Simply put, a cover letter is just an introduction letter that you send along with your resume to introduce yourself and what you have to offer to a potential employer.
Many job seekers seem to feel that the cover is just a formality and not really essential to the application process.
I always smile as I think about that statement, it makes me realize just how lazy some people can be and how easy it really is to stand out from the crowd.
But, it is also important to understand that just because you write and submit a cover with your resume it is not a guarantee that it will be read by the hiring manager.
You need to learn how to write a cover letter that will grab and keep their attention long enough for them to take a look at your resume.
Most, if not all HR professionals and hiring managers are very busy.
Gone are the days of a hand full of applicants for a job opening.
The unemployment rate is pushing 10% and there are more people then ever before looking for employment.
Depending on the opening, there could be hundreds of applicants and the people in charge just do not have the time to read every single resume and cover letter that hits their desk.
Therefore, if you write an amazing cover and make yourself stand out you will be far ahead of the curve.
As a career counselor, I recommend that you write an amazing letter to get yourself noticed.
HR professionals and hiring managers may simply peruse cover letters looking for the right "KEYWORDS" that they feel will fit the position that they are trying to fill.
If you get the right cover letter in front of the right person, they will slow down and take a closer look at your resume and ultimately "you" in the process.
The time is now to get your cover letter out there and land the job of your dreams.