Yahoo Lifestyle Why Your Cover Letter Is More Important Than Your Resume
In a world where a computer has likely read - and rejected - your CV before an employer lays eyes on it, perfecting a cover letter has never been more vital. "There is a suite of technologies which skill match your cover letter and resume, then code your application in their database,"explains Peter Acheson, CEO of Peoplebank, Australia's largest IT and specialist recruiter. And if your cover letter doesn't follow the correct format, no matter how outstanding the resume, your application will go straight into the "no" pile.
Even if you do manage to bypass this computerised process, modern technology has still impacted the way employers look at cover letters. "People's attention spans have shortened," explains Acheson. "They'd rather read a clear, concise cover letter than spend five minutes poring over a resume." So get your head around the new cover letter rules:
DON'T:
Talk yourself up. "Make the cover letter easy to read. Have a dot-point summary of the key achievements in your current or previous role that would make you applicable for this job," instructs Acheson. "There's a bit of self-promotion necessary, but you don't want to be over the top." Showing that you've ticked all the requirements listed on the job advertisement means your application will survive the recruitment process.
DO
Keep it simple. It should be correctly addressed, typo-free, factual, professionally worded and no longer than
a single page.
DON'T
Include referees. As well as not speaking ill of your current employer, Acheson warns against naming reference providers. "You want to be able to speak to your referees prior to a potential employer calling, so that you can tell them about the job and ask what they're likely to say," he explains.
DO
Make a date. "Some employers don't like it, but I think it speaks highly of a candidate if they say they'll follow up on a specific date and then do so,'' says Acheson. "It shows they're confident, assertive and clearly believe they have something to offer. It sets them apart."
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