The process of applying for a job can be taxing to say the least. But the process of writing a cover letter can be downright exhausting - especially when you're unsure of how to express your interest in that job you're applying for.
The good news is that expressing your interest can be as simple as taking the initiative to do some deep digging. That is, digging for information on how the position fulfills the company's goals, what they are looking for in an employee, and what you're looking for in a job. Of course, getting this done requires research. So to help you get started, here are a few ideas ...
Research the Position
One of your main goals when writing your cover letter will be to convince the prospective employer that you know what they need in their hiring position - and that you're the person to give them just that. To get this done, you'll need to gain some perspective on what the job entails.
A good way to get started is by researching the responsibilities assumed in that position. You can learn specific duties by reviewing the job posting, and even contacting Human Resources, for additional information. Also, you can visit career websites that give details of various job descriptions. Afterward, you can try to determine how your previous experiences will enhance the position. By adding this element to your cover letter, you can "wow" the employer with your expertise and passion for helping their company grow.
Research the Company
Another great way to develop your cover letter is to gather specific details about the company. It isn't a good idea to treat all companies the same, as each has its own culture and mission. This means you'll want to learn more about the company's specific culture and goals by conducting a little research.
What kind of research? Well, for starters you can search their website for information on their business, strategy, products, services, and even employee activities. This will help you better understand the company's profile. And if you need more, you can call Human Resources to request information pieces that can help you gather additional background information. Between these resources, you should have useful information that can help you develop a sense of how your presence will enhance the company's mission and goals.
Research Yourself
After you've researched the position and company it is time to get honest with yourself. Are you applying for the job because you want money or status? Or because you really want to learn, grow, and enhance the company's mission? It's a really good idea to sit down and contemplate these ideas because they will not only help you determine whether you're moving in the right direction career-wise, they will also help you write an honest cover letter.
Writing a cover letter is not as difficult as you think, especially when you take time to conduct research on the position, company and yourself. So take this opportunity to fine-tune your career motivations while at the same time creating a cover letter that just might help you land your ideal job.
Related Articles
Cover Letter Problem #1: Mystery Hiring Manager
By: Heather Eagar | 27/09/2007 | Resumes
Here's the situation: the job posting has only the title of the hiring manager or simple just "Hiring Manager". Frustrating, isn't it? Many times job seekers don't do much, if any, digging around to see if they can up with that ever-important name. Are you one of them?
For job seekers...
Creating Your Cover Letter When Feeling Overqualified
By: Heather Eagar | 12/07/2008 | Careers
Are you highly skilled in your profession, yet seeking a job that for which you are probably overqualified? It is never bad to come into a position already encompassing a boatload of skills. However, some employers are intimidated by applicants who they feel are overqualified, which means you may have...
Cover Letter Mistake #2: Who Are You And Why Should I Interview You?
By: Heather Eagar | 03/10/2007 | Interviews
Have you ever been reading some piece of literature and as you're reading you realize you have no idea what the point of the whole piece actually is? It's very annoying and you're likely not to read another word because you feel like you've already wasted your time.
Have you thought...
Use Your Resume to Help You Move up the Corporate Ladder
By: Heather Eagar | 30/07/2008 | Careers
So, you've been working in the same position for several years and now feel the time is right to elevate your level of responsibility along with your title and salary. However, with this being your first time attempting to move into a more prominent role, you have no idea where...
Developing the Right Resume and Attitude For an Uncertain Economy
By: Heather Eagar | 23/07/2008 | Careers
There is no doubt that our current economy is a little scary to say the least. Companies are laying off in mass numbers while gas, food, and energy costs are reaching record highs. It can be very difficult to maintain sanity in the midst of such uncertainty, let alone think...
How To Avoid Laundry List Resumes
By: Heather Eagar | 31/05/2008 | Careers
The process of writing a resume can be very tedious. There are often so many jobs and responsibilities to include that many people find themselves wanting to create the simplest one possible just to avoid the grunt work.
But while creating a resume that resembles a laundry list of previous jobs...
Take A Side Job For The Sake Of Your Career
By: Heather Eagar | 18/10/2007 | Careers
When was the last time you looked at your life and said, "How in the world did I get here?" A month ago? Last week? This morning? Sometimes you can wonder that in a good way as if you've had a great fortune in love, life and work. Other...
