The Fight Against Generic Cover Letters
May 18, 2008
New freelancers are often tempted to use a generic cover letter to apply to numerous jobs that they see around – DON’T!
I often see freelancers applying to jobs using generic cover letters. They do this because some of them have problems with their writing skills. Other do so because they wanted an easier way to apply to jobs.
photo credit: miamiamia (SXC)
Unfortunately, most buyers are not taking these applicants seriously. What are the reasons for doing so?
- Buyers are responsive to letters that provides answers to their queries. Customize your cover letter in such a way that it answers to what is asked in the job description.
- Buyers are attracted to letters that “speak” to them. Compose cover letters that seem to initiate conversational style rather than the detached tone common to generic letters.
- Buyers tend to read letters with their names on it (if these names had provided). They appreciate when their name is mentioned on the letter because it means that the applicant has spent extra effort in acknowledging the buyer’s name.
- Buyers like non-generic letters because it shows that the provider has given much thought on the given job opening. Custom cover letters convey the provider’s attention to detail as well as giving a deep thought on what the job entails.
Custom cover letters is a must in applying for a job. The best cover letters are those that speak from the heart.
