Cover Letters

The Reality of Cover Letters discusses several misconceptions associated with cover letters. Actually, I was unaware that cover letters were read last, and many times not at all, depending on the value of the resume. The second issue concerns the subject of cover letters. That is, most people assume the cover letter should be about them. The fact that the cover letter should instead target the company you are seeking employment with is not surprising.

The Best Use of a Cover Letter describes the best ways to apply the cover letter. The tips given in this article are fairly obvious, but by referencing this article you will avoid missing anything. The main point is to create a stand-out cover letter accompanied by a proactive effort at getting the job. A good example is given through the Sample Cover Letter link.

The postscript technique was something I was unaware of that would seem to give a greater impact than a cover letter absent of one. Also, the link entitled The Worst Use of a Cover Letter repeats something from The Reality of Covers Letters; that is cover letters are meant to be direct. This was not particularly helpful, since I was already aware that blanket marketing with cover letters/resumes was not an effective tactic.

The testimonial technique is interesting. A good reference from someone else placed in a cover letter would probably be very effective. The last link simply provides a checklist to use when writing a cover letter. This would be very helpful.

All of these links are a good starting point to begin writing a cover letter. I can’t say that I disagree with any of the points discussed. The most useful of these would have to be the checklist. When writing my own cover letter I will try to incorporate the techniques described in these links.