When you see a posting that is an excellent match for your background, you want the hiring team to also see your resume and realize that you should be considered for the job. Sometimes, as a job seeker, you need to facilitate this process by pointing out that you meet the qualifications for the position.
A strong cover letter to accompany your resume can make a difference. Using a two-column format in your cover letter, one side showing the requirements specified for the position, alongside a column with your qualifications, can make it easy for a person reviewing resumes to see the fit (if you truly meet those requirements). I am working with a client who has been called for an interview every time that she has been able to use this approach (and now has several possibilities in the works and is close to accepting an offer).
If the posting is online, try to find out the name of the hiring manager and send the cover letter and resume directly to them as well as to the advertisement. Often, resumes are screened by a junior person and never reach the hiring manager. If the application does not allow you to include a cover letter, at a minimum mail a letter and clean resume to Human Resources and also try to find the hiring manager. Even consider dropping your cover letter and resume off in person if the company is relatively nearby - in this day of internet communication, you will stand out from the crowd of applicants.
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i tried the 2 column approach to writing my cover letter and also received immediate positive feedback. within a matter of days it helped me line up several interviews.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that worked for you! Keep us posted on your progress.
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