Importance of a Resume Cover Letter

When you have finally found the job that is just right for you its important to not to get carried away and rush of your application in the excitement.

You may have composed a beautiful Resume, and have all of your references in place, but it pays to step back, re-read the job details and see if there is any way in which you can tailor your application to make it stand out from the rest. After all, if the job is perfect for you, there is every likelihood that it's perfect for others as well.

These days competition for employment is tougher than it has been for decades. Employers are inundated with applications from people who fit their criteria, and to their justifiable annoyance, from people who don't have any of the skills required.

When you re-read the application note down any special skills you might have, that you have demonstrated successfully in the past. Rather than saying that you know how to do something, it is much more impressive to be able to give an actual example of how you did it. Describe the problem, the constraints (time or budget for example) and the method you used to carry it off successfully.

In other words try to adjust your Resume to suit that particular job, not just a standard resume that you would send to any job. After all, this one is special, isn't it?

Perhaps one of the most overlooked aspects of a job application is the cover letter that will accompany your Resume. Never send only your resume attached to an email. This shows the employer that you have not thought the job worth any special effort, and your application will never make its way to the top of the pile.

A resume will outline what you can do and where you have done it. In the cover letter you can really sell yourself, you can show your potential employer what is so special about you that they really must interview you. A good cover letter will reflect your personality - so printing off a stock-standard template will be identified immediately as 'boring'.

This is definitely a successful formula for cover letters, one that Jimmy Sweeney explains in his Amazing Cover Letters. The basics are that the cover letter should have three paragraphs: the first one identifies the position for which you are applying, and why you want to join the company (don't overdo it!).

It is in the second paragraph that you illustrate why you would be great at the job, list some relevant achievements or skills here, give some examples. If you can include some skill or experience that you have demonstrated that is very relevant - don't be bashful - mention it. Save the details for the interview.

In the final paragraph let them know that you are attaching your resume. Let them know that you would welcome the opportunity of an interview, and thank them for considering your application.

Make sure every sentence is worthwhile. Don't expand points into stories, simply keep to the subject, without revealing everything about you.

A good cover letter will ensure that they will want to turn the page to get straight to your resume.