Can you write me a quick generic cover letter?
Well yes, of course we can but will that really be the best thing for you?
We get asked this question regularly and we understand why. You have just invested your hard earned money on a resume and let’s face it there are more exciting things to spend your money on.
Originally you thought you would get your resume professionally written and then write your own cover letter. The cover letter will be the easy part.
Right?
Now you are sitting here reading through your resume and you like what you are reading. You like how you sound. You would not have thought of promoting yourself in that way or laying your resume out the way I have. You didn’t realise how many skills you have.
But now you aren’t so sure about writing your own cover letter. You know it probably won’t be as good as your resume. You want your cover letter to match your résumé but you really don’t want to spend any more money.
We get it.
However, we feel we would be doing you a disservice by providing you with a ‘generic’ cover letter as you would then presume it is acceptable to use it to apply for that position that has just been advertised – the one you really, really want.
Still you think, surely it doesn’t matter, the resume is the most important part of the application and it’s looking great.
That is a big risk! We actually don’t know which document a recruiter reads first and which they value more.
What do other industry experts say?
- Career-advice.careerone.com.au says the cover letter is as important as the résumé. Businessnewsdaily.com says a cover letter is your first impression.
- Quintcareers.com says cover letters don’t get much attention.
- Jobs.theguardian.com says that generic cover letters do not work and an uninspiring cover letter increases the risk of your CV not being read.
Clearly the industry is divided but the one thing we know for certain is a well written, personalised cover letter will never work against you.
No generic cover letter can catch the recruiter’s eye and promote you as well as a targeted cover letter can. When you think about it that makes sense. A generic cover letter is just another document to read with no real value.
For the sake of a small extra investment, and it is an investment, an investment in you and your career, we can write you a tailor-made cover letter.
If you would like to know more about the author Kathryn Burke, click here.
Do you want a cover letter that is unique and tailored to you and targeted to the position you are applying for? We can help!
Contact our Professional Resume Writers today and let us show you how to craft a resume and a cover letter that highlights your unique talents, specific skills, education and work experience in the best light and helps you to make it to the next stage in your job search!
We provide and specialise in Professional Resume Writing Services, Cover Letter Development, Interview Coaching, Career Coaching and Job Search Advice across Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin, Townsville, Toowoomba, Rockhampton, Sunshine Coast, Newcastle, Central Coast, Wollongong and Gippsland. Our Professional Career Consultants bring years of experience to the table, with a full range of career services available, Résumés for Results are here to assist you to you succeed.
We want to acknowledge the original author of this article – Jodi Reeves. For many years she was one of our expert Resume Writers who has now gone on to launch her own business. You can find out what she has been up to here.
Do you need help putting together a professional cover letter for your resume?
Contact our Career Consultants at Résumés for Results TODAY to discuss how we can assist you. You can call us on 1800 155 895 or send us an email to find out more.
We also provide and specialise in cover letter writing, interview coaching and job search advice.
We offer services across Australia, including all capital cities and regional areas. Resume Writers bring years of experience to the table, with a full range of career services available. Résumés for Results are here to assist you to succeed.
