Cover Letter Rules

Cover letters are NOT a thing of the past.  They are still alive and well in today’s application process.  Basically, a portion of hiring managers read them and a portion might not.  In essence, there are different thoughts on including a cover letter (or not).  Basically, some feel cover letters are part of the formal process and will include them 100% of the time while others don’t always include one.

So, when is a cover letter a MUST have:

1. When the application specifically requests one as part of the official application. If you don’t, this could be grounds to eliminate you as a candidate because you did not follow directions.
2. When you are applying via email.  You need to have an introduction to the recipient when attaching your résumé.  You could also include the cover letter in the attachment.
3. When you are trying to transition to a different industry or type of work.  For example if you want to move from a corporate role to a higher education role, you need to bridge the gap. 

Now, that you know when you MUST include a cover letter, let’s discuss a compelling cover letter.  Effective cover letters should:

• Address your experience, industry knowledge, technical skills and personal attributes.
•  Grab the reader’s attention that they have to and want to look at you.
• Meet the needs of the employer and not you, the candidate.
• Be assertive and include a call to action.
• Try to address it to a specific person.
• Sell your experience skills and accomplishments.
• Explain why you want to work for that employer.

Finally, a few additional tips:

• Format:  Use formal business letter formatting and punctuation. 
• Length:  Write no more than one page.
• Attachments: 

• If uploading on a career portal, upload as a separate document so that you do not interfere with the portal’s scan of keywords.
• If emailing, include it in the body of the email as well as the first page of your attachment.

So, when you include a cover letter, keep these tips in mind!

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New Leaf Career Solutions is a career consulting boutique that redefines individuals and small businesses professional brands.  New Leaf partners with each client to provide quality résumés, cover letters, bios, brochures and much more.  Visit newleafcareersolutions.com to schedule an appointment.  Follow on Facebook and Twitter for daily tips.  Call today to turn over a New Leaf !!