Almost every vacancy posted on the network implies, in addition to a detailed resume, a special letter to the employer, which is usually called an accompanying letter. This is a document separate from the main resume, which is drawn up and drafted in accordance with certain rules and serves to ensure that the potential employer can appreciate your candidacy at its true worth. A cover letter to the resume is an intermediate step before an invitation to an initial interview.
How it is necessary to draw up this document and what to indicate in it is a very important issue for each applicant. According to the rules of business etiquette, this type of document should be on a separate sheet, and all the details and contact details of the candidate should be both on the resume and on the sheet with the letter. It is important that all of this data is in full compliance with the rules for writing business letters. At the same time, it is worth remembering that on average, the employer devotes to reading the letter no more than 1 minute, so its volume should not be too large. A cover letter to the resume usually takes up a sheet of A4 format, written in not too small print (choosing it, remember that reading it should be convenient).
If you send the resume by e-mail as an attached document, then the letter itself must be placed in the body of the message. At the same time, it is important that the applicant in it apply to the person whose data is indicated in the posted vacancy. You must specify the source from which information about it is obtained.
The next important point is the content of the letter. Remember that a cover letter to a resume is a kind of explanation of the dry and dashed style of presentation in the main list of your jobs. Therefore, if there are any white spots, ambiguities or questions in the resume that require further clarification, a letter is the best way to save the employer from having to find out these dubious moments himself. Most likely, he will not do this, and the resume will simply go unnoticed.
The letter form is the basis on which the specialist of the HR department will make a first impression of a potential employee, therefore, it is necessary to carefully compile its preparation. One of the common mistakes is long speeches of thanks addressed to the one who reads this letter. Firstly, it distracts from the content of the letter, and secondly, it takes the place that should be given to the argumentation of why this particular candidate suits the company the most. And if the employer reads lengthy expressions of gratitude for the fact that he does his own work during his working hours, then this candidate will not make any favorable impression on him.
A cover letter to a resume is a business document, and not another way to show creativity, so all sorts of poems, quotes, sentences with numerous comparisons and difficult to understand turns are better left for another case. Here everything should be stated briefly (respect the time of your addressee) and the case (show yourself on the best side, without burdening the reader with unnecessary details).
The best cover letter scheme is:
- Briefly repeat the data on education and work set out in the resume, but do not focus on them - be sure that dozens of your competitors have already managed to tire the employer with a description of their brilliant education and work experience.
- Tell us what kind of experience gained at previous places of work you intend to use in this company and why (for this, study in detail all available information about the specifics of the work of this enterprise).
- Emphasize your value as an employee, but do not focus on your ability to adapt in a team or the ability to find a common language with everyone. Better find the qualities that will characterize you as a professional, and not as a person who is able to chat with everyone and about everything during the working day.