Are you interested in changing careers? If you are, will you soon start examining all open jobs in or around your area, if you haven’t already done so. Once you are able to find one or more jobs that meet or exceed your expectations, you will likely start submitting your resume. But, before you do that, you will want to place a focus on creating separate cover letters for each position you are interested in.
If you already have a cover letter developed, you need to rethink it. If you do not, good. The reason it is good that you do not have a cover letter already written is because you need to carefully craft separate cover letters that speak to the requirements of each position you are applying for. “Cookie-cutter” cover letters just will not do.
Unfortunately, many job seekers do not realize the importance of cover letters and the impact they have so they opt for a one size fits all approach with only minor edits.
Here is why cover letters are so important, as well as some tips on how to make each cover targeted:
You need to understand that you have a choice about whether to use a cover letter. Cover letters are most commonly used with resumes that will be mailed in. However, when you submit a job application in person, you are able to introduce yourself to the individual who is collecting them so you actually become the cover letter in-the-flesh. This introduction is not possible when you simply mail in a resume. That is mainly what cover letters are used for. They give you the opportunity to quickly introduce yourself on paper before your resume is read.