Writing a Cover Letter: Research Tips Worth Exploring

Posted By: Heather Eagar In: Job Seeker - Cover Letters
Writing a cover letter is not as difficult as you think, especially when you take time to conduct research on the position, company and yourself.

The process of applying for a job can be taxing to say the least. But the process of writing a cover letter can be downright exhausting - especially when you’re unsure of how to express your interest in that job you’re applying for.

The good news is that expressing your interest can be as simple as taking the initiative to do some deep digging. That is, digging for information on how the position fulfills the company’s goals, what they are looking for in an employee, and what you’re looking for in a job. Of course, getting this done requires research. So to help you get started, here are a few ideas …

Research the Position

One of your main goals when writing your cover letter will be to convince the prospective employer that you know what they need in their hiring position – and that you’re the person to give them just that. To get this done, you’ll need to gain some perspective on what the job entails.

A good way to get started is by researching the responsibilities assumed in that position. You can learn specific duties by reviewing the job posting, and even contacting Human Resources, for additional information. Also, you can visit career websites that give details of various job descriptions. Afterward, you can try to determine how your previous experiences will enhance the position. By adding this element to your cover letter, you can “wow” the employer with your expertise and passion for helping their company grow.

Research the Company

Another great way to develop your cover letter is to gather specific details about the company. It isn’t a good idea to treat all companies the same, as each has its own culture and mission. This means you’ll want to learn more about the company’s specific culture and goals by conducting a little research.

What kind of research? Well, for starters you can search their website for information on their business, strategy, products, services, and even employee activities. This will help you better understand the company’s profile. And if you need more, you can call Human Resources to request information pieces that can help you gather additional background information. Between these resources, you should have useful information that can help you develop a sense of how your presence will enhance the company’s mission and goals.

Research Yourself

After you’ve researched the position and company it is time to get honest with yourself. Are you applying for the job because you want money or status? Or because you really want to learn, grow, and enhance the company’s mission? It’s a really good idea to sit down and contemplate these ideas because they will not only help you determine whether you’re moving in the right direction career-wise, they will also help you write an honest cover letter.

Writing a cover letter is not as difficult as you think, especially when you take time to conduct research on the position, company and yourself. So take this opportunity to fine-tune your career motivations while at the same time creating a cover letter that just might help you land your ideal job.

Comments

Posted by: Linda Randle I found the article to be informative in that it outlines the realities of being considered for a position of employment. I will therefore, endeavor to use it for my good unto obtaining a meaningful, and long lasting employment career.

Posted by: Yvonne Edwards I believe that by conducting research on a company makes one more informed; and if employed, will reduce anxiety on the job during orientation and onward. The tip you gave is great. I will try it in the future.

Posted by: Grace Tennant I find this information informative, will apply these rules when writing my cover letter. Thanks

Posted by: Christine LU This was very helpful. Thank you very much.

Posted by: Pauline Straub The post was informational. But I was hoping to see some "wow" examples. How does one capture the reader's attention in the first few lines. What content should follow. I believe cover letters have changed in the past few years and would like to see that especially since everything has taken on new technical twists and enhancements.

Posted by: Chukwumee I belive that by conducting research on a company makes one more informed but i dont know how to write the cover leter in such a way it will impress the employer. thanks.

Posted by: Sha'ri D. Birchfield Thank you for the information it was helpful, but I would like to see a few examples of a good cover letter. I have a cover letter that I use but I would like to see if it is similar or a better one if possible.

Posted by: Pamela Perry This information was very helpful. I will use these tips when writting a cover letter.Thank You

Posted by: Roberta Hawkins I want to see some examples of cover letters.

Posted by: Steven Cooley Count me in on the "I WANT EXAMPLES" vote

Posted by: fatty jay 'wow' that was great but to be more perfect in writing a cover letter why not give an example for someone like me to follow.

Posted by: Sam Azar It will great to see some examples of cover letters, please do so. Thanks

Posted by: John Wilbrot Absolutely. Samples are essential. Where are the samples?

Posted by: JERI RAGUCCI Yes some examples would be nice. Thanks

Posted by: FAITH NJUGUNA I really love this! Its of great value to me. Please post samples

Posted by: tess.miller thank you, this is really an eye opener, you are giving us a very helpful and very informative ideas. I hope employers who reads our cover letter would appreciate and give us a WOW factor.

Posted by: LaTonya Robertson Thanks for the great info!

Posted by: Joanne Rowland I agree that you have given some great information about "doing your homework" prior to composing a cover letter. I would also appreciate seeing a few samples. Thank you.

