her attention by lengthening your cover letter with too much detail.
Have you gone beyond the call of duty in your job? Have you successfully completed important major projects? Were you entrusted with particularly critical or sensitive assignments? If so, talk about those experiences in your cover letter, emphasizing the positive outcomes of your efforts.
Talk about both your past performance and your past experiences. These are equally important to hiring committees and hiring managers. You should surely list your great characteristics as the ideal employee; however, you should first outline your experiences and notable accomplishments.
Before using a new cover letter, have it read and evaluated by at least two people; a person who has done a lot of hiring and a skilled editor. Both can help you craft a letter which will enable you to put your best foot forward. Creating an effective cover letter is well worth the time and effort required.
Marjorie York writes about online colleges, careers, and college scholarships for working adults.