Cover Letters and T-Shirts: One Size Doesn't Fit All

I had a phone consultation with a client who was working multiple part-time jobs while searching for a single, better-paying job. The conversation went something like this:

Question: “Do I really need a cover letter?”

Answer: “Yes, if you want to make a good first impression,” I replied. “A cover letter is an opportunity to introduce yourself and express your interest in the position. In a cover letter, you can mention talking points that are not normally included in a resume.”

Question: “Can I create a generic cover letter?”

Answer: “Situation-specific cover letters get better results.”

Question: “What do you mean?”

Answer: “Cover letters are like t-shirts. One-size doesn’t fit all. Generic, templated letters give the prospective employer the wrong impression that you are sloppy or insincere. For optimal results, write a strong letter of interest.”

Question: “I’m overwhelmed. Where do I start?"

Answer:  "Consider your audience."

• If you are writing to an HR manager at a target company and you have an inside contact at the company, mention the employee’s name who suggested you apply for the job. HR managers know that employee referrals are good source of candidates. That is why many companies offer financial incentives to employees who refer new hires.
• If you are writing to a recruiter who is working to place people at a client company, provide enough information to make the recruiter’s job easy. Define your career target, geographic preference, and willingness to relocate for the right opportunity.
• If you are responding to a job posting, include the exact job title and the job posting number in the subject line. Describe how your skills match the employer’s requirements.

Here are a few ideas for cold call letters:

• Has the company been in the news for an upcoming expansion? Is the company opening a branch office in your hometown? Mention that you read about the company in a recent publication and how you could contribute to the company's growth.
• Grab the prospective employer’s attention with a value proposition statement that describes three key deliverables of your professional role or the unique capabilities that make you the ideal candidate for the job.
• Have you recently relocated to the area? Mention this in your cover letter. Provide a brief overview of your professional skills without regurgitating your resume. Use bullet points to capture relevant data in a manner that is easy to scan.

Keep your cover letter concise and to the point. 
​Customize a lean cover letter focused on the employer’s needs. 

At Written by a Pro, we offer cover letter and resume review services, professional writing services, and job search strategies to help you land your dream job fast!