Can an outstanding cover letter give you a strong chance for an interview or a standard cover letter?

Answer 1

The correct answer to this question is AN OUTSTANDING STANDARD COVER LETTER :D And it's normal. Words can get you ANYTHING these days, but aberrations cannot. So you need to place these words on a standard pattern. Help here:

http://www.cvtips.com/view_free_cover_letters.html

Answer 2

One of the points of doing a cover letter is to beef up what may be a standard resume into an outstanding package. If by standard cover letter you mean just adding more stuff that doesn't fit, or isn't quite appropriate for a resume, then perhaps you shouldn't bother.

The cover letter allows the applicant to say something about her/himself that makes the entire package stand out from the others. It does not mean something wild or too outre'. It means that the applicant can make a statement or two that somehow states, "This is the reason MINE should be the resume to consider."

For example, if you have a standard, generic resume that you use for ALL your job searches, the cover letter allows you to pinpoint and highlight the specific qualities you have to offer THAT particular employer.

For example, if the job requires hands-on technical experience, you may point out that your technical school offered hundreds of hours of practical lab time. If the job is retail sales, and you don't have the job experience, you can point out the years you did seasonal sales selling scout cookies.

The cover letter allows you to expand upon what the resume only hints at. You can go into more detail about those parts of the resume that most closely match the description of the new job. You can mention the product line, the tools used, your place in the organization.

Composition and spelling really do count, because you really do want to make it an outstanding cover letter.

Answer 3

Cover letters are a courtesy. HR folks ignore them, for the most part, and move right to 'the meat'. It's the resume which opens the door for you.

Do heavy work on the resume part. Insure that you know how you will be of benefit to the firm to which you are applying, and tailor your strengths to address their potential needs.

I've read thousands of resumes over the decades, and barely gave the cover letter a glance.

Avoid anything like flowered or decorative stationery. Use a simple business-like grey or ivory linen stationery. Insure that your grammar and spelling are impeccable and without fault.

The more professional you appear in the resume, the better your chances. Remember, a resume is nothing more than your 'advertising' to get an interview, during which you can sell yourself as the best choice for the position.

Answer 4

The main thing that will get you the interview is what's on your resume. But if your cover letter is sloppy (for example, has bad grammar or misspellings) they might not even bother to read your resume.

It's a good idea to have something specific to the company or job you're applying for in your cover letter, rather than just using the same standard letter for all the resumes that you send out.

Answer 5

Go for the outstanding cover letter. It's about making a lasting good impression. Good luck.

Answer 6

You don't know who is going to read them. Depends on the size of the firm and who has the task of reviewing applicant documents.

I say keep a clean, no more than 3-4 SHORT paragraph, introductory letter covering high-lights not in your resume but worth noting. DO not go over 1 page.

Answer 7

don't get over dramatic with the cover letter. It is a big turn off. Simple clear concise communication says a lot about a candidate.

Answer 8

Make sure to keep it personal- nobody likes a generally written 'blanket' statement.

More importantly, e-mailing is one thing, snail mail stands out completely, especially if it's a small company.

Best 41 cents ever spent.

Answer 9

Sure. Make sure the resume is very outstanding and neat too.

Answer 10

By oustanding do you mean out of date?
No
Revise and update... Everything needs to be current, standard.