Avoiding Common Cover Letter Blunders - Walrath Recruiting, Inc.

Avoiding Common Cover Letter Blunders - Walrath Recruiting, Inc. When applying to a recruiting firm like Walrath, job seekers often opt out of submitting the cover letter. The resume is typically our starting point in terms of recruiting an individual for a position, so an application sans cover letter is perfectly fine; well request additional info that one might include within the content of a cover letter if needed. What about those who  do  choose to submit cover letters? And all of the companies that  require  cover letters as part of their individual application packages? The document must be on point, otherwise it can significantly decrease your chances of getting a phone or in-person interview. It can make a strong first impression that will either lead your application to additional reviews or the trash can. So, what  are  you doing wrong? The job seeking issue could lie within the content of your cover letter: Keep the  letter length  to one page, single or double spaced, and  address it to the hiring manager. Use the managers actual name if its indicated in the job listing; if you are unsure, Dear Hiring Manager is a safe option. Make the content count.  Avoid lazy filler phrases (I just love your company! and Allow me the time to introduce myself) and construct two to three great paragraphs that the reader will appreciate:       keep in mind that the cover letter should  compliment a resume rather than reiterate it.  Avoid explaining the bullet points of experience you listed in your resume; instead, include fresh detail that enhances your expertise. Didnt fit on the resume? Include it in the cover letter. Feel that your experience doesnt provide a clear snapshot of you as a professional, or that many skills do not fit in the body of your resume? Include this information in a cover letter, written in paragraph form (of course.)       Avoid sending generic-sounding letters that youve clearly mass-produced. Stay away from copying cover letter templates from the internet as well. Aim to sound human, personal, and most of all, genuinely interested in the specific company youre applying for (and if youre not interested in the companys mission and services, then you shouldnt apply!)       How do you see yourself as part of the company? What can you contribute? Describe how and why you would be a great fit, and avoid a laundry list of ways that the company can help  you.  Your cover letter should be a healthy mix of how your skills can benefit the hiring company.       Never highlight weaknesses; play up the skills you have by describing how they relate to the job youre applying for! In addition to  your resume  and/or cover letter, there are many reasons as to why your job search seems to be at a standstill. Next up? Examining follow-up tactics, interview skills and other potential communication blunders.