




Death of the Cover Letter
Have you heard the rumor? Everything important about your career is listed within the pages of your resume. Why would you possibly want to waste your time putting together a cover letter these days? Applying online is easy. All you need to do is upload your resume and click submit. If you’re qualified, the company will call you. Right?
Wrong. As you can imagine, this couldn’t be further from the truth. But, somehow, it’s a question I’m asked every week by job seekers – and surprisingly, even a well-known publication wanted to know.
In today’s competitive job market, the cover letter is more important than ever. Here’s the thing. There’s a decent chance you’re going to be working in a different industry, for a different company, and with a different title very soon. But, first, you have to convince a hiring manager as to why you’re the best fit. You’ve got to explain how your current experience as a corporate project management translates to an awesome new career in non-profit fundraising. And, your resume alone just isn’t going to cut it.
Your cover letter is your personal narrative. It’s your opportunity to explain directly to the hiring manager why you are the best fit. Don’t leave them guessing. Be direct, and be specific.
Imagine you were the hiring manager. You received resumes from two equally qualified candidates. Only one took the time to explain why they’re the best fit, and why they’re passionate about the job. Who would you pick?
If you’re wondering where to begin, start with the same header you use for your resume. It’s an easy way to make all of your materials match. Don’t be afraid to reiterate things that are listed in your resume. There is no guarantee anyone will actually read it. Your cover letter’s goal is to convince the hiring manager to take a closer look at you.
Mention which position you’re applying for. Explain confidently why you’re a great fit. Highlight relevant work and educational experience. If you have a hobby, passion, or side project that makes you more qualified than the average candidate, say so. Leave out personal details that are not relevant to the role.
Admittedly, one difference in today’s cover letter versus one twenty years ago is that it extends beyond the reach of a piece of paper. We tell our personal narratives everyday online when we share opinions and photos on LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and other websites.
There’s nothing from preventing your future employer from researching you. You’ve spent time perfecting your personal brand. Don’t let it go to waste by representing yourself poorly in the online world. Interviewing is like attending a dinner party. You never know who you might meet, or what their views may be.
Work to tell your own story in your own way, and you’ll go further. You are much more likely to land the job you really want when you don’t buy into the myth that the cover letter is dead.
Angela Copeland is CEO and founder of Copeland Coaching and can be reached at CopelandCoaching.com.
Featured Job: Manager, Marketing @ Sony Music Entertainment
Sony Music Entertainment is a global recorded music company with a roster of current artists that includes a broad array of both local artists and international superstars, as well as a vast catalog that comprises some of the most important recordings in history. Sony Music Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America.
The Manager, Marketing will work with the Marketing team leads to support Sony Music Nashville (SMN overall) artist strategy by executing marketing efforts that generate positive exposure that results in airplay and sales.
This position is based in Nashville, TN. To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Sony Music website here.
Featured Job: Director, Creative Services @ ALSAC / St. Jude
The Director, Creative Services is responsible for strategically developing and driving creative strategies for ALSAC’s fundraising efforts. Reviews and drives creative concepts and materials to ensure brand consistency and alignment with approved strategy. Requires conceptualizing creative solutions at a high level to be executed across various mediums.
Leads global brand and creative initiatives as assigned, including the development and implementation of brand and campaign standards documents. Manages the creative process and presentations to business units. Uses extensive experience to identify and implement solutions to creative challenges, introduce or leverage best industry practices and grow and recruit talent within creative teams. Helps to foster a creative and collaborative atmosphere among teams.
This position is based in Memphis, TN. To learn more, or to apply online, visit the ALSAC / St. Jude website here.
Featured Job: Quality Assurance Project Manager @ Smith & Nephew
Reporting to the Quality Director or Quality Manager, the QA Project Manager will support or drive the delivery of key projects within the Quality organization and/or act as a representative from Quality. The QA Project Manager will be responsible for the development and management of moderate to large in scope projects, as assigned by the QA Director.
The position is responsible for actively participating or leading significant initiatives or transitions within the organization by successfully managing and communicating performance to key metrics, building strong work relationships, providing relevant expertise and analysis to the project as well as escalating issues, as appropriate, while maintaining compliance to all government regulations and Company procedures/polices.
This position is based in Memphis, TN. To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Smith & Nephew website here.
