I came across this post in my email this morning: "
The 6 Biggest Mistakes Job-Seekers Make On Cover Letters" and it made me think back to a time where I wrote a cover letter for a job I really wanted, had a friend look it over, and her response was: "it's good... but it's also really boring." She was totally right - I'd done all the things I was "supposed to do" according to the advice from my college advisors, but ultimately, it was just hum-drum. Since then, I've been writing cover letters as more of a story - an introduction not just to what I've done, but to who I am.
In particular, I love this:
Mistake 3: You don't sell yourself.
Don't just make your cover letter a summary of what you've done in your career. Make it a persuasive story that shows why you are the best candidate for the job.
"Instead of going on and on about your credentials and years of experience like everyone else does, talk more about the impact you've made and how you can support them in overcoming their challenges," Denny said.
What's persuasive to a hiring manager is showing how you're the problem-solver they need right now. "In your letter, especially in the opening, it's important for you to show that you understand what the employer needs and how you're the answer to that problem," Watkins said.
What about you...
What have you found to be effective in your cover letters? Or, if you're a hiring manager, what do you like about cover letters you read?#careerdevelopment #coverletter #jobhunt------------------------------
- Drew
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