|
“It is with great
interest and enthusiasm that I submit my resume for your review.” Most
cover letters are written in this humdrum tone. Cover letters do not need
to be so dull, nor so uninteresting. This style of cover letter writing
has been around for years; and it’s a trend that has overstayed its
welcome.
It’s perfectly acceptable to add pizzazz to cover letters in an effort to
engage the reader in your story. Taking a business approach while adding a
personal touch to the cover letter will certainly make you stand out from
other candidates. But many are skeptical about adding a personal story to
the cover letter because rumor has it that cover letters should be
completely business-oriented. That isn’t true. There are occasions when it
is appropriate to deviate from what others expect to read, and of course,
there are times when you should remain with the “tried and true” method.
When Getting Personal Doesn’t Make Sense
Getting personal can be tricky because most people have a tendency to
reveal too much. Only choose to disclose personal information if doing so
will help sell you for the position. Don’t use the cover letter as a
vehicle to make excuses, to apologize for your current situation or to
describe how difficult the job search has been. For example, the following
is not a personal story that should be fleshed out in a cover letter:
A few months ago, I was laid off and haven’t been able to secure a
position since. I have answered countless classified ads and no one will
give me an opportunity. My bills are piling up and I need someone to give
me a chance. I am a good worker and if you hire me, you won’t be
disappointed.
The above introduction smacks of desperation, and although you may be
truthful when saying you’ll do a fantastic job, the reader will think
either: a) if nobody else wants this person, I sure don’t or b) this
person will take on any position just to pay the bills while continuing to
look for the right opportunity. While that may not be your intention, it
will be the perception.
When Getting Personal Makes Sense
Not every situation is the same and some situations call for more than
just a reiteration of your resume. If you are currently unemployed, a
career changer, or just have an interesting story to share about your
career progression, feel free to elaborate in the cover letter. The
following is an appropriate personal story to tell in a cover letter:
It is human nature to believe that life-altering events will only happen
to “them,” not us. With this popular notion in tow, we go about our lives
doing the best we know how. Then one day, we are struck with a reality
that changes our view of the world and our purpose on this earth. Each of
us has our own unique life changing events; mine was when my companion was
diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
When I made the decision to leave the workforce to tend to my companion’s
illness, I quickly realized there was never enough time to get everything
done: paperwork, doctor's visits, clinical studies, and housekeeping
responsibilities.
Even with all that needed to be done, I welcomed the opportunity to care
for him when he needed me the most. In fact, I am grateful I was able to
follow him through his journey. I realize this is a luxury not afforded to
everyone. Because of the experiences I had in and out of the nursing home,
I decided to return to college and earn a master’s degree in Health
Advocacy at Sarah Lawrence College.
The above is a heartwarming tale of how one’s personal experience changed
their course in life. This particular story is a great sales tool because
it alludes to the empathy and compassion this candidate has for others who
are going through what she experienced.
Recognizing if your personal story makes sense
When getting personal in a cover letter, the key is to focus on a topic
that: a) will interest the reader, b) is relevant to your career
objective, and c) will add weight to your list of qualifications. If you
can enthusiastically answer “yes” to all those distinctive qualities, then
your story is one that should be told.
By Linda Matias
Visit her website at
www.careerstrides.com or email her at
linda@careerstrides.com. |
Writers
Profile
Recognized as a
career expert,
Linda Matias brings a wealth of
experience to the career services field. She has been sought out for her
knowledge of the employment market, outplacement, job search strategies,
interview preparation, and resume writing, quoted a number of times in The
Wall Street Journal, New York Newsday, Newsweek, and HR-esource.com. She
is president of CareerStrides and the National Resume Writers’
Association.
|
