GC’s Reaction Shows Why Good Cover Letters Can Make a Difference
Is a cover letter worth the effort? Career experts say they can help a job seeker stand out or help explain a gap in a resumé.
The best cover letters are tailored to the employer and the position sought, hiring managers tell the Wall Street Journal (sub. req.). It helps to show some knowledge of the organization—and of the person who is doing the hiring.
The newspaper provides an example of how a cover letter impressed a hiring manager: Chris Willis, general counsel and vice president of human resources for Interstate Battery System of America Inc.
The job seeker, who was interested in a legal position, noted he had just graduated from Willis’ alma mater. He also noted Willis is active in the Texas General Counsel Forum.
Willis told the Wall Street Journal that the job applicant will be “top of mind” when a position becomes available. “We’ll keep him on file in a database of high potentials that get higher priority when it comes to recruiting,” Willis said.
