Quick Tips for Honest Cover Letter Writing

Carol Cochran reports:

"Back in January 2013, Matthew Ross, a San Diego State University student, sent a now-famous cover letter to a Wall Street firm looking for a foot in the door...[Y]ou’ve got to read the happy ending [to it]. Then, if you’re a job seeker, get to work writing an honest cover letter of your own. Let’s set aside the much-debated topic of whether or not to even include a cover letter with your resume...Let’s also face the facts—an honest cover letter can help your application stand out to a recruiter who is looking through hundreds of applications. Whether or not you actually get the job depends on your qualifications matching the skills required and the strength of your interview...The tone of Mr. Ross’ cover letter wouldn’t go over well in all cases. He showed an understanding of the culture of the investment banking industry and the company he wanted to work for. The voice a job seeker uses to introduce themselves will give a recruiter a good feel for whether or not the personality will be a good fit for their company and culture...Address the elephant in the room and be courteous in requesting consideration. But don’t stop there. Quickly outline two or three ways that show how you fit the job description...If there are obvious questions a company will have about your application, talk about them. Explain why you’ve switched jobs every year for the past five years. Tell them how you’ve kept your professional self relevant during an employment gap. Highlight transferable skills that make this career change realistic...If you know you can be great at a particular job, but need a chance to prove yourself and learn from others, a willingness to be mentored or to take an internship can turn into a full-time job. Just ask Matthew Ross."