If Your Resume is the Cake, Your Cover Letter is the Icing”

 

Writing a compelling cover letter is just as important for a job seeker as crafting a strong resume. The cover letter serves as the supporting document for your resume, accompanying it at every submission, whether through traditional mail, email, fax, or other electronic methods. While the resume lays out your qualifications and experience, the cover letter acts as a personalized introduction, designed to grab the attention of the hiring manager.

In your job search, you’ll use a variety of written tools. Your resume and cover letter come first, followed by other essential documents like follow-up letters, thank-you notes post-interview, reference lists, salary histories, and job acceptance letters. Once you’ve mastered cover letter and resume writing, creating these additional tools will come naturally.

The objective of your cover letter is the same as your resume: to capture the attention of the hiring manager. However, the format and approach differ. While your resume provides an overview of your professional career and typically spans one to two pages, your cover letter is a brief, one-page introduction. The cover letter should be concise, direct, and engaging, with the sole purpose of encouraging the hiring manager to review your resume in detail.

One common mistake people make is writing too much. A strong cover letter is succinct, emphasizing two or three key points from your resume. The age-old advice of “tell them what you’re going to tell them, tell them, and then tell them what you told them” applies here as well.

For example, let’s say you’re a materials handling manager for a defense contractor, seeking a new opportunity.

· In your field, key terms like MRP, lean manufacturing, ISO 9000, and cost savings are critical.

· Your resume will provide in-depth details about how you’ve achieved success in these areas, while your cover letter should briefly mention these accomplishments. For instance, you might include two bulleted points in your cover letter that state:

Skilled in quality assurance and control, MRP, ISO 9000, QS 9000, and Lean Manufacturing.

Proven track record in delivering cost savings, reducing inventory levels, and improving on-time supplier delivery.

According to surveys, hiring managers spend an average of 15 seconds reviewing each resume and cover letter. This means your writing must be sharp and focused to capture their interest quickly. Excellent resume writing is equally important, as it will ultimately determine whether you are invited for an interview. From there, strong interviewing skills will increase your chances of landing the job. This entire process — starting with a well-written cover letter and concluding with a job offer — can lead to long-term job satisfaction and financial stability.

Conclusion: While your resume provides the essential content by showcasing your skills and experience, your cover letter is the final touch that highlights your personality, enthusiasm, and suitability for the role. Together, they form a powerful and appealing package that can leave a lasting impression on potential employers.

Summary: The goal of a cover letter is to capture the attention of the hiring manager.