The hiring process can be somewhat nebulous at times. Sometimes it amazes me how certain people get the roles they are in. It just goes to show that the hiring process will always have very subjective influences. This should not be so surprising since we are talking about the human element. There is no one surefire template that everyone follows when making hiring decisions. However, there are certain things you can do to give yourself an edge.
One commonly overlooked area in particular can certainly enhance your chances of getting your foot in the door. That area happens to be the cover letter. Nowadays, most people email their resumes rather than snail mail so quite often a cover letter is nonexistent or in the form of a poorly written email. A well-crafted email or what I like to call a “virtual cover letter” is an opportunity to make an impactful first impression. You can look at it this way. Take automobiles for example.
I love vintage cars, especially after they have been fully restored and detailed. The way the car shines and sparkles can be breathtaking. On the other hand, take that same car, let it collect dust and dirt; and it won’t look the same. It will just look like an old car. The car maybe in great running condition, the engine could be strong and great to drive but it won’t leave a lasting impression to people who see it. Most people probably wouldn’t even notice the uniqueness of it. That is what a resume without a compelling cover letter can look like to the recipient – just another resume.
I receive hundreds of resumes every week via email. If I don’t have an active open position at our firm, there’s a good chance that the emails will sit in my inbox for some time before I actually even look at the resumes. I probably have other more pressing issues to deal with related to running our business. The timing of the email can dictate the sense of urgency. However, if in the body of an email, a compelling message accompanies the resume, more often than not, I will open the attachment and take a look at the resume. Isn’t that what you want when you send your resume in - to have it be seen?
One of the best hires I’ve ever personally made probably would not have happened if weren’t for the email that I read that accompanied the resume. There was nothing special about the resume that would have prompted me to contact that candidate, however the message was so well written and had such sizzle to it that I at least wanted to talk to this person.
In this highly competitive employment market you must be able to differentiate yourself. Don’t be naive to think that you are the only one who is qualified for the job you are submitting your resume for. Give your resume some life. The resume provides an overview of your qualifications and skills. The cover letter can provide the hiring manager a window into your personality, motivation, drive, and other soft skills, skills that can’t be easily extrapolated from the resume alone.
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