Easy-to-Implement Cover Letter
Advice
You
should put the same effort into your cover letter as you
do your resume. By implementing the following easy steps,
you will ensure that your cover letter stands out just
as much as your resume.
Don’t state lies
or half-truths
It is rumored that a large number
of applicants lie when applying for a position. For this
reason, decision-makers scrutinize information provided
in cover letters, resumes, and interviews by asking pointed
questions during the interview or conducting thorough reference
checks.
If you do lie and get away with
lying or providing half-truths, you will always be walking
on eggshells wondering when the truth will be uncovered.
It’s not worth it.
However, there is something you
can do. If you lack the qualifications the hiring organization
is looking for, take note of the reasons why you want to
work for the hiring organization and make mention of your
desires in your cover letter. You’d be surprised
how many hiring decisions are made based on the level of
the candidate’s enthusiasm and not on technical skills.
In addition, you can take care
to emphasize what you do have to offer. Focus your letter
on the skills, knowledge, and abilities that you do possess,
and wow the interviewer with your past accomplishments.
How to address the salary question
You may find that some job ads
include a statement that reads similar to this: “Only
resumes with salary requirements will be considered for
the position.” It’s understandable that when
reading such a firm statement as this, you feel compelled
to include your salary information in your cover letter.
But before you go ahead and offer
that information, consider the facts. Only 3% of employers
who ask for salary requirements actually disqualify candidates
for not providing them. With those odds, it’s best
to hold off salary discussions for the interview, and instead
focus your cover letter on what you want the reader to
know about you.
Even with those odds, some of
you may not consider yourselves risk-takers (no matter
how low the risk) and will want to address the salary issue
head on. If you choose this route, provide a generic sentence
such as “Salary is negotiable and depends on the
responsibilities of the open position. I’m sure that
if there is a fit, we can mutually agree on a fair compensation.”
Or, you can provide a range and
not commit to a specific number. An example: “Depending
on the responsibilities of the open position and the health
benefits provided, my requirements are in the range of
$ABC to $XYZ.” If you decide to include a range,
make sure the low end of the range is a number you can
live with—a suggested place to start is 10% more
than your current or most recent salary.
Include a Call to Action
In the last paragraph, include
a statement such as “I will call you Friday the 8th to
confirm receipt of my resume and to set up an interview.” When
you indicate in your letter that you plan to take the initiative
to follow up, the interviewer will be expecting your phone
call—and that increases the chances your call will
be put through.
Following up works. It shows
ambition and drive. If you want to stand out in a sea of
qualified candidates, you must demonstrate to the hiring
organization that you are interested in working for them.
Following up can be just the trick that gets you in the
door.
About the Author
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. She is also the author of the forthcoming book, How
to Say It: Job Interviews (Prentice Hall Press, August
2007). You can contact Linda Matias at linda@careerstrides.com or
visit her website www.careerstrides.com for
additional career advice and to view resume samples.
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