I've been applying to some firms (mostly boutique) and I have to admit I am really tired of the cover letters. Every firm requires a cover letter, which I find is like a summary of your resume.
To those with some experience, can you tell me if you wrote a different cover letter for each firm? If not what did you tweak? Do recruiters really look at the cover letters at all? And finally any advice on writing a good cover letter? (some preferred samples will be appreciated).
Cover Letters For Boutique Firms
Cover letters often feel like daunting tasks when looking for work. It’s tough to stand out in the crowd while also maintaining professionalism. However, if you approach it one step at a time, you will avoid overwhelm and be able to put together something worthwhile.
A cover letter tends to be sent with each resume and is often the difference between getting an interview and having the whole package put to the bottom of the pile.
This alone makes it an extremely important task that should not be overlooked when applying to boutique (or any other) firms. It’s worth the effort to learn how to write an effective cover letter.
The function of a cover letter is to act as an interpreter to your resume. It is not a duplicate but an introduction. An employer should be able to get a grasp of what to expect in the resume based on the cover letter. It is the first impression.
According to user @vitun:
There are three general types of cover letters:
- The application letter which responds to a known job opening (review samples)
- The prospecting letter which inquires about possible positions (review sample)
- The networking letter which requests information and assistance in your job search (review samples)
Your cover letter should be designed specifically for each purpose outlined above as well as for each position you seek. Do not design a form letter and send it to every potential employer (you know what you do with junk mail!).
Your cover letter needs to outline the reason you are interested in a particular organization. Use specifics and outline the most relevant skills and experiences you bring to the table to be effective there. Your cover letter needs to be specific to each organization and show a high level of understanding and excitement for it and the position.
See these cover letter guidelines from The Balance Careers below.
Consider this insight from user @dtaBSe who describes a cover letter more as an art than data:
Your cover letter needs to make you sound like such an interesting person the hiring manager might want to have coffee or a beer with you. That's really the secret to writing a good cover letter. It isn't about sounding the most professional or producing the same old mundane professional babble that most people submit. It's about pushing the right buttons with the hiring manager to pick you to interview….You need to think like an artist when writing a good cover letter. Your medium is language so be creative with it. There are many self-appointed online job gurus who will surely disagree with me.
Read More About Cover Letters On WSO
- What Not To Put In A Cover Letter/Resume
- Resume And Cover Letter - A Reviewers Perspective
- Send A Cover Letter, Or Not?
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Thanks i've read this a long time ago, but forgot about it. This is by far one of the best guides.
Hello
Writing a cover letter often seems like a particularly daunting task. However, if you take it one step at a time, you'll soon be an expert at writing letters to send with your resume.
A cover letter typically accompanies each resume you send out. Your cover letter may make the difference between obtaining a job interview and having your resume ignored, so, it makes good sense to devote the necessary time and effort to writing effective cover letters.
A cover letter should complement, not duplicate your resume. Its purpose is to interpret the data-oriented, factual resume and add a personal touch. A cover letter is often your earliest written contact with a potential employer, creating a critical first impression.
There are three general types of cover letters:
Your cover letter should be designed specifically for each purpose outlined above as well as for each position you seek. Do not design a form letter and send it to every potential employer (you know what you do with junk mail!).
Effective cover letters explain the reasons for your interest in the specific organization and identify your most relevant skills or experiences (remember, relevance is determined by the employer's self-interest). They should express a high level of interest and knowledge about the position.
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/coverletters/a/aa030401a.htm
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