Job Search Reality Check

As an provider of an online service and and active blogger it is easy to fall into the trap of over emphasizing the benefits of the internet. Yes things like Twitter, LinkedIn and Face book are useful job search tools, but they do not replace the basics. Margo Rose over at #Hire Friday reminded me of that:

Remember the days when we used to actually go to a company and fill out an application? Remember the days when we picked up the phone and actually had to call people to follow up? Remember the days when we used to circle job ads in the newspaper? Now, all we have to do is click, click, click, and send our resume…right? WRONG! There’s a myth that exists, no maybe it’s a full blown urban legend. It goes a little something like this: “All I have to do is reply to submit my resume to job board ads for 6 hours a day, and that’s job hunting.” It’s not job hunting. That’s what I call typing.

Being reminded that nothing replaces good-old-fashion networking is never a bad thing. So while Istill recommend filling out all those online profiles, and staying current on the latest trends, don't forget to hit the pavement and make real live human connections as well.

The Importance of a Personalized Cover Letter

As a professional resume writer I have the task of reading and reviewing hundreds of resume packages a year. A typical resume package includes a cover letter, resume and perhaps a reference sheet. Today I’d like to talk a bit about the importance of a personalized cover letter and why tailoring one to the specific job you applying for is so important.


For the most part, the individual reading your cover letter is a living breathing human being. (Yes, I know many companies use auto-reading software, but eventually your packets gets live eyeball time.) People like to be addressed by their name and title, not a generic To whom it concerns, or even the slightly less impersonal, Dear hiring manager. So take the time to research the actual name and title of the person responsible for deciding whether or not to interview you.


However, making a cover letter personal takes more than an appropriate salutation. The next step is to identify what the job entails and what kind of candidate they are looking for. It is perfectly fine to reference the job posting specifically in the cover letter. For example, if the job is for a paralegal with real estate knowledge say something like:

After studying both the your job posting and website I see that real estate expertise is vital to your firm. I have spent the past five years working in this field and would love the chance to describe to you in detail what I have accomplished, as well as get to know the exact area of real estate you most often deal with.

Finally, once you have properly addressed the individual reading your resume package and let them know you have made the time to research their company close by anticipating an interview. Confidently say that you are looking forward to meeting, state some questions you’d like to ask. Show the reader that you are prepared and willing to discuss all the various aspects related to the posted position.


A well written cover letter like the one described above will go a long way to landing you the interview, and ideally, the job.

The Importance of the Cover Letter

In our modern internet age the cover letter is not getting it's due credit. Job seekers are more than willing to pay top-dollar for a well-written and well-researched resume. In fact, some services (though not this one) charge up to $500.00 for an executive level resume. However, many of these same services throw in the cover letter as an after thought. 

Worse, many job hunters treat the cover letter in the same way. "It is just an introductory letter," they say. "Most employers probably don't even read it anyway."

A quality cover letter is more important than you think.

This could not be further from the truth. I personally know of at least three cases, where I was intimately involved, where the cover letter is what landed the job candidate the interview, not the resume. A well-written cover letter can highlight the candidate's strongest attributes in a way a resume simply can not. A resume needs to include a more complete picture of your history. A cover letter can zero in on two or three key components. 

Cover letters are the first thing a potential employer will see upon opening your application. Your cover letter tells an employer a lot about you. It is a personal sales pitch. You need to show why you are a perfect match for the position. Determine what skills do you have that match the company. List two or three bullet pointed highlights. Tailor your experience to the company's needs.

 Finally, put some thought into how you want to present the cover letter. The most common way is to craft it in a matching format together with the resume and post interview thank you letter. However, if you are emailing the resume as an attachment you may want to consider using the text of the email as your cover letter.

Whatever you decide, don't short change the letter. In a job market as tough as ours, a candidate needs to use ever tool at his disposal to stand out.