The Curse of the Generic Cover Letter

The Curse of the Generic Cover Letter After you have taken the time to create a winning resume, it is sometimes difficult to put the appropriate time and energy into the cover letter. However, this is a necessary component of the job search. While it may be easiest to create a generic cover letter that you can utilize for all job opportunities, this can be a costly mistake. What is easiest for you will show the employer that you don’t take the time to craft a cover letter unique to the job opening. The first mistake people make when creating a generic cover letter is to address it as “To Whom it May Concern.” This is the first way to show an employer that you don’t really care about the job opportunity within the organization. If you can’t address the letter to the person listed in the advertisement or on the website, then how can the employer trust you to follow directions? Next, discussing the job opportunity as “the open position within your company” rather than the actual job title shows the employer you may be sending generic cover letter to many employers. Be specific and list the official job title in the cover letter. Take the time to discover how you may fit within the job description and how your previous jobs relate to this new position. Finally, utilize the skills, qualifications, and descriptions in the cover letter. This shows the employer you are able to relate to the job opening within the organization. Better yet, be specific about how you have showcased these skills in past jobs. Sending a generic cover letter makes you appear to be like everyone else. That is the last thing you want to do in a job search. You want your cover letter to intrigue the employer enough to review your resume and call you for an interview. Stand out, be specific, and write a cover letter that will make the employer call you immediately.