Common Myths as it Relates to Cover Letters

1. It is better if its handwritten.
False. If I receive a handwritten cover letter the first thing that I am going to think of is that the potential employee is not computer literate. That may not be the persons intention, but the focus is now on the handwritten cover letter and not the individuals resume. The candidate may be trying to connect on a personal level, but its actually preventing a serious look at the prospects resume.

2. A cover letter introduces your resume.
False. A cover letter is a tool that is as important as a resume. Remember, the cover letter or resume is not going to get you the job. It merely a tool to get you an interview. A good cover letter gives the reader a chance to see if the resume is worth looking at. Certain highlighted words or phrases could entice the reader to look closer at the resume.

3. A resume does not necessarily need a cover letter.
False..again. A cover letter and a resume is like…peanut butter and jelly….Batman and Robin…..salt and pepper…socks and shoes…you get the picture. A cover letter should accompany every resume you send out. You are putting yourself at a large disadvantage when a cover letter does not come with your resume.

4. You can use a generic greeting like “to whom it may concern”.
False. Try to do some research. Find out who may be looking at the cover letter. The email address may reveal some information. The more personal you can make it the more of a chance you have in connecting with the reader and ultimately get that interview!

5. Keep the cover letter to just a paragraph or a few short sentences.
False and sort of true. There really is not a hard fast rule that supports this. A cover letter needs to convey your message about you. In most cases a cover letter should be one page in length. Anywhere from two to six paragraphs.