© 2022 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.
cover letter question
how much of a cover letter should be focused on explaining your experience/qualifications vs. your interest in the role/company? I'm always struggling to figure out whether I need to be talking more about what I've done in the past or what I want to do going forward. I know it's a delicate mix, but if anyone has specific tips for the best way to begin/end, length, etc., I'd really appreciate it.
earthtoned112358
72
11/07/18 at 10:09PM UTC
Agree with everything Bosslady651685 said, especially "short and sweet"! The cover letter shouldn't just repeat what your resume says. It's your chance to show how your skills fit the company's needs specifically. Expressing enthusiasm for the company/role helps, as well as drawing attention to how your knowledge & traits fit what they need.
earthtoned112358
72
11/07/18 at 10:13PM UTC
I usually just addressed each point in 1-2 sentences -- why I love this company/role, why I'm a good fit, what I can do for the company, and close with thanks/call-to-action. (Then I go back and delete all the "I think"s to make it all sound more confident than I am!)
Anonymous
11/08/18 at 12:48AM UTC
Love the idea of going back and deleting extraneous things like "I think". In general, I would go back and cut words that don't add real content as I find I embellish sentences without even realizing it.
Bosslady651685Wife, Mother, & Career Fairy Godmother
26
11/07/18 at 9:22PM UTC
In the world of limited characters I believe people's attention span is limited. I am a recruiter, and I suggest keeping cover letters short and sweet. Do research on the company, the position, and the hiring manager and open with a statement that demonstrates that you have done your due diligence. You want to prompt an action to get the viewer to read more, and better yet, pick up the phone to get to know you. ;-) Good Luck!
Anonymous
11/08/18 at 12:35AM UTC
I totally agree. As a hiring manager who has read a lot of those cover letters, I do a quick skim and I need to understand very quickly whether the person is (a) qualified and (b) promising. The "interest" in my company is mostly irrelevant if they don't have some crazy specific reason and the role has very specific requirements. I tend to look more for why they are qualified unless its an entry-level type position where objective qualifications are less important.
Anonymous
11/07/18 at 9:24PM UTC
thank you! great advice.
© 2022 Fairygodboss. All rights reserved.