Manufacturing Cover Letter Advice
Posted August 28th, 2013
To land a job in manufacturing today, you need not only skills, but a marketing tool designed to promote you. The majority of competing candidates will simply turn in an application or maybe even a résumé…thinking that that is enough. However, if you go the extra mile and include a personalized cover letter, you will get the attention you need and might even get called first for the interview.
Like a résumé, a cover letter is a fantastic marketing too. It introduces you to the hiring team and allows you to focus on your unique skills and how they mesh perfectly with what the employer is looking for.
Before you even begin, take the time to personalize. If you need help, LinkedIn is a powerful tool to assist you in targeting the right person. In addition, if you are working with a staffing firm, you could find out from them who the best person would be. Address the cover letter to that person.
Your cover letter should be one page long and approximately four paragraphs:
1st paragraph- State immediately the position you are interested in and how you came to know of it. If you have contacts at the organization, mention those here as well. In addition, briefly state why you are interested in the position.
2nd paragraph- Explain the key skills, experiences and achievements you have that will make you successful in the position. Think about all the expertise you have gained from what you
have done in the past and how it relates to the position’s duties. You do not want to simply repeat your résumé, but highlight those key skills that the employer emphasized in the job posting.
3rd paragraph- Demonstrate that you have researched this organization. Go to their web site, talk to current employees, and “google” the company’s name. This research does not have to be extensive, but it shows that you have taken the time to think about this position and put some effort into this letter. Effort impresses employers.
4th paragraph – State that you are excited for the opportunity to interview. Remember, a résumé and a cover letter are not designed to get you a job; they are designed to get you an interview. It is ok to state that you might follow up in 2-3 weeks’ time via phone. Finish the letter by thanking the person for his/her time and attention.
It is very important that the cover letter not appear to be a form letter where only the address and the contact name are changed. Put a little thought into this document – you will be surprised at the results.
For more tips on improving your résumé and cover letter turn to Bayside Solutions. If you are looking for job recruiters in Northern CA, Bayside Solutions can match you with the area’s top employers and opportunities. Search our available jobs, or contact us today.
