Getting your player ready...
If you are debating about the value or importance of the cover letter in your search for the next opportunity, you can stop now. Granted, not everyone places the same value on reading cover letters. If, however, you have decided that an opportunity is a great potential match for you, then it is important to commit wholeheartedly to making your best business case. Anything less is a gamble in an already risky market.
A well-crafted cover letter requires that you think through the requirements of a specific opportunity in order to present the ways that you can solve the problem. In those instances where a cover letter is required as part of the process, you have the opportunity to demonstrate that you can follow directions and that you are listening to your future bosses’ needs. Finally, your cover letter and resume are a primary example of the quality of your work product. One way to make cover letter writing both manageable and effective is to be selective about pursuing opportunities. This means choosing job postings carefully, and pitching well-defined consulting solutions in a thoughtful and targeted manner. By choosing carefully only those opportunities that appear to be a close match in terms of your strengths, passion and future focus, you can put your best thought and efforts into writing a compelling cover letter. Resist the temptation to write a boilerplate letter that lacks personalization or that skimps on customized solutions. What to do. Craft a cover letter that causes your prospect to pick up the phone: If replying to a posting, respond only when you meet all, or nearly all, of the requirements (otherwise, you are wasting your time and theirs) Demonstrate that you understand the requirements by outlining briefly your accomplishments that closely match the stated priorities Stick with brief, bulleted accomplishment-related statements. Review your cover letter carefully and correct any typographical, punctuation, style, or grammar errors This is a sample of your work product; do your best. Convey personal warmth and engage the reader with a conversational, yet professional, tone. What not to do. Cover letter mistakes that can screen you out: Using boilerplate content that enthuses about your wonderful traits in flowery, non-specific language Making arrogant statements (Look no further; I am your next employee!) Cutting corners by telling the reader why you shouldn’t have to follow the rules (Cover letters are a waste of my time). This signals a potential problem-employee who may be unwilling to listen. Using inappropriate humor The cover letter presents a chance for you to think through your potential fit before you apply and before you interview. It is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your ability to listen, think through a problem, and present solutions. Best of all, the cover letter demonstrates your ability to communicate and influence, in the interview and once you are hired. – Kathleen Winsor-Games is theprincipal of The Winsor Group, a Denver-based boutique firm offering career counseling and career transition coaching for professionals and executives. www.thewinsorgroup.com.
