Jobseekers frequently underestimate the importance of resume cover letters. A well-written cover letter may mean the difference between a serious perusal of someone’s resume, and a glance before it enters the circular file.

The most common mistake regarding cover letters (besides plain forgetting to write them!) is using them to duplicate information already in the resume. However, you need a cover letter that expands on and complements your resume.

Imagine sitting at a desk with piles of resumes in front of you. Pretty much all of them are printed on good white paper. They all boast of each applicant’s skills and objectives.

Lots of them are accompanied by cover letters, some of them very long and rambling. Overwhelming, isn’t it? Set yourself apart. The cover letter needs to get attention from the reader and give them plenty of good reasons for them to turn the page.

But how do you begin? You can always learn by example. There are many example resume cover letters online. They are available in several formats, for dozens of different types of jobs. Use your favorite search engine to find them easily.

Now, if someone that the company or interviewer knows well has referred you and also gave you permission to use their name in your cover letter, do it! You’ll be using the power of networking referrals, which can go a long way in making sure that your resume gets serious consideration.

Next, look carefully at the job description, and reference it, applying your skill set in the appropriate places. The easy thing to do would be to repeat everything that’s on your resume, but this is a golden opportunity to take everything a step further. Talk specifically about how your skills suit you for the job and how you’ll benefit the company.

Above all, picture the interviewer reading the cover letter and asking, “What’s in it for me?” Chances are that’s exactly what the interviewer’s thinking every time he or she is reading resume cover letters. The interview is sure to be yours if your answer sounds good!

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- Carlie Evie