Follow-up Letters Win Job Offers

Here’s a newsflash: Cover letters work, plain and simple. This is why I’m intrigued by the fact that a) jobseekers rarely submit them and b) hiring managers seldom read them. As a result, I started asking questions. Specifically, “What’s your problem with cover letters?” Here’s what I found out.

Jobseekers claim all the pertinent information is included in the resume. Translation: “I don’t know how to write an effective cover letter so I just scrap it.” Hiring managers say cover letters serve no purpose. Translation: “Jobseekers don’t know how to write an effective cover letter so I’d just as soon not be bothered.”

Top 3 Reasons Most Cover Letters Don’t Work

1. The one-size-fits-all method. Hiring managers are extremely jealous. Although they are aware you are courting other companies, they want to know that you at least care enough to hide it.

Solution: Avoid form letters. Instead, customize each letter with the hiring organization and the position in mind. Here’s an example.

2. I want, I need, I must have. Me, me, me. That is the approach many candidates take when writing their own cover letter. This self-centered approach, without a doubt, backfires every time.

3. Taking a “pretty please” approach. No one wants to hire a desperate jobseeker.

Solution: The tone of the cover letter must be kept on a professional level. Here’s an example.

Cover Letters Can Win Job Interviews

Persuasive, targeted, and commercial-like cover letters fare well. And that is exactly what a cover letter is—a commercial, starring your experience.

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Certified in all three areas of the job search—Certified Interview Coach ™ (CIC), Job & Career Transition Coach (JCTC), and Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW)—Linda Matias is qualified to assist you in your career transition, whether it be a complete career makeover, interview preparation, or resume assistance. You can contact Linda directly at linda@careerstrides.com or visit her website www.careerstrides.com for additional career advice and to view resume samples.

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Sample Resumes by CareerStrides

For a sneak peek of our resume services, click on a resume writing sample below or go to our resume sample page for a complete listing of example resumes.

Administrative Support Resume Writing Sample

College Graduate Resume Writing Sample

Engineer Resume Writing Sample

Director of Operations Resume Writing Sample

Retail Manager Resume Writing Sample

Plant Manager Resume Writing Sample

Project Manager Resume Writing Sample

Sales and Marketing Resume Writing Sample

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Vice President of Sales Resume Writing Sample

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The Not-So-Effective Cover Letter