06 Jan 10 Why Should You Write a Cover Letter?

A little over 3 years back I walked this line. I designed my CV, filled in the vital details, buttoned my shirt, and knotted my necktie for my job interview. But, I missed one thing, which HR head of the business school I studied did not tell me. I did not create a cover letter. My friends who were more into jobs suggested me to write one, but I didn’t.

What happened?

They had their job and I didn’t, for long time, and that is how I realized the importance of a cover letter in job search. Do you wish to travel the same path, and have the same experience before you realize the importance of having a nicely written cover letter?

I hope not!

Benefit of having a cover letter

Why do we need a cover letter? What difference does it make to our skills?

None. A cover letter does not make any difference to your skills. But, it helps you present your skills in the friendliest manner using the least possible words. You need a cover letter because:

You have to compete with hundreds (if not thousands or tens of thousands) of applicants who have exactly same qualification as you do.
You have to make your claim of being the most suitable candidate for the job stand out among the claims made by other applicants through their résumé.
You do not want your CV to remain unopened and get thrown in the trash bin.
You want to give an idea about who you are, what your qualification is, and what you can do even before your employer reads your résumé.

Let me tell you a HR secret. HR people do not go over all the résumés that they get. They read the cover letter typed in the mail body or sent with the CV and make their mind based on the information they get in the cover letter.

If you are not convinced with what I have said above then reread the entire post and do it until you start believing it because this is important. I am leaving you with this thought, and tomorrow I will tell you about the structure of a cover letter.

Tags: 3 Years, Business School, Cover Letter, Cover Search, Cv, Friends, Job Interview, Job Search, Jobs, Long Time, Mail Body, Necktie, Search Travel, Suitable Candidate, Tens Of Thousands, Trash Bin, Vital Details

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12 Nov 09 Making The Most Of A Second Interview

Job interviews are like chess matches. Both of you are trying to get a feel for each other, and you’re trying to make enough of a good impression to win the battle. Getting a second interview is your first victory. Having a second interview means they’re interested. That also means you’ll really have the chance to sell yourself, and guarantee you’ll get the job.

The second interview is less about checking your qualifications, and more about seeing if you’re the right fit for the job. You’ve already been confirmed as a good candidate by making it this far. In the second interview you’ll face tougher, and more involved questions. The best way to handle these is to stay true to yourself. Be the same person you were in the first interview.

The worst strategy you could have is to try and handle the interview differently. You’ve gotten a second interview because the interviewer saw something in you. Don’t cover that up by being a different person, or else you won’t make the best impression. Instead be the polite, confident, and assured person that showed up the first time around.

Whatever research you’ve done about the company before, go over it again. Know your stuff as well as possible, because the questions are going to be tougher. Only by having the information can you respond to the best of your ability. Quick concise responses are key here, showing your comfort and ability just by talking.

Make sure to show how you can contribute to the company, and compliment them on aspects you appreciate. There’s reason you want this job, besides the paycheck. Find that and play off of those reasons. Make your skill set work for what you want from the company. That makes you into an ideal employee, and helps you shine in your second interview.

Tags: Chess, Face, First Victory, Interview Job, Interviewer, Job Find, Job Interview, Job Interviews, Paycheck

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21 Oct 09 Post Interview Conduct

Sometimes, concerning a job interview, you spend so much time getting ready for the actual interview, you forget about the important things afterward. Namely the thank you letter you should always send to a hiring manager, after you’ve been given an interview. Many people don’t realize how important these really are. Because so many applicants have forgotten the tact of a thank you letter, it’s just another way you can stand out and look committed to receiving the job you want.

Remember that the purpose of this letter is to thank the interviewer for their time, not to try and sell yourself once more. That part of the interview is long gone, and this is your chance to show your professionalism and appreciation. Etiquette dictates that after an interview a thank you email should be sent within 24 hours, and a regular mailed letter should be sent within the first 2 days afterward.

In the actual formation of your letter you should make sure that it is business standard. Type it up, make sure to use the interviewer’s name and company address, so as to refer to them professionally. Then write a few paragraphs of thanks. Don’t be afraid to re-outline your interest in working for that company. But don’t get bogged down in mentioning your qualifications once again. They have your resume, and you’ve given them an interview, they got a feel for you. This letter is simply about thanking them for the opportunity given. Don’t forget that, or push it aside to give them another personal sales pitch.

Taking the time to write a thank you letter could even be more effective than you might think. So make sure you do, many people overlook the thank you letters and emails that they should be sending. By ensuring you do this every time, you show your attention to detail, and commitment to getting the job. Both are fantastic characteristics, and ones that you should use to your advantage.

Tags: Attention To Detail, Company Address, Hiring Manager, Important Things, Interviewer, Job Interview, Many People, Paragraphs, Personal Sales, Professionalism, Resume, Tact, Taking The Time

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06 Jan 10 Why Should You Write a Cover Letter?

Benefit of having a cover letter

12 Nov 09 Making The Most Of A Second Interview

21 Oct 09 Post Interview Conduct

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