Zoe Williams’ Post

If you’ve worked with me, you know I detest cover letters. I think they’re mostly just a marketing tool and don’t accurately reflect a candidate’s potential - other than if they're a good writer and if they know the "rules of engagement." BUT…like it or not, many hiring managers and recruiters love them and put a lot of weight on them. So, if you’re in the job market, you need a cover letter that actually adds value. Most cover letters fail because they’re all about the candidate. But here’s the thing—your cover letter should really be about the company. “Wait, isn’t it supposed to be about me?” Sure, but only in relation to the company’s goals, challenges, and opportunities. The best cover letters focus on the company: the team, the vision, and the challenges they’re facing—and show how you’re the perfect match to solve them. This builds bulletproof credibility. Here’s how to make yours stand out: 1- Research the Company’s Goals – What’s their mission? Key projects? Know where they’re going. 2- Identify Their Challenges – Understand their current obstacles or opportunities. Show you’re ready to help. 3- Connect the Dots – Align your skills, experiences, and achievements with their needs. Show, don’t just tell, how you’ll add value. Since you have to play the game, might as well know the rules. Now you do! 😉 #coverletter #jobsearch #careeradvice #careercoach #jobseekers

Have you given up on writing cover letters? My advice: if you’re having trouble getting the attention of hiring managers, you should go the extra mile and produce an impactful cover letter to go with your equally impactful resume. Last week, I had the pleasure of being a guest on the @unnanu podcast. Cover letters weren’t something I thought would come up during our conversation, but as resumes do have their limitations, I felt it was important to bring them up. The thing is, cover letters could be your golden ticket to standing out. Here's why you should jump at the chance to use it: Become a Superhero Applicant! A cover letter lets you tell your story and connect with the hiring manager on a personal level. It shows them you're more than just a list of skills. Tailor Your Awesomeness! Use this opportunity to showcase how your skills and experiences perfectly match the job you want. Show them why you're the ideal candidate for this specific role. Show You Really, Really Want It! A cover letter is your chance to express your genuine excitement about the position. Let them know you're not just applying to any job, but specifically this one! So next time a job asks for a cover letter, don't hesitate! Use it to show off your personality, highlight your qualifications, and radiate your enthusiasm. It could be the edge that gets you noticed!

Are Cover Letters Outdated? In today's digital age, are cover letters really necessary? With the rise of content creation, video introductions, and audio pitches, I believe there are more impactful ways to make a first impression even before the first interview. To me personally, a well-crafted LinkedIn profile, a portfolio website, or even a short video introduction can showcase a candidate's personality, skills, and passion far more effectively. These modern tools can provide a richer, more dynamic view of a candidate than a traditional cover letter ever could. Imagine this: Instead of reading through a generic cover letter, hiring managers get to watch a 60-second video where you highlight your achievements, your enthusiasm for the role, and your fit for the company culture. Which do you think leaves a stronger impression? It's time to rethink whether cover letters are truly necessary or if they’re just another outdated tradition holding us back from better, more genuine connections. #my2fils #JobSearch #Recruitment #Hiring #CoverLetters #DigitalAge #FirstImpressions #JobHunt #OpentapTalent

Cover letters—I have opinions. Very strong opinions. As you'll see in this video. (Which I might take down 😆). Some people love cover letters; others hate them. --> Are they a relic of the past? --> An untapped opportunity? In this video, I dive into the great cover letter debate, offering you the insights you need to optimize your job application the RIGHT way. 🎯 __ 👋 Are we connected? A little about me: 👉As Managing Partner of Murray Resources, I help dynamic companies recruit the very best talent. 👉As CEO of ResumeSpice, I help executives stand out from the crowd so they can land their dream job. 🍦 I may have an ice cream problem. If you’d like a peek "behind the curtain" into the world of recruiting, job searching, and what companies can do to attract the very best talent, let’s connect. Here's how to stay in touch: 🔔 Hit the bell on my profile. 👆 Click "Follow" above.

