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In today’s fast-paced, Internet-focused world, the cover letter can seem obsolete.  Email makes it tempting to reduce the entire cover letter to a few lines, and automated application systems make the cover letter seem superfluous.  Is the cover letter still essential?  Or is it an idea whose time has passed?

Don’t let 21st-century technology fool you.  The cover letter is just as valuable as ever.  Although methods of applying to jobs throughout the U.S. and the world have proliferated, no system provides the kind of “free space” to sell your unique abilities, qualities, and approach the way the cover letter does.  The cover letter is your chance to interview before the interview – so don’t waste it.

Instead, make your cover letter stand out by keeping the following tips in mind:

  1. Keep it clean. Limit the cover letter to one page, and use consistent business letter format throughout.  Spaces between paragraphs help break up large text blocks and make the letter easier to follow.
  2. Do your research. Using a “form” resume is risky; using a form cover letter is fatal.  The cover letter is your chance to talk to this company and this hiring manager, so do your research and write to each employer specifically.
  3. Don’t repeat yourself. Maximize the value of the page by leaving out anything that’s already listed on your resume.  Instead, take the opportunity to talk about one or two specific accomplishments, which skills you leveraged to achieve them, and how you can use the same skills to help this department or company accomplish its specific goals.
  4. Do express your enthusiasm. Your application tells the hiring manager you’re looking for a job; the enthusiasm you express in your cover letter, along with your understanding of the business, tells the hiring manager you’re looking for this  Enthusiasm is a big selling point for companies looking to improve their internal culture and build strong, productive teams.  If this is your dream job, don’t hesitate to explain why!

At SMR Group Ltd, our recruiters specialize in placing sales and marketing professionals with companies in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device industries nationwide.  Contact us today to learn more.


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