If you're out there looking forjobs in Slidell, you might think that the only document you need is your resume. Shoot, maybe not even that, since so many places only ask for applications...right? Wrong! Not only is a cover letter vital, but presenting it in tandem with a well-crafted cover letter shows that you're ready to be hired and to be a valuable member of any employment team. Avoiding mistakes and following the right steps will help your cover letter stand out from the rest in the eyes of potential employers. Here are some solid cover letter tips, courtesy of Seth Porges of Forbes:
1. Dont repeat your resume: this is a pretty common one. A lot of applicants treat their cover letters as just extended versions of their resumes, regurgitating all of their prior work experience and education into the letter, forgetting the fact that that is what resumes are for. Briefly recapping your experience in one or two sentences is fine, but always remember that your resume is about your experience; your cover letter is about you and what you will bring to the company.
2. Keep it short: cover letters should never exceed a page. In fact, the average cover letter can be written in just three paragraphs and still contain all of the relevant information. If you are having trouble keeping your letter short, following step one will probably help.
3. Address no one: often times applicants will not be aware of whom to address in their letter. If you are ignorant as to whom exactly will be reading your letter, dont bother addressing anyone at all; jumping right into the body of the letter is acceptable.
4. Dont ever use phrase My name is ______, and I am applying for the position of _____. This is redundant.
5. Give it a strong closer: End your letter with two to three sentences explaining how your experience can help your job performance. Once that is written, nothing else should come after it.
By Kyle Wise
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