Everyone dreads the cover letter to some extent. This is mainly because a new one has to be written each time a job application is filled out or a resume submitted. Having a template to work with can ease the stress and reduce the work when customizing a cover letter for a position that you’re applying for. And when customizing your cover letter, there are things that should not be overlooked. Use the job posting as your guideline.

The purpose of a cover letter is to summarize your skills and indicate your interest in a position. If done well, a cover letter will make a prospective employer want to learn more about you and will get them to move on and read your resume. The first thing they will look for is if your skills meet the requirements of the position. Do not disregard the job posting when including this information. In fact, the job posting should be your primary reference for your cover letter. When you highlight your strengths, don’t randomly include what you think they are looking for. Include what you know they are looking for by including the job requirements listed in the posting. Don’t stretch the truth, only list the requirements you have that are your real strengths and in which you actually have experience. This will illustrate to the employer that you were paying attention to their needs. And their needs are what are most important to them.

Expressing your interest in the position and the duties of the job will lead the hiring manager to want to learn more about you. If you properly show how your skills and experience are a great fit, they may even continue on to your resume! A good cover letter can open the door to an interview and possibly a job offer, so make sure you let the job posting guide you and help you match your skills to their needs.

When you’re job hunting you know that giving a good first impression is very important. One way to do this is by custom fitting your cover letters for each job you’re applying for. It’s a great use of your time and a great way to show your prospective employer that you were paying attention to the details of the job.

Your cover letter is going to give the employer the most instant information when they’re scanning for qualified applicants. Most employers are not going to go through your resume until they know you’re one of their candidates, so make sure your cover letter gives them the most important facts about you and your skills. Start with basic information for your cover letter. Introduce yourself and explain how your expertise fits the employer’s needs.  Then introduce specifics that fit what they’re looking for including your proficiencies, years of experience, and technical knowledge. If you have a job posting, refer to it and include bullet points that match the traits they’re looking for. Then sell yourself! Tell them why they should hire you and why your qualifications make you the perfect candidate.

Cover letters are extremely important, but keep them simple and keep them specific. They are the first impression an employer will have of you. Make sure they’re accurate and custom fit for each job you apply for.

Most people believe that a good resume is their key to interviews and job candidacy and often put less emphasis on their cover letter. This is a big mistake! Your cover letter is as important as your resume, and sometimes even more important.

Your resume is a very long, very detailed breakdown of your work history and your skills and experience. Many employers never even look at your resume until they think you’re a potential candidate for the position. Your cover letter is often what gets them to turn the page and look at that resume. Don’t throw your cover letters together at the last minute. Spend some time and make a few versions for different types of jobs that can then be custom fit for each and every job you apply for. This is your chance to sell yourself and to help you get in the door for an interview. Keep them simple but include specific skills and experience that pertain directly to each job. Make sure you are assertive about your qualifications without being over-confident. Let them know that you are a perfect candidate for the position and tell them why. And above all else, let them know how you fit their needs. Make your letter about how you can best help them, not the other way around.

Great cover letter writing will give you an extra edge in what is currently a highly competitive job market. Make sure yours reflects your knowledge and interest in the position. It’s as important as your resume!