Cover Letters and Target Positions
Every hiring manager wants to read a cover letter and think “This person is a perfect match.” The closer your cover letter is to the job listing the more likely the reader is to move on to reading the resume. You only have one paragraph to sell them so make sure you are using selling phrases in your cover letter and make sure your cover letter matches the target position.
Matching the target position: Start out by printing a copy of your best cover letter and a copy of the job listing. Hold the two side by side, look at what you are selling and what the hiring manager is asking for. Often times they are two different things entirely. The job listing likely has a bullet pointed list of what is crucial in a final candidate. What percentage of the points listed are in your pitch 100%, 80%, 10%? Most of the time, a cover letter will match between 0 and 20% of the listed requirements. That’s far from a perfect match. Work on incorporating those points and your resume will likely be read every time.
Working in the job requirements: Don’t just re-list the skills they are asking for in the job listing. Instead create selling phrases that showcase every requirement that you have experience with.
| Job Requirement: • 1 year Java programming experience• Office software experience • Ability to handle changing priorities |
Selling Phrase • I have 3 years experience writing business applications using multiple versions of Java and other programming languages.• I am experienced with standard office programs and understand how to leverage technology to make an office run more efficiently. • I handle pressure well, can prioritize, and am detail-oriented. |
Remember you have one paragraph in the cover letter to sell the reader on your skills and experience. Maximize your chances by choosing every word carefully.
Related posts:
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...
Leave your response!