Cover letters are dead, and we killed them. By "we", I mean recruiters, hiring managers, the ones doing the hiring. They were a wonderful gift, and we took them for granted, and we ruined it.   I love cover letters, in theory. Cover letters provide a chance to tell someone upfront why you want the job and why you're a great fit. A carefully crafted cover letter can save me a lot of time as a recruiter, but I won't ask for them.   Because if you ask for a cover letter you won't get very many, and they likely won't be neatly tailored to the role. Not because candidates are lazy, not that interested in your organization or because they can't read the posting. It is because they are apathetic, because we made them that way.    You see, in the past candidates carefully reviewed a posting and followed all instructions. They spent time and energy learning about the company, reading reviews and yes, writing some fan mail in hopes it would win them the job.   After all of that effort, they often heard nothing back. NOTHING! Crickets. Again and again and again. That is rude, and now they are done doing it. And honestly that is so fair. 

I hate cover letters. You hate cover letters. But since you need one, here's 5 tips to remember: 1. Keep it concise: Hiring managers don’t have time for an essay. Get to the point - why you’re the right fit and how your experience adds value. 2. Tailor it: A generic cover letter won’t do you any favors. Customize it for the job, showing you’ve done your homework on the company. 3. Tell your story: Highlight key achievements, but more importantly, connect them to the job you're applying for. 4. Show some personality: Don’t be afraid to go beyond the resume and let a bit (or more) of your personality shine through. 5. End strong: Close with confidence, reiterating your enthusiasm for the position and a call to action, like scheduling a call or meeting. Cover letters may be annoying, but when done right, they make a real difference. Make it count! P.S. Do you like cover letters?

Navigating the executive job market? Crafting a powerful cover letter is key! 📄✨ Cover letters for executive roles demand a strategic touch. It's not just about showcasing your skills; it's an opportunity to tell a compelling story. The opening paragraph should set the stage. Briefly mention your current role, your extensive experience, and the unique value you can bring to the table. Dive deeper in the following paragraphs. Link your achievements to the potential employer's goals. Highlight how you've driven growth, led successful teams, or navigated companies through challenging times. Tailor these examples to mirror the needs of the organization you are applying to. Remember, it's not just about what you've done. It's about how your experience aligns with the role at hand. Research the company culture and values; let them see you're not just looking for any job - you want this job. Be bold in your close. Stress your eagerness to bring your leadership to their team and the results you're confident you can deliver. A call to action can be powerful here - suggest a meeting or a call to discuss how you will contribute to the company's future success. And remember, quality is paramount. Triple-check for any typos or errors to present a professional, meticulous image right off the bat. Incorporate these tips to make your cover letter shine. #ExecutiveJobSearch #CoverLetterTips #CareerGrowth

Navigating the executive job market? Crafting a powerful cover letter is key! 📄✨ Cover letters for executive roles demand a strategic touch. It's not just about showcasing your skills; it's an opportunity to tell a compelling story. The opening paragraph should set the stage. Briefly mention your current role, your extensive experience, and the unique value you can bring to the table. Dive deeper in the following paragraphs. Link your achievements to the potential employer's goals. Highlight how you've driven growth, led successful teams, or navigated companies through challenging times. Tailor these examples to mirror the needs of the organization you are applying to. Remember, it's not just about what you've done. It's about how your experience aligns with the role at hand. Research the company culture and values; let them see you're not just looking for any job - you want this job. Be bold in your close. Stress your eagerness to bring your leadership to their team and the results you're confident you can deliver. A call to action can be powerful here - suggest a meeting or a call to discuss how you will contribute to the company's future success. And remember, quality is paramount. Triple-check for any typos or errors to present a professional, meticulous image right off the bat. Incorporate these tips to make your cover letter shine. #ExecutiveJobSearch #CoverLetterTips #CareerGrowth

I don't care how 'boomer' this sounds (I'm actually proudly Gen X) or what resume coaches and HR pros might say, COVER LETTERS MATTER. I should clarify that by saying GOOD cover letters matter. Interesting, specific, compelling cover letters that make you stand out from 400 resumes that are pretty much all the same. Especially for creative or writing roles. Don't tell me you're creative and passionate about storytelling and then send me a cover letter that is so boring and generic I could swap it in for any job posting ever. And was obvi written by you-know-what. Sell me YOU. Make me excited about YOU. Tell me why you're excited about US. You may not know everything about the role, working with me, or our company yet but there's a lot you can find out that might help you stand out by doing a little research. Here's a start: I will die on the hill of the Oxford comma. And, apparently, cover letters.