Although not stated in an ad or mentioned in conversation, an employer likely wishes to see a cover letter accompanying your resume. True, not all employers share the same views on cover letters and therefore can’t all be put in the same barrel of opinion. But, there’s a certain degree of risk when the employer expects a cover letter but doesn’t receive one. Let’s face it, the cover letter serves as a chance for you to sell yourself further— even if only a tiny bit more. A resume lists what you’ve done, sure, yet the cover letter lets you further tailor your message to each cover letter recipient. For example, what can you do when employers seek a specific skill you haven’t done for a while? Highlighting your knowledge of the skill within the resume can sometimes be tricky, while introducing it within a cover letter can be much easier. So, leverage your cover letter to introduce and reinforce your value to employers.
This tip is excerpted with permission from Designing a Cover Letter to “Wow” Hiring Personnel, an e-book by Teena Rose. For more cover-letter tips, visit Teena’s Bookstore to download your copy for $27.77. You can also download a free 19-page excerpt..
