Cover Letters Help Boost The Resume

Last year NASA discontinued the space shuttle program. For thirty years the small fleet of space shuttles serviced the programs and missions of the United States space program. These vehicles in conjunction with their booster rockets revolutionized space programs. Images of the shuttles blasting up into space, maintaining orbit, and landing at airfields were images people watched for nearly two generations.

In some ways your resume and cover letter are like the space shuttle and its booster engines. Think of the resume like the space shuttle. This is the workhorse of your job search that everyone notices. Success is partly determined by it. The cover letter is like the booster rockets. It may not be of use after some time but initially it can set the tone of how your job search may develop.

The purpose of the cover is to get the resume noticed. It is the method used to introduce yourself to the employer  and give a sneak preview of your accomplishments. There are several good cover letter writing tips that can be followed. However it is important to focus the cover letter on the employer and their requirements. There are different ways this can be accomplished.

What does the employer need. State the position or area you are applying for. Mention if this in resopnse to an advertisement or a general inquiry. Explain your interest and reasons for the position. Research information about the organization and insert this in the letter.

How can you help with this need. Explainn your education and work history and how this qualifies for the position. Mention degrees you have and most recent position and how this relates to the job opening.

Prove your worth. Give brief examples of some accomplishments. Mention promotions you have had and improvements you have done for present and previous employers. Employers want to know what applicants can do for them. The cover letter can be the vehicle to accomplish this.