Those who are long and hard in finding a job or waiting for the opportunity to get a "dream job", perhaps, know everything about composing a resume. And they probably know what a cover letter for this document is. However, not everyone is aware of what they need to talk about. Further in the article we will try to figure out what to write in the cover letter to the resume, whether this document is necessary for applicants and employers in general, and what are the main rules for its preparation.
Cover letter to resume - an urgent need or a tribute to fashion?
Many applicants are confused by the request of the employer to attach a cover letter (cover letter) to the resume. Examples of how to write such a document can be found on the Internet. But all of them are composed by specific people and are suitable for a specific vacancy, not being standardized documents. And in view of the fact that such an addition is not required, people who are looking for work often make a decision and do not attach it to the resume at all. You can understand them - after all, they have already set forth all the necessary information about themselves, why again to repeat and rewrite the same thing, but in a new way?
In fact, in such a thought there is its seed true, but with one caveat. The resume itself is a dry and impersonal document, and it is the cover letter that can breathe a little personality of the applicant into it and distinguish it from competitors. But this will only happen if it is correctly drawn up. Thus, we came to the answer to the question of what to write in the cover letter in the resume so that it was tenacious and original.
The opinion of experts: whether it is necessary to attach "self-promotion" to CV
Headhunters, arguing about whether to write a cover letter, for the most part agree that such a document will not be superfluous in a resume, even when the employer does not directly ask him to add to the standard form describing the qualifications, work skills and experience of the applicant. However, they assure everyone who is interested in the fact that his absence cannot be the reason why the candidate is refused an interview or will not be hired.
Recruiters also know what to write in a cover letter in a resume so that it becomes a candidate's advantage in the eyes of a recruiter. Cover letter is exactly the document in which one can and should reveal his specific skills and tell about unique successes. For example, “boast” of numbers and specific facts:
- “... holding the position of the leading sales manager at ABV, he increased the turnover for the reporting period by 18% compared to the same period last year ...";
- “... in December last year, she completed express courses to improve English proficiency, having improved my knowledge of technological terminology, which will help me realize myself in your company, as well as facilitate business contacts with foreign partners ...”;
- “... maternity leave did not become a time of rest and loss of qualification for me, on the contrary, during this period I mastered new audit programs, worked remotely in companies A and B, thanks to which I am now aware of the latest rules and regulations, I follow for changes in the legislative framework ... ”.
Employment experts claim that it is very important for the applicant to know how to correctly write a cover letter to the resume. This document should be capacious, structured and honest. If the applicant is not sure that he will be able to write it well, it is better not to spoil your resume at all with a ridiculous or template cover letter.
What to write about?
Before you write a cover letter to your employer for a resume, you need to analyze your weaknesses and problems as a potential employee. A cover letter can be your ace up your sleeve. Using it is much easier to get around such pitfalls as a lack of work experience or its complete absence. For young professionals, a cover letter is a great chance to prove themselves, to show their professional suitability and willingness to develop.
It will help those who decided to change the scope of activity. It is here that two or three sentences can explain why the master-technologist of sewing production wanted to try himself in the field of graphic design and that will help him cope well with a new job for him.
Cover Letter Requirements: Volume, Style, Structure
This document should not be large. This text is laconic in volume - a maximum of half a sheet of A4 format. The cover letter is usually divided into 3-4 paragraphs, consisting of 2-3 sentences. The style of the text is business, because in the first place this letter should tell about the professionalism of the applicant. But if he tries himself on any creative vacancy, then you can allow yourself some linguistic liberties. Also, few know where to attach a cover letter when sending a resume, what to write a description, body and table of contents. The rules of conducting business correspondence say that the text should be in the body of the letter, and the summary itself is inserted into the attachment.
For the structure of the cover letter to be complete, the following information should be displayed in the text:
- greeting and presentation;
- an indication of what vacancy the applicant is applying for and why, in his opinion, he deserves it;
- a story about successes and achievements in previous positions, in studies or social activities;
- explanation of motivation;
- here you can make links to your portfolio, recommendations, website or blog.
In conclusion, in a cover letter, you must provide your contact details and demonstrate to the employer a willingness to dialogue.
Cover letter pros
Many young professionals believe that people with work experience finding a job in a new place is just a spit. In fact, personnel shifts occur in promising and highly paid posts. Therefore, managers also have to write cover letters, and here is an example of how to write a cover letter to a resume. Sample:
“Hello, Ivan Ivanovich!
My name is Petrov Peter, I am 33 years old, I am married, have two children. I am a “salesman” with 15 years of experience in the field of distribution trade. I know that a vacancy of the head of the sales department (NTO) for the confectionery group of goods is open in your company and I offer you my candidacy for its replacement.
To carry out my functional duties, I have everything:
- Work experience as a leader - was a supervisor and then deputy NTO in the ProdMarket company. During this time, I organized the work of the sales department as efficiently as possible, thanks to which we made almost one hundred percent coverage of outlets in the territory entrusted to me and increased sales by 38%.
- Knowledge of the market and client base, well-established communication with key partners of the region.
- Sufficient practical and theoretical training - I have completed a higher economic education, have passed a series of trainings on self-development (overcoming objections, a systematic approach to sales, staff motivation).
Your company for me is an opportunity to reveal your potential as a successful manager. I look forward to a personal meeting, during which I will provide all the missing information about myself.
Regards, Peter. ”
What to write for a beginner in the field of work
Now let's talk about how best to write a cover letter to the resume to a person without work experience. The main thing is not to be afraid and show a real willingness to open up to the new, absorb knowledge, demonstrate the ability to be flexible and learnable. In fact, many employers are willing to give beginners a chance, especially if they see a person’s potential.
“Good afternoon, dear Sirius company!
My name is Kogut Catherine. My goal is to get a job in your organization as a personnel manager.
Unfortunately, I have no experience in this specialty yet. Nevertheless, I am confident that I will successfully cope with the responsibilities assigned to me for a variety of reasons. Firstly, I have already received a diploma in this specialization (with honors). Secondly, I managed to test my organizational skills in practice. As a student, she was the head of the group, held various events for students and teachers, dealt with the financial issues of the group. Thirdly, during my student internship, I worked as an office manager, thanks to which I understood the specifics of this work and I know it “from the inside”.
In addition, I am young, full of strength and energy, so I want to devote the coming years to the development of my career.
I hope that you will not leave my profile unattended and invite for an interview.
Regards, Catherine. ”
Cover letter and resume: complementary but not mutually exclusive documents
When compiling a cover letter, the applicant must remember that the letter cannot replace a resume, it is auxiliary in nature and supplements the information submitted in the resume. Nevertheless, do not repeat and write the same data there and there. A cover letter should be given several hours of attention and its text should be capacious, interesting and truly catchy.
Stop template!
So, we figured out what to write in the cover letter in the resume, but finally we need to add - do not use ready-made samples for writing it. The text should maximize the disclosure of the applicant not only as a professional, but also as a competent, responsible and non-trivial person. Employers see falsity, more than a dozen questionnaires and resumes pass by them daily, but among all the candidates they remember and choose several people who are able to show their individual traits and inspire confidence even using ordinary printed text.