The first thing I noticed in this week’s suggested readings is how each author emphasized the importance in tailoring the cover letter to match the position one is applying for. This was also made apparent in the previous weeks’ readings that emphasized the same concept but applied to resumes. According to Teena Rose, the general concern is to prevent submitting a “stock” cover letter that “sounds like it was written for the company next door too.” This can easily be avoided by following what appears to be the golden rule of cover-letter writing: “research the company before writing your cover letter and reference the keywords used in the company’s job ad” (Instructor Blog #3: Cover Letters).
One thing that really jumped out at me was the percentage of recruiters that don’t even read cover letters, regardless of how appealing they may be. According to Rose, “it’s rumored that approximately 40 percent of cover letters aren’t read.” She believes this is due to the majority of “stock” cover letters that are submitted, as mentioned earlier. This suggests that there is a good chance any cover letter you include will go straight to the trash, along with the time and effort you’ve dedicated in the process. Still, it is better to be safe than sorry; if a recruiter is expecting a cover letter, you better have a cover letter.
Since cover letters in general are a relatively new concept to me, so are the various approaches to choose from in writing one. The assortment of approaches covered in “Karios and the Cover Letter” offer another variable to consider in drafting a cover letter, where each is chosen in regard to the position being applied for. Although Blakesley suggests to consider each one individually for any position, I don’t anticipate the “I-Know-What-You-Need” and the “In-Your-Face” approaches are often successful as they seem too assertive and pretentious. Perhaps though, I will find a situation where this is not the case and will need to utilize either of the aforementioned methods.
In review, there are a few important and new concepts offered throughout this week’s readings that I will take into consideration when drafting future cover letters. Some of these include selecting a predefined approach method, implementing a formal structure and format, and most importantly, including specifics from the job ad and independent company research.
5-10 seconds to get an unengaged reader's attention
Like it did for you, the 40% "statistic" jumped out at me. But I think you should carefully reread the passage before getting too discouraged about it. While the author does make the implication that some recruiters don't read cover letters, what she actually says about the 40% is a little different. It doesn't say that 40% of recruiters don't read cover letters, it says 40% of cover letters aren't read.
One thing I learned about writing from my my experience with the newspaper is that you have about 5 or 10 seconds to get a reader's attention before they move on to another story. And even after you win that battle, readers will abandon ship if your story gets too boring. Think about the last time you read the newspaper if you don't believe me - or even think about some of these blogs and responses!
I think this can be applied to cover letters. If you don't grab the recruiter's attention quickly, that person will move on to something better, be it your resume or someone else's. What you could interpret the 40% number to mean is that at least some of that 40% of cover letters aren't worth reading, so they get skipped over. With this idea in mind, you can really try to focus the opening of your cover letter to jump out and grab the reader's attention, using some of the strategies outlined in the readings.
Approaches
The article is totally right about the idea that a cover letter should not be a 'stock' document that fits for any company. They need to have a relatively high level of personableness expressed to make them effective. There are several ways to do this, and one of them is the use of different approaches outlined in the Kairos article. Which ever approach or combination of approaches you use will say at least one thing about you. The I Know What You Need and In Your Face methods may seem arrogant at first, but they may spell 'confident' instead-depending on how the letter is written.
Bad Examples
Do revisit the "Kairos and the Cover Letter" reading to discover that several of the examples were explicitly offered as bad examples.
Do your research and explain an applied experience
jstn, cover letters are pretty new to me also. The biggest thing I got out of this was to do your research and talk about how you would be able to apply yourself. You mentioned in your last sentence that you plan on using "specifics from the job ad". I think you meant specific examples that would apply to the job ad. If so, I totally agree. Talk about yourself and an experience that would put a picture in the reader’s mind of how you would be able to apply yourself to this job. Do this and in a easily understood manner for all of your audience, and you will be well on your way!