www.sharongraham.ca

As a professional resume strategist, every once in a while, I’ll get a client who only wants a resume and nothing more. I have to admit that I am surprised that any experienced six-figure professional would not want to make a better impression. Still, I’m happy to provide information on our services, and offer up our basic resume package.

Before agreeing to take on the assignment, I always like to know more about my client. First, I want to ensure that they understand the critical role that a cover letter plays. Second, I need to ascertain that they have the ability to write a powerful cover letter. After all, if our organization is going to provide an impressive resume, I sure don’t want the client to cloak our good work with a poor cover letter.

Sounds pretty self-serving doesn’t it? In fact, I’m more concerned about the client’s prospects. After all, they came to us asking for a resume, but what they really want is a good six-figure job. Imagine if the first impression the recruiter gets is an inferior representation of our highly-qualified six-figure client? If I am not diligent in explaining the value of a cover letter, our client may be wasting their investment by attaching a poorly written letter to an amazing resume.

Generally, your cover letter is the very first thing a recruiter will see. A stunning cover letter is not just the introduction to your resume – it is part of your complete presentation. Of course, not all recruiters will look through your cover letter in detail to either qualify or disqualify you for the opportunity – but most do. The others only glance briefly at your cover letter, and they may see something that either attracts them or turns them off. Either way, the cover letter is the first impression you make – and you already know that first impressions count.

Before you sit down to write, read my article Developing a Great Cover Letter, and check out Best Canadian Resumes for some great sample cover letters. If you present yourself well from start to end, you will not only make a powerful impression, but you will also show that you are worthy of the salary you command.

Thank you for reading my blog! Please email me if you spot any errors in this post.

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