Why a Resume Cover Letter Is an Essential Component of Your Job Search

If you don't put almost as much time into your resume cover letter as you put into your resume, you’re missing the boat.

Throughout much of this site, you've been reading how important it is in the job search to make yourself stand out via a top notch, killer resume. And that is extremely important. However...

Your resume should reach every prospective employer accompanied by a customized cover letter. And it is crucial that you NOT look upon the task of writing this letter as a mere formality.

If you send a resume cover letter that says little more than the one pictured below, guess where your resume is going to end up? Yep, that's right... File 13, the circular file, the trash, or at best, at the bottom of the heap of hundreds of resumes sent in answer to the associated job ad.

Get Your Job Seekers' Power Pack!

Download this series of 5 concise reports about every aspect of the job hunt, including writing a powerful resume, crafting persuasive cover letters, succeeding at job interviews, and more. Don't miss this opportunity to change your life for the better!

Check it out NOW

How NOT to Write a Cover Letter

Send a letter like that and you can be sure that your resume will get no attention. It sounds like every other canned letter coming in to the office, and believe me... there are hundreds!

But there are some simple, concrete action steps you can take in writing a resume cover letter that will virtually ensure that your resume IS noticed.

But, First, Let's Review...

1. Mail, email, or fax the resume with the cover letter to the hiring manager.



2. The well-written cover letter grabs the attention of the hiring manager long enough that he or she takes the time to also read the attached resume.



3. The killer resume presents a strong picture of your capabilities and potential and clarifies what the cover letter began to intimate that you could do for the company.



4. With the resume cover letter combination having made it clear how much you stand out above most of the other candidates, the hiring manager can't wait to meet you and calls you to come in for an interview.



5. You prepare for the interview, so when the time comes, you demonstrate that your resume and cover letter weren't just a spectacular piece of creative writing. On the contrary, you are THE candidate for this job.



6. You get the job offer!

See how easy it is, if you follow the step-by-step process?

What's that, you say? "But I don't know how to write such a great cover letter? Where do I even begin?"

Not to worry...

Help Is On the Way!

We'll get you started on your quest to becoming a resume cover letter writing expert. Just grab yourself a coffee, soda pop, or other beverage of your choice, and take the time to read through some of the following articles.

• The Cover Letter Help Center, where you'll find tips and advice for how to approach writing a cover letter.



• How to Format Your Resume Cover Page, everything you need to know about cover letter design, from the experts at ResumeEdge.com.



• Resume Cover Letter Tips, where you can learn how to get one of the best FREE resources around for writing cover letters.



• Free Cover Letter Template, an annotated outline you can use to construct your cover letter.



• Different Kinds of Cover Letters, where you can read about 2 other ways of getting a job by using cover letters creatively.



• How to Write Follow-Up Letters, so that you're not left hanging after the interview.

So, are you ready to get started? Let's go! Get clicking to the resume cover letter of your dreams!