Cover letters: The chance to add a personal touch

By Nicole Møller on September 30th, 2009

Wondering how to make your job application surpass all the other candidates? Having a well-written cover letter that is unique to your skills and personality is usually a great way to impress a potential employer. Many people think that the resume is the best way to secure the job they want, but never underestimate the strength of the cover letter.

While a stand-out resume is often seen as the golden ticket to getting you the job you want, cover letters are also vital ingredients in securing great positions, and should be given equal, if not greater, attention as resumes.

One important reason being, the cover letter is a tailored, individualized account of a person’s work experience and skills. A good resume also lists and covers all these things, but a cover letter takes it one step further by personalizing certain areas of expertise. While a resume covers the majority (if not, the entire span) of a person’s jobs and careers, cover letters are intended to focus on small areas that are mainly relevant to the job you are applying for. Although resumes do this as well, the cover letter takes information you provide on the resume and expands on the sections must suitable for the job you are seeking.

Cover letters also allow for more creativity in its application. Whereas there are certain set formats or templates for making resumes, there really isn’t a universal formula with cover letters. Depending on the job you are applying for, what is expected from the employer, or other candidates you are applying against, it is necessary to adjust your cover letter accordingly. Don’t send out the same cover letter to every job you apply for! It’s good to “accessorize” each cover letter by enhancing certain areas or qualifications. Even including a small anecdote that appropriately highlights a situation where you utilized a necessary skill can be a good idea. With each and every cover letter, it is imperative that you demonstrate a solid knowledge of the job requirements, as well as express confidence in your skills and a genuine enthusiasm for that specific opportunity you desire.

Finally, one of the most important things when creating an amazing cover letter is to successfully show to the person who is reading it that you’ve really put in an optimal amount of thought and consideration into what you’ve written. In most cases, if a prospective employer reads through your resume and likes what they see, they will probably continue on to the cover letter. Taking the time to craft a thorough and truly personalized cover letter can really give you an extra boost that allows your potential employer to see you’ve got that edge over the other guy.

Nicole Møller

Born and raised in the California Bay Area, Nicole arrived in Japan in July 2008, shortly after graduating from university. With a degree in English literature and family in Japan, teaching in Tokyo seemed like the ideal experience and perfect way to begin shaping her professional life.

Nicole lived and worked in Tokyo primarily as an English teacher, but also as a model and freelance writer. She recently moved to Vancouver, where she will continue working in fields ranging from writing, teaching, art, and fashion. Her dream is to one day write and illustrate her own children’s books.