Cover letters are the introduction for your resume.
A good cover letter should include a strong sales pitch for the value you bring to the table.
This is often in the form of describing specific accomplishments that would be relevant to the position.
Cover letters also include information that may not be in the resume.
For example, if your work history appears unstable, you may address why you are on the job market.
Having a powerful, well written cover letter can build interest and enthusiasm in the hiring manager.
If you achieve this, your resume will be read much closer.
What to Customize In a cover letter, there are a few elements you can customize to generate interest.
First, try to address the letter to a specific individual.
If you can learn who is going to receive the application, address it to them.
Even when a job posting includes the name of the person that resumes go to, many job seekers still use a generic salutation.
Within the body of the letter, you should customize your objective, your accomplishments and your sales pitch.
When you write a custom cover letter, stating that you are interested in the specific company and position is a good idea.
It's easy to do and it shows you took the time to look at the position.
You should then customize your sales pitch.
The bulk of your cover letter should show why you would be valuable to the company.
Don't make your cover letter a wish list of things you want - the company doesn't care what you want at this stage.
Write why you would be very successful and deliver results.
The more specific you can be, the more compelling your cover letter will be.
Once you have presented your value, back it up with accomplishments.
Most job seekers write claims of being great at certain skills or roles.
Without any accomplishments, this may be perceived as hype without substance.
Pick out accomplishments from your background that are directly related to the position and the company's goals.
Goal of a Cover Letter If you adapt your cover letter for each position, it will help sell your potential to the hiring manager.
This will help make a good impression and improve the chances that your resume will get read closely.
Your cover letter doesn't need to secure an interview by itself.
The goal of a cover letter is to ensure your resume gets read.
With this goal, you may wonder why you should have a cover letter.
Without one, the only thing the hiring manager will have to read is the resume - so it will have to be read.
This isn't true.
The resume will be scanned - this doesn't mean it will be read.
The difference is how the reader actually looks the resume.
Are they trying to pick out job titles, dates and your education to see if you're qualified? Are they looking closely at your experience and accomplishments? You want the latter, and a well written, customized cover letter can make this happen.