Posted by: Elain Ferrell Thanks for this information I will do the research of the company before writing the cover letter this will give me more assurance that I am on the track for the employer.

Posted by: MARGARET MORROW I found this site to be very helpful; however, ifa sample of the cover letters could be displayed that too would be very good. Thank you

Posted by: Beatrice Rocker I've read this advice before, but I am having trouble relating what I can do for them even after researching about their company. I am an administrative assistant. Some companies ask you not to call them. Do you think they are just talking about the actual hiring manager? I worked in HR and usually they are the only ones who really know what they want. But, all advice is very helpful. Thank you! P.S. Oh, I'd like samples, too.

Posted by: Pamela Smith This information is very helpful. I will use these tips when writing my cover letter.

Posted by: Heather Heath I would like to see samples. Most of the jobs I apply to on line don't give the name of the company. Can I create a cover letter without researching the company?

Posted by: Nancy I agree on the "research companies" section. However, I really do not think any HR representative is going to tell too much information on their company, other than what may be found on the internet. Can you supply some ideal questions to ask the HR rep, or some research items to look for and where to find them on the internet?

Posted by: Maida Berenblatt I would be willing and able to assist job applicants in creating a winning cover letter.

Posted by: Julie Anderson where can i view sample cover letters?

Posted by: Deborah Haddock Thank you for the info. I guess it is back to the drawing board and take a differnet approach in what I want to express. I have been unemployed for 6 months now, so I must be doing something wrong. Thanks again

Posted by: John Hargus I had my coverletter professionally done, twice. The first was after I got laid off from Gateway and the second time was with career services at the college that I attend. Both times the career representatives stated the same thing "Address the human resource manager, have contact infomation, highlight your strengths that is revelent to the position, and sincerely thank the human resource manager for their time."

Posted by: Connie Jaconi I find your information very helpful.

Posted by: Gail Tiffe This article was very helpful although I have found that sometimes you don't know what company it is that has the available position, it will just say "company confidential." So what do you do then?

Posted by: Tim McLeer Cover letters are great when there are lots of jobs available. But now with so many resumes to review by companies--I would suggest not doing a cover letter because it becomes one more piece of paper to add to the pile. Most companies do background checks first, so keep it simple accurate and easy to put in their data base---then call, wait and or send a brief follow up letter may be better than a cover letter. Let all the resumes and cover letters get thrownin the trash and then just follow up.All the books and suggestions say to use thecover letter---old school in a good economy butnot when unemployment is at 10%.Think about it--how many buzz words or glowing cover letters do you think are important whenyou have 1 position to fill and 1,000 candidates to review.

Posted by: Terrence Dyrhaug To all who want to see sample letters.....if letters were posted, you would simple copy them, or maybe you would change a few words. Employers and Human Resources can spot these copied letters in a heart beat. Come up with your own unique letter.

Posted by: Margarita Mikhal Gail Tiffe , I would stay away from those companies. Any business that posts an ad for a job without giving their name and expects you to apply to work for them and send your personal information without even knowing where your sending it, is probably some sort of scam. I have see ALOT of those lately. No legitimate company will ever try to keep their identity a secret.

Posted by: Renee Pedersen Nice job.

Posted by: Noreen Anderson The Information looks pretty good. I'm not accustomed to writing cover letters, but I know It's a Plus for marketing yourself.

Posted by: Judith Fischer Def need to see examples....researching company is #1 but the cover letter is the key to getting the attention of the prospective employers...

Posted by: Deena Preston On: 2/5/2010 8:51:58 PM This will give me some get feedback, and thanks for the advice.

Posted by: Carol Brown On: 2/6/2010 12:34:21 PM The information was very helpful. I will use itto write my cover letter. Thank you.Carol Brown

Posted by: Felizardo Guevara On: 2/17/2010 8:19:39 PM The idea to research for both company you are applying for and the position you've wished to fill in are quite important in expressing your desires which will then invite their attention for your immediate consideration. This is very helpful for the perspective view of employer.

Posted by: inge minidis On: 3/19/2010 1:02:54 PM I am confused when reading that one should include a cover letter and a few comments later "not to do so". While I have followed all other cummulative suggestions and put them into place - so far to no avail. Follow up sounds like a great idea but in reality is unfortunately not a feasible option. Ever tried to get "that" decision making individual on the phone? This includes RECRUITERS who have no work yet are so busy they don't answer multiple emails and/or phone calls!It's not all doom and gloom but if anyone out there has a recipe for success to share - please contact me!