Hello Everyone!
Last time, I talked about receiving a resume and cover letter from one of those “build and blast” websites you find all over the web promising to help job seekers. I gave you my take on those sites, and shared the subject line of the email as the first of many shining examples of what not to do.
This time, I want to cover the “cover letter” that came with the email. Here it is:
Dear Sir or Madam:
Hello Everyone!
Last time, I talked about receiving a resume and cover letter from one of those “build and blast” websites you find all over the web promising to help job seekers. I gave you my take on those sites, and shared the subject line of the email as the first of many shining examples of what not to do.
This time, I want to cover the “cover letter” that came with the email. Here it is:
Dear Sir or Madam:
At this time, I am seeking a challenging position with an organization such as yours. I believe strongly that my professional experience and skill sets are an excellent fit with your company objectives.
As you will certainly agree after reading my resume, which is attached for your consideration, I possess all the attributes and abilities that you are seeking in an ideal candidate.
To further discuss how I can become a productive member of your team, please feel free to contact me at your convenience via telephone or email.
I look forward to your favorable response and thank you in advance for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Larry D. Jobseeker
Cover letters like this don’t generate a positive response for a lot of reasons..
Starting with “dear sir or madam” ..really? this violates the first rule, which is know who you are talking to. If your detective work truly turns up no actual person you can address, just say Hello, my name is.. and quickly get to the point of why they should read further..
First paragraph, all about the job seeker- what he wants, and how great he is… that’s strike two. And please don’t say you want a challenging position.. they know you’d prefer not to be bored to death.
Second paragraph – “As you will certainly agree” .. “I possess all the attributes and abilities” ..“Ideal candidate”..wow, presume much? This is strike three, and you’re out.
Think about it – this person has said zero about the company, or their present and future needs.. or bought out any pertinent information about themselves…it’s all me me me, and written with a tone that will put people off.
Hear me on this – you have a VERY LIMITED window to engage whoever reads your emails.. don’t abuse them and waste their time by sending them cover letters that look like this.
If you’ve been in the business world any length of time, you know that attention spans are short. Hiring managers take maybe ten seconds to “read” an email or resume or “listen” to a voicemail, so make sure you maximize you opportunity when you have their eyes and ears.
Of course, an “employment” website that promises quick fixes in exchange for a credit card number isn’t capable of making you pertinent in the eyes of the employer, that’s up to you.
I’m not allergic to using a web tool to make job search easier.. what I am allergic to is wasting time, and applying blanket, one size fits all solutions to individuals with specialized experiences.
Until next time, I wish you all the best.
Coach Tom
Thomas Patrick Chuna is a certified Five O’Clock Club job search coach.
The Five O’Clock Club is a nationally recognized outplacement firm with a proven job search methodology that helps job seekers get better jobs faster.
The Five O’Clock Club also provides affordable, humane outplacement services to companies who care about the well being of their employees.
Tom is also an experienced independent recruiter specializing in molecular oncology research scientists & MD’s.
Learn more: http://www.fiveoclockclub.com http://www.patrick-international.net