Baby Boomers: Resumes and Cover Letters For Ages 50 and Older
By: Heather Eagar | 07/08/2008 | Careers
If you are a Baby Boomer, you are a part of a generation that is headed toward retirement. However, due to our slumping economy, there is a chance that even if you are able to retire, you could be making a u-turn right back into the workforce to supplement your...
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
I am doing english honours from delhi university ...
By: shipra | 17-08-2008
I am doing english honours from delhi university.After graduation i want to pursue my career in entertainment field.will you tell me the career options which i can take into considerations?
Urgent business capital needed. Woman owned business.
By: majmrs2 | 17-08-2008
where do I get my hands on some business capital? My credit sucks due to my sinking everything I owned into a business and I need some money to expand but have no resources left.
Mentoring small eCommerce/Internet business
By: Digginsmo | 16-08-2008
I need a mentor for getting an eCommerce/Internet business going, and I am unable to find the right person on your list for this kind of small business advice. Would you please help? David Whittacre
I'm worried that my cousin's buisness will fail ...
By: DutchessCattails | 14-08-2008
I'm worried that my cousin's buisness will fail because he has no money for a payroll, yet wants to hire people and pay them later on when cash flow comes in. What do I tell him?
Career prospects with designtechnology,economics and psychology
By: prachi | 09-08-2008
what are career prospects for subjects like higher level design technology, economics and psychology taken at IBDP year
Allergies
By: connie | 05-08-2008
I have itchy throat and itchy inner EAR.i ALSO SNEEZE FROM TIME TO TIME.What allergy med is good for itchy throat and inner ear?
Q&A Powered by:
More from Heather Eagar
Resume Builders and Other Writing Software
By: Heather Eagar | 04/09/2008 | Careers
Writing a resume can be a tedious task. There's so much information to include and organize (employment history, skills, education, career highlights, awards, etc.) that the process can easily overwhelm you if you let it.
Luckily, there are now tons of resources available that make resume writing much easier. In particular,...
Executive Resume Writing: Get the Top-Level Job You Deserve
By: Heather Eagar | 27/08/2008 | Careers
Securing a top-level job (executive, senior manager or senior professional) may seem like an impossible task, especially if this is your first time applying for one. But if you feel that you're ready to take that next step in your career, you can certainly get the job you want -...
Writing Resumes For Federal Jobs
By: Heather Eagar | 20/08/2008 | Careers
So you're looking to land your first Federal job and are just about to start working on your resume. Stop right there. Before you put pen to paper (or fingers to keys), you should know that applying for Federal employment is different than the private sector.
Federal guidelines require that you...
The Resume Vs. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
By: Heather Eagar | 13/08/2008 | Careers
Have you ever wondered what the differences are between a resume and curriculum vitae? In college, you may have heard about them both, yet since graduating, you probably have heard less about the CV and more about the resume.
Though the CV may not be as well-known as the resume, it...
Baby Boomers: Resumes and Cover Letters For Ages 50 and Older
By: Heather Eagar | 07/08/2008 | Careers
If you are a Baby Boomer, you are a part of a generation that is headed toward retirement. However, due to our slumping economy, there is a chance that even if you are able to retire, you could be making a u-turn right back into the workforce to supplement your...
Use Your Resume to Help You Move up the Corporate Ladder
By: Heather Eagar | 30/07/2008 | Careers
So, you've been working in the same position for several years and now feel the time is right to elevate your level of responsibility along with your title and salary. However, with this being your first time attempting to move into a more prominent role, you have no idea where...
Developing the Right Resume and Attitude For an Uncertain Economy
By: Heather Eagar | 23/07/2008 | Careers
There is no doubt that our current economy is a little scary to say the least. Companies are laying off in mass numbers while gas, food, and energy costs are reaching record highs. It can be very difficult to maintain sanity in the midst of such uncertainty, let alone think...
Creating Your Cover Letter When Feeling Overqualified
By: Heather Eagar | 12/07/2008 | Careers
Are you highly skilled in your profession, yet seeking a job that for which you are probably overqualified? It is never bad to come into a position already encompassing a boatload of skills. However, some employers are intimidated by applicants who they feel are overqualified, which means you may have...
Careers 
