How to Personalize Your Cover Letter

Cover letters should be considered an extension of a person’s resume. Often, they are prepared as an after thought. This is a huge mistake, especially if you are vying for a position in a competitive field.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Basic writing skill
• Ability to communicate

1. Having a professional, detailed resume is essential in seeking meaningful employment. However, it will not separate you from the rest of the pack. An informative and creative cover letter can do this and, many times, will. Put at least as much effort into preparing your cover letter as you do your resume.
2. Consider carefully what you say in a cover letter. Imagine that you are speaking directly to the hiring manager, because you may be doing exactly that. If you are fortunate, you have visited your would-be employer’s place of business and / or spoken with somebody on the telephone, even if only to receive directions in how to proceed with your application. Tailor your cover letter to the corporate mood and culture you have seen and sensed.
3. Personal information in a cover letter is essential – but not too much of it. You want the interviewer / hiring manager to know a little bit about you, but you wish to offer the lion’s share of information about you in person. Assume the show business attitude of "leave them wanting more."
4. More than a resume or even the job interview itself, a cover letter is an extension of your personality and can be the wild card in your favor during the hiring process. What you say, how you say it, and how the hiring manager perceives it is of vital importance. Put your best talent and effort into preparing this document. This is your best chance to be creative with the added luxury of having time to edit to perfection.
5. If you have done your homework and put your best efforts into your cover letter, chances are good your interviewer will be positively impressed. If you have presented yourself in a professional yet friendly and informative way, you may be granted an interview because the employer is eager to see more of the same. The position you seek is yours to lose. Your prospective employer is now on your side psychologically, although he / she may not know it. Don’t blow it.

Tips & Warnings

• From step 1. Resumes are generally standard for all prospective employers. Cover letters are different. Each prospective employer should receive a customized cover letter. This personalizes the relationship and will improve your chances of receiving an interview.
• From step 3. As with your resume, keep a cover letter at no more than one page in length.
• Never criticize a previous employer or supervisor in a cover letter. This holds true for the job interview as well.
• Consider carefully what you include in your cover letter. This document can make or break you.
• From step 5. Be certain to put as much preparation and effort into your interview as you did your cover letter. The interviewer is wanting to confirm his / her positive impression of you.