Successful Job Seeking ? The Importance of Your Cover Letter

As an employer I receive many job applications each week. Some cover letters are so well written that I am compelled to review the attached resume even if our company is not currently hiring. I don't want to miss an opportunity to contact an outstanding individual. Other cover letters are sufficiently interesting that I will file them away and review them later in the week, while others simply beg to be deleted immediately.

What makes the difference? For me, there are three factors; understanding, argument and attention to detail.

Understanding. Here's what I am looking for. Did the job seeker spend time to find out about our company, our products and services and our markets? As an employer it's easy to identify the level of understanding of job seekers and classify them into three areas ? those who understand our company, those who have some understanding of our industry and those who have no understanding at all. I dispose of e-mails from this last group immediately. However, if the job seeker clearly takes time to understand us, I'll take time to read about him or her. As for the group in the middle? I'll usually take some time to read their cover letter, but unless they make a compelling argument with excellent attention to details they too, will be deleted.

Argument. Even if the applicant clearly demonstrates some knowledge of our company I'm still looking for a compelling reason why I should take time to review an accompanying resume. I'm interested in the applicant who clearly goes the extra mile ? one who understands us and persuades me to find out more. This is the type of person I want working for our company!

Attention to Detail ? Grammar and Spelling. It goes without saying that grammar and spelling are important. They are cornerstones of written communication. Since we are a client-focused company, every employee must possess good communication skills, both written and oral. I'm looking for well-constructed paragraphs and sentences, together with correct spelling. Details count.

Find more job hunting resources at www.jobhawk.com.

Bruce Sutton is president of Jobhawk Inc., an online job search site based in Toronto Canada.

---

How to Survive in Business Long Enough to Win

As a former human resources professional it has always intrigued... Read More

How To Get A Job Fast

In today's unpredictable economy, the idea of job security with... Read More

Do Dream Jobs Really Exist?

More than four out of ten thirtysomething professionals want to... Read More

Consulting: A Different World

I won't say I have a vast array of knowledge... Read More

Self Describing Skills - Key Strengths

You need to be the best you can at describing... Read More

Are You Making These Common Job Interview Mistakes?

Going to an interview without a plan of action is... Read More

Job Search: The End of the Line

There is an end to the job search tunnel!It has... Read More

Career Transitions : Fearless Flyers

You may have read one of my previous articles on... Read More

How to Tell if You are Fired and Just Dont Know It

No one should be fired and be surprised about it.... Read More

What To Do When Your Boss Is a Butthead

I've never worked for a boss I didn't like or... Read More

How to Make More Job Contacts Faster, through Viral Marketing

Are you in the job market? Sick of every blog-byte... Read More

How to Make Money as a Reflexologist

Being a reflexologist is one of the top five career... Read More

The Telecommuting Tightrope

For many of us, telecommuting seems like the ideal situation.... Read More

Are You an Ex-career Woman Living In a New Country?

Were you once a successful, professional woman who had a... Read More

How You Can Find Opportunities For Foreign Language Proof Reading Work

For those who are fluent in another language, foreign language... Read More

TMI: The Resume Destroyer

"They say my résumé should be only one page long.... Read More

Need a Job? Put a Gun to Your Head

A legendary marketing genius once said that, if he had... Read More

Does Retirement Fit Into Your Busy Schedule?

Why do you work?Stop and think about it. Other than... Read More

Unlimit Your Life!

Do you have a tendency to think in absolutes?Is everything... Read More

Ready to Move -- Anywhere!

"I have lived in this city all my life. My... Read More

Searching for a Federal Job

Many years ago searching for a federal job was a... Read More

10 Tips For Writing A Winning Resume

Your resume (or curriculum vitae), combined with the cover letter,... Read More

Power Resumes ? Writing Your Objectives

A powerful resume starts with a good statement of objective.... Read More

When Your Job Goes Away: Seven Tips

Q. "What do I do after a job goes away?"A.... Read More

Career Change Is Not For Wimps! 3 Powerful Steps to Do Work You Love

Tough words... but I truly believe that folks who make... Read More

Avoid a Three-ring Circus with These New Interviewing Strategies

I referenced the circus because I just finished another interviewing... Read More

Unemployment Survival: Creating a Sense of Security

In a time of economic downturn, international turmoil, company restructuring... Read More

Should You Telework/Telecommute

"WOW! I can work from home and make money? I... Read More

Ten Tips to a Powerful Resume

A new resume can jump-start your career. Your network contacts... Read More

Seven Myths You Must Challenge Now To Begin Your Second Career Today

* Has it been awhile since you explored career options?*... Read More

The Springtime of Your Career

Rick Jarow, author of Creating the Work You Love, introduced... Read More

Freelance Work: The Changing Face of Employment

The world sure is changing, and if you look at... Read More

Outsmart Other Job Seekers by Showing These 5 Key Strengths

Getting an appointment for an interview these days is an... Read More