Writing an Effective Cover Letter

Let’s say you are applying for truck driving jobs. Do you need to include a cover letter with your application? Yes, absolutely- read on to find out why!

At some point, we’ve all sat around contemplating whether to write a cover letter when applying for a job. You’ve probably wondered if a cover letter even makes a difference or if anyone even reads it. Human Resource Management consultants have discussed the difference between an application with and without a cover letter and the conclusion is that those with cover letters are able to set themselves apart from the throngs of people applying for the same position.

How can your cover letter set you apart?

In addition to introducing yourself as a person rather than just another resume, a cover letter should explain to an employer what you want to do and what makes you qualified to do it. A great strategy for getting this information across is to quickly introduce yourself, mention which position you are applying for, why you are interested in the position and what makes you a qualified applicant for the position.

To clearly show your qualifications without appearing overconfident, you can list a few of the qualifications listed in the position requirements and; alongside them, note your experiences, certifications- anything that proves you have the desired skills and experience for the position. Then simply close with a “thank you” and provide your contact information. Make sure your full name and contact information is included just in case your resume and cover letter become separated.

Think of it this way: your resume is like a piece of marketing material, but your cover letter is the sales pitch. Would you buy something if all you got was information on the product without a pitch as to why you should buy it? Probably not- the same goes for employers.

It’s very important to put your best foot forward when you are applying for a job. Employers normally receive a barrage of resumes for each open position; they don’t have time to sift through each and every resume and find the ones that have potential. Showcase your potential through a cover letter, and chances are you’ll be off the market in no time!

Beginning Your job Search Anew

Perhaps it’s been a while since you’ve been in the market for a job. Or maybe you have been affected by lay-offs. Of course, you could just be ready for something new. In any case, you now need to start being proactive, exploit your connections and get into a position that you want and can be happy in. So where should you begin?

It’s all about connections. Knowing people who work for organizations that you want to work for is always a bonus. For starters, s/he can let you know what the company culture is like, how management works and give you an idea if it’s a place that will satisfy you. Another great benefit to knowing someone within a company you’d like to work for is that s/he might now of open positions that aren’t publicly announced. Lastly, having a reference from someone within the company bodes very well for you.

Be resourceful. Whether you have connections or not, search job boards, company career centers and set up job agents so that you are updated when new or applicable jobs are open. Putting your feelers out there is very beneficial. If you find that some job boards don’t have the types of positions you are looking for, think about any associations you are part of and check their website. A lot of associations have their own career centers, enabling employers to advertise directly to specialized individuals like you. There are tons of other niche job boards that focus on a particular region or industry (such as this one, for truck driving jobs, for example) – they may help to narrow your search and provide you with opportunities that more closely match your field of expertise.

Stay Positive. One thing about job searching is that it can be frustrating and sometimes depressing. Don’t let it affect you in that manner. Those feelings can come across in your resume, cover letter and interview. You don’t want employers to think you are too anxious or even dispassionate. Remain upbeat and they’ll see your true, passionate and professional self. Remember: the right job is out there; you just have to find it.

Going “Niche” With Your Job Search

Finding a truck driving job on the Internet can be a stressful and confusing process for even the most qualified job seeker. For starters, you are probably either not working currently, or are ready to close the door on your current career. Whatever your reason may be for searching, you likely feel lost when searching online. What sites should you search? Does it matter? Should you post your resume? How do you know where to go?

As Internet recruiting is still a relatively young industry, new employment websites are beginning every day. There are thousands of job boards to choose from and your perfect job just may be posted on a site you’ve never heard of. I know what you’re thinking- “but employers always use the well-known boards, right?” Some do. The emerging trend these days is to take a deeper look at recruitment advertising budgets and evaluate the effectiveness of various sites for a variety of positions.

Chances are, your ideal job is a hard- to- fill position. This makes employers all the more likely to reach out to association websites, regional and/or industry specific job boards. These are the sites you need to have a presence on.

Still not convinced? Here are a few reasons to consider niche job boards for your search:

1. Employers that post on niche job boards have taken measures to target ideal candidates. Rather than taking the easy route and solely posting on the “big” boards, they have made an effort to understand you, the job seeker, and where you feel most comfortable searching. This type of company has you and your success in mind – something that is likely important to you.
2. Niche job boards narrow the number of jobs you have to look through to find your diamond in the rough. The more generic job boards require clever searching to eliminate jobs that aren’t in your area, industry or on your professional level.
3. Once you find your “niche,” you can rest easy knowing that you are in demand. Joining an association related to your career or field of expertise allows employers the comfort of knowing you are more qualified for positions that fall into the niche than job seekers on the larger, more generic boards.

Now, go off and find your niche. There are many associations out there pertaining to your specific field or general industry. Find those that you feel represent who you are and what you do, then join them. Or, do a search for jobs by state, in your region or industry and sign up on sites that best represent where you are looking to work and in what industry. Good luck in your job search!