ASAP Awards | The American Society of Administrative Professionals Submissions are open ›
In my last article we discussed essential tips for your resume. Let us now discuss the dreaded cover letter…possibly the most stressful part of getting an employer to notice you prior to reviewing your resume. What do you need to do? For starters, you need to engage the employer, in the most professional manner, into noticing you. At the same time, you need to tell the employer what makes you a candidate worth interviewing. The cover letter, if done right, can get you to the next stage.
Such as:
(Those are just a few, but obviously you have covered a lot of information without having to explain everything in a long-winded paragraph.) Also, you have been direct and straightforward. If those skills fit with your experience, the employer will be interested and will move on to your resume.
5. Closing the Sell - Yourself. Do not seize failure from the jaws of success. Be yourself. Do not be repetitive. Do not beg or plead (even if you have been out of work for a long time). Remember, you are supplying value to the employer. Do not repeat all your contact information which the employer already has. Instead, you should end your letter with the following: “In closing, I believe an interview may assist you in exploring my qualifications and experience further (or words to this effect). Thank you for your time and consideration.” Be precise and to the point.
So, you have your cover letter complete. There is probably so much more you want to put in, but remember that ‘less is more’. Do not inundate the busy employer. It should be just enough to whet their appetite. Remember, your resume has additional information and, if you are brought in for an interview, you have a chance to give the employee even more.
Join the ASAP Circle, a community platform that offers an opportunity for peer-to-peer conversation on trending topics, professional challenges, and shared experiences. We also offer a moderated coffee break each week on a rotating schedule where admins can speak and connect via Zoom. See you there!