Featured Job: Director, Digital Merchandising @ REI
The Director, Digital Merchandising contributes to REI’s success through the development of digital merchandising strategies that support REI’s aggressive digital retail growth plans. Leads the Activity Merchandising, Program Merchandising, Customer Relevance and Findability teams. Responsible for driving sales and increasing conversion across digital properties, working in partnership with the Merchandising, Marketing, Customer Experience and Product Management teams. Drives the adoption of a customer centric mindset by leading the development of business requirements that will evolve the customer experience making it easier and more compelling to do business with REI. Work across the company to build broad understanding and support for digital merchandising strategies, best practices and priorities, and the impact they will have on the company. Identify solutions that best position REI for success in the changing consumer marketplace.
This position is based in Kent, WA. To learn more, or to apply online, visit the REI website here.
Featured Job: Director of Operations @ Idlewild Presbyterian Church
Idlewild Presbyterian Church is a progressive urban church with a commitment to the residents of Memphis.
The Director of Operations will provide administrative leadership for church programs and resources. Reporting to the Senior Pastor, Personnel Committee and Session, this position provides day-to-day management for office staff, financial reporting, information technology, personnel policies and procedures, congregation relations, communication, purchasing and space administration.
To learn more or to apply online, visit the Idlewild Presbyterian Church job posting here.
Featured Job: Head of LA Sales @ Refinery29
Refinery29 is looking for a Head of LA Sales with a proven track record of building and scaling multi-platform digital business. The ideal candidate will have a passion for solving complex marketing challenges, an obsessive focus on customer service, and a deep understanding of how to package and sell a suite of core products including video, mobile, experiential and social.
- Focus on driving multi-platform, multi-million dollar programs
- Stay ahead of the curve on marketplace trends relating to their clients as well as the digital industry
- Build and scale key auto, CE and entertainment accounts
- Be a leader within a dynamic organization and team
- Consistently brainstorm and innovate on behalf of Refinery’s tremendous growth
- Collaborate with Creative Director, Marketplace & Media for best-in-class sales strategies and packages
This position is based in Los Angeles, CA. To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Refinery29 website here.
CCP: Nicole Longstreath, Wardrobe Code
Episode 92 of the Copeland Coaching Podcast is now live! As a follow up to last week’s podcast on what men should wear for interviews is this great rebroadcast of what women should wear.
This week we talk with wardrobe expert Nicole Longstreath. Nicole is the CEO and Virtual Wardrobe Stylist at The Wardrobe Code. The Wardrobe Code helps their clients to develop their personal brand and create their identity through wardrobe styling.
Nicole shares her expert advice on how to dress for success at your next interview.
Listen and learn more! You can play the podcast here, or download it for free on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. If you enjoy the program, subscribe today to the Copeland Coaching Podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher to ensure you don’t miss an episode!
To learn more about The Wardrobe Code, visit Nicole’s website here.
Featured Job: Brand Specialist @ Worlds Away
International wholesale design company has an immediate opening for a Brand Specialist to manage Social Media, Graphic Design, and Marketing. If you are skilled in visual arts and design, social media marketing, and data analysis, this position is for you!
Social Media Marketing is an integral part of the distribution operation, and the Brand Specialist must be dedicated every step of the way. The ideal candidate would be a motivated self-starter with the ability to see ideas through from conceptualization to completion. The specialist must have acute attention to detail and be able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment. Strong analytical skills are critical, as this position would be responsible for using data to create successful marketing campaigns, search engine optimization (SEO), and heightened brand awareness.
This position is based in Memphis, TN. To learn more, or to apply online, visit the Worlds Away job posting here.
Featured Job: Creative Photo Producer @ Tory Burch
Tory Burch is an American lifestyle brand that embodies the personal style and sensibility of its Chairman, CEO and Designer, Tory Burch. The collection, known for color, print and eclectic details, includes ready-to-wear, shoes, handbags, accessories, home and beauty. Art, music, travel, interiors and the designer’s own stylish parents are inspirations for the collection.
The Tory Burch Photo Producer is respondible for managing the Creative Shoot Production and planning of all creative photography assets throughout all phases: Planning, Shooting, Post-Production / Retouching through to final delivery, including budget management, scheduling, bookings, shot list development, talent negotiations, and asset delivery in our digital asset management system.
This position is based in New York, NY. To learn more or to apply online, visit the Tory Burch website here.
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