Acovering letter is an introductory note that one may write while applying for a job along with their resume. Resume is the most important document and a covering letter is treated as an optional note – however, I recently realized the importance of an effective covering letter while working on a hiring assignment – here’s the story….
I recently posted the following requirement on my LinkedIn profile –
“Requirement for a Senior Executive HR for a leading Ship Management Company in Pune. The requirement is for a qualified HR professional with 3 to 8 years of experience in recruitment, selection, induction, performance management, employee engagement, training and development, managing exits & basic compliance’s“.
Salary budget – 5 to 6 LPA
Work Hours – 10.00 AM to 6.00 PM (Saturday, Sunday – OFF)
Job Location – Kalyani Nagar, Pune.
Candidates from near-by locations preferred. Should be able to join immediately. If interested please write to me with your resume on rajiv@seventh-contact.com”
To this post I received quite a few applications. The following are the select covering letters that I received along with their resumes. (The names and other specific information are edited to keep the confidentiality of the applicants) – One of them will be selected for the role – you may take a guess!
Applicant 1 –
“Hi Rajiv,
I got your reference from your LinkedIn post for the HR position, Pune location. Please find attached my updated resume for your further reference. Do let me know incase of any more details required.
Thank you and have a good day ahead.
Regards”
Applicant 2 –
“Hi Rajiv,
With reference to your posting, I would like to apply for HR opening at Kalyani Nagar.
I have total 5 years’ experience into a generalist role.
Below are my basic details
Total Exp: – 5 yrs
Current CTC: – 4.10 LPA
Expected CTC: – 5 LPA
Notice Period: – 15 Days
Enclosed my profile for your reference.
Do revert in case of my profile suits as per your requirement
Thanks”
Applicant 3 –
“Dear Rajiv,
Greetings!!
This is with reference to the job that is posted on LinkedIn for a Senior Executive HR for a leading Ship Management Company in Pune. I wish to offer my candidature for the same.
I have completed Master of business administration, specialized in (HR) with 5+ years of total experience. In my last 5 years of experience I have had a good experience in all the mentioned functions of HR. The role also seems to be suitable in terms of budget as well as job location.
My prime motivation is to put forward conscious efforts in implementing best HR practices in building great team and positively impact the growth of the organization.
Given an opportunity I would consider it to be a privilege to contribute my enthusiasm, trustworthiness, integrity and perseverance to fulfill the job requirements.
I have attached my resume for your kind perusal & hope to receive a positive response.
Note: Can Join Immediately
Thanks”
We were able to shortlist a few applicants based on the desired academics and experience required for the job based on their resumes.
All the resumes that we shortlisted were a very strong match for the job. However, one of the application was standing out because of the “Covering Letter”. We were already visualizing this applicant to be the best choice among all the potential applicants.
The covering letter of this applicant had the following distinctions –
1] Correct – Use of simple and correct language.
2] Crisp – Short and specific.
3] Customized – Conveying the understanding of the requirement, expressing interest and suitability.
This distinction represented few qualities of the applicant, which is – understanding of the role, communication skills, interest and suitability for the role and it also gave us an idea of the applicant’s overall personality.
I was prompted to write on this topic when finally this person was the one who got selected after a rigorous four rounds of interview and was offered a role.
The covering letter made the first right impression and then this applicant got all the special attention throughout the selection process.
I am sure you must have guessed by now that the covering letter I am referring to is that of “Applicant No 3”.
A good resume is important, but when presented with a Correct, Crisp and Customized covering letter has its own merit.
Good Luck with your job searchRajiv Padmanabhan
The End.