Tips for Helping Your Adult Child Develop a Noticeable Cover Letter

by Hallie Crawford, MA, CPCC

A resume is a great first step to finding a new job. But whether your adult son or daughter is fresh to the job market or is a relatively seasoned professional who needs to make a fresh start, there’s more to the job search process than just a great-looking resume.

Many job hunters discount the importance of the cover letter that accompanies the resume – or overlook its importance entirely. Remind your young adult that a solid cover letter is key... it is their first chance to communicate with their potential boss or employer.

Offer these tips to your son or daughter to help them along when writing a compelling cover letter:

1. He/she should be specific and articulate their relevant knowledge
2. He/she should specifically address the position for which they hope to land an interview
3. He/she should explain specifically how their skills and experience qualify them for the job

Further encourage your adult child to refrain from sending the general ‘mass mail,’ all-purpose types of resumes and cover letters, as they generally end in the recycle bin.

Talk to them directly about putting some serious effort into a well-thought-out cover letter. Let them know that the time is well spent. After all, the cover letter is a reflection of them – it offers the first impression to a prospective employer, of who they are and whether they are qualified to land an interview. Help them make it count!

Copyright 2008 Hallie Crawford. All rights reserved.

NOTE: Feel free to "reprint" this article as long as it remains complete and unaltered (including the "about the author" info at the end).

About the Author: 

Help your college grad get on the right track!

Certified Career Coach Hallie Crawford specializes in helping recent college grads and boomerangs identify their ideal career path and make it happen. To schedule a complimentary consultation and find out more about Hallie visit http://www.halliecrawford.com or contact her at 877-298-6444.

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