#31 (The Power of Cover Letters and Resume Summaries: When to Use Each)

𝖳𝗁𝖾 𝖯𝗈𝗐𝖾𝗋 𝗈𝖿 𝗖𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: 𝖶𝗁𝖾𝗇 𝗍𝗈 𝖴𝗌𝖾 𝖤𝖺𝖼𝗁

In today’s competitive job market, crafting a compelling application can be the key to landing your dream job. When it comes to presenting your qualifications and personality, two essential tools at your disposal are the cover letter and resume summary. Let’s explore the reasons to use each of these documents to make your application stand out.

1. The Purpose of a Cover Letter – A cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself personally to the employer. It allows you to go beyond the resume and delve into your motivation for applying, your passion for the role, and how your skills align with the company’s needs. Cover letters are particularly valuable when you want to provide context for a career change, explain employment gaps, or showcase your enthusiasm for a specific company or role.

2. The Impact of a Resume Summary – A resume summary is a concise snapshot of your value as it relates to your job target. How can you be the Tylenol to the hiring team’s pains, and how can you make their lives easier? Convey this here and in as little verbiage as possible.

3. Combining the Best of Both Worlds – In many cases, using both a cover letter and a resume summary can be a winning strategy. Start with a captivating cover letter to grab the employer’s attention and provide context. Then, complement it with a resume summary that reinforces your qualifications and provides a clear overview of your career journey.

4. Tailoring to the Job Posting – Always customize your application to match the job posting. Highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the role, demonstrating that you’ve done your homework and understand what the employer is looking for.

5. The Final Verdict – Ultimately, I would advise on both! Use a cover letter to tell your story and express your enthusiasm when it’s essential, and employ a resume summary to provide a quick, impactful overview of your qualifications when time is of the essence.

Both cover letters and resume summaries have their place in the job application process. By understanding when and how to use each, you can create a compelling and tailored application that increases your chances of landing that coveted job interview. Remember, it’s all about making a quick impression and showcasing why you’re the perfect fit for the role, and why they should gift you 30, 60, 90 minutes of their time to vet your qualifications.

#ResumeTips #JobSearch #ResumeSummary #Coverletter #CareerAdvice #Jobstickers

@mjwcareers

𝖳𝗁𝖾 𝖯𝗈𝗐𝖾𝗋 𝗈𝖿 𝗖𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗟𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘂𝗺𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: 𝖶𝗁𝖾𝗇 𝗍𝗈 𝖴𝗌𝖾 𝖤𝖺𝖼𝗁 In today’s competitive job market, crafting a compelling application can be the key to landing your dream job. When it comes to presenting your qualifications and personality, two essential tools at your disposal are the cover letter and resume summary. Let’s explore the reasons to use each of these documents to make your application stand out. 1. The Purpose of a Cover Letter – A cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself personally to the employer. It allows you to go beyond the resume and delve into your motivation for applying, your passion for the role, and how your skills align with the company’s needs. Cover letters are particularly valuable when you want to provide context for a career change, explain employment gaps, or showcase your enthusiasm for a specific company or role. 2. The Impact of a Resume Summary – A resume summary is a concise snapshot of your value as it relates to your job target. How can you be the Tylenol to the hiring team’s pains, and how can you make their lives easier? Convey this here and in as little verbiage as possible. 3. Combining the Best of Both Worlds – In many cases, using both a cover letter and a resume summary can be a winning strategy. Start with a captivating cover letter to grab the employer’s attention and provide context. Then, complement it with a resume summary that reinforces your qualifications and provides a clear overview of your career journey. 4. Tailoring to the Job Posting – Always customize your application to match the job posting. Highlight the skills and experiences most relevant to the role, demonstrating that you’ve done your homework and understand what the employer is looking for. 5. The Final Verdict – Ultimately, I would advise on both! Use a cover letter to tell your story and express your enthusiasm when it’s essential, and employ a resume summary to provide a quick, impactful overview of your qualifications when time is of the essence. ResumeTips JobSearch ResumeSummary Coverletter CareerAdvice #Jobstickers resumewriting resumes resume coverletters

♬ original sound – Matthew Warzel, CPRW – Matthew Warzel, CPRW