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Put extra effort into identifying the name of the hiring manager, so that your letter can be appropriately addressed to the specific person who will be reviewing résumés. Employers do not make this an easy step for you, and you have to do your research. Helpful exercises include researching the company website, reading news releases, and even calling the company to ask. Laziness will hurt your job search effort if this special effort is not made. If, after doing all the preceding, you still do not know the name of the person to whom you are sending your information, by all means, address it using Dear Hiring Manager or Dear Recruiter.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- A cover letter should not repeat a résumé.
- You need to specifically align your strengths with the job qualifications to create a compelling cover letter.
- A cover letter includes three things: the introductory paragraph, the closing paragraph, and the magic middle, where you highlight how your strengths align with the job.
- Simple is best when considering a cover letter format.
EXERCISES
- What are your top ten strengths, and what examples will you use to prove those strengths?
- Identify three to five weaknesses (or areas you’d like to strengthen). Create a plan to strengthen each of your weaknesses.
- Find a job description that interests you and decipher it into each individual skill.
- Find at least two to three job descriptions where you are a strong match.
- What resources can you use, in addition to this textbook, to write your cover letter?
- Draft your cover letter and pair up with a peer in your class and critique each other’s letters.
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