When you graduated from school, a career councilor may have advised you to attach a cover letter to your resume. But when you are applying for a job online, you might want to rethink that.
Recruiters are always in a rush, skimming applications and resumes as fast as possible. You’ve got to give them a reason to open your resume attachment right up front.
If you attach a cover letter to your job application, some recruiters will skip it. Give them a compelling reason to open your resume and you’ll have a much better chance of getting them to look at your resume and give you a call.
Do Traditional Cover Letters Work as Well as Email Introductions?
No. Email introductions are far less formal than a traditional cover letter. Your reader is not going to be impressed by a long introductory sentence. Recruiters want to read a short description of what you’ve got to offer before they dive into your resume. But they don’t want to open another attachment to do so.
Where’s the Meat?
Guess what a recruiter sees when they read something like this:
The position requirements and my skills are a perfect match. As you’ll see on my enclosed resume, I have the educational background, professional experience, and track record for which you are searching. In addition, I am motivated and enthusiastic, and would appreciate the opportunity to contribute to your firm’s success.
The recruiter thinks, “Blah, blah, blah.” That lovely little paragraph could apply to any job. It doesn’t give the recruiter any real indication of whether you can actually do the job. In other words, be specific about your skills and experience and how you are a match for the job.
Tell Us Why You are Perfect Match for this Specific Job
First, make sure to put the job title of the job you are applying for in the subject line of your email. Then get give the recruiter 6 – 10 points about your qualifications that are specifically related to the job requirements:
- I am currently working at ___________ doing ____________
- I worked on ___________ in _________for ____ months at _____________
- Number of years or months of hands-on experience in your area of expertise and with the required technologies
- Experience and training that shows your knowledge of the latest technology in the industry or field
- Evidence of your passion to learn and to increase your skills
- Measurable accomplishments and improvements you’ve contributed to projects you’ve been involved with
- A link to your website or online e-resume portfolio
In a Nutshell
A formal cover letter may still be advisable if you’re applying for an executive level position. But if you’re applying to an online job post by email or through an application form, remember to reference the job you’re applying the in the subject line. Then summarize your key qualifications for that specific role, and attach your resume.
What Do You think?
Are formal cover letters a thing of the past, or are they still an essential part of your professional profile?
