{"id":6306,"date":"2022-08-30T07:02:00","date_gmt":"2022-08-30T11:02:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/?p=6306"},"modified":"2025-02-17T12:09:54","modified_gmt":"2025-02-17T17:09:54","slug":"do-cover-letters-really-matter-in-executive-job-search","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/do-cover-letters-really-matter-in-executive-job-search\/","title":{"rendered":"Do Cover Letters Really Matter in Executive Job Search?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/email-cover-letter.jpg\" alt=\"cover letters\" class=\"wp-image-14222 lazyload\" width=\"839\" height=\"577\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/email-cover-letter.jpg\" alt=\"cover letters\" class=\"wp-image-14222 lazyload\" width=\"839\" height=\"577\" srcset=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/email-cover-letter.jpg 640w, https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/email-cover-letter-300x206.jpg 300w, https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/email-cover-letter-150x103.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 839px) 100vw, 839px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Opinions vary on whether or not cover letters matter. Do people even read them? Do you really need to use them in your job search<\/strong>?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s true that not everyone will read your cover letter. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But just the fact that you&#8217;ve included one gives a good impression of you. Not sending one can make you appear lazy and unprofessional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The reality is that plenty of people will be expecting a cover letter (or covering email message). And, if it&#8217;s a good one that captures and holds attention, it will more than likely be read. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Those who DO read them favor candidates with <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/how-to-write-the-best-cover-letter-for-executive-job-search\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">well-written cover letters<\/a> that convey personality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why cover letters are important<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><strong><em>My research and 25+ years\u2019 experience in the careers industry revealed that NOT having a cover letter may ruin your chances, but HAVING a strong cover letter will never hurt your chances.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<p>Many people read them religiously and judge candidates by them as strongly as they do their <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/how-to-write-an-irresistible-c-level-executive-resume-in-10-steps\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">resumes<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/10-best-ways-to-build-your-personal-brand-online\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">online presence<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Are you willing to risk skipping the cover letter and take the chance that the people you\u2019ve sent your resume to won\u2019t care?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My advice? It just makes sense to include one. Take the time to write customized <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/should-you-use-chatgpt-for-resume-writing-and-job-search\/\"  data-wpil-monitor-id=\"606\">cover letters<\/a> each time you send out your resume. And make sure they\u2019re memorable, further support your personal brand and market your potential value, beyond your resume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Consider this<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The vast majority of executive <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/who-is-an-executive\/\">jobs, especially at the top executive level<\/a> (VP, EVP, C-suite, President, General Manager, etc.), are often not advertised anywhere. They don\u2019t come through job boards. They come through networking into <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/how-to-network-into-the-goldmine-of-hidden-executive-jobs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">\u201chidden\u201d jobs<\/a> at the companies and organizations you\u2019re targeting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Assuming that your main job search strategy is networking \u2013 NOT <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/use-job-boards-for-research-not-to-find-jobs\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">hitting job boards hard<\/a> \u2013 you\u2019ll be sending your targeted resume to various select people. You\u2019ll need to introduce it with some kind of cover letter \u2013 <em>whether you snail-mail it or email it.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the very least, a covering letter or email message is an expected courtesy to the reader, and clarifies why you\u2019re writing to them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Something to keep in mind<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Although your resume needs to be targeted towards specific employers and kinds of jobs, your cover letter should be even more specifically targeted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Because it will be focused on just that one employer, you can name-drop, include more specific skills relevant to that employer, and include other smaller details you may not want to put in your resume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So you can see that it&#8217;s wise to always include a cover letter with your resume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But there is one exception: When you respond to a job posting that specifies NOT to include one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do&#8217;s and Don&#8217;ts for a Great Cover Letter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/land-a-job.jpg\" alt=\"great cover letter\" class=\"wp-image-13577 lazyload\" width=\"839\" height=\"593\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/land-a-job.jpg\" alt=\"great cover letter\" class=\"wp-image-13577 lazyload\" width=\"839\" height=\"593\" srcset=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/land-a-job.jpg 640w, https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/land-a-job-300x212.jpg 300w, https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/land-a-job-150x106.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 839px) 100vw, 839px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fastcompany.com\/3064221\/i-review-hundreds-of-cover-letters-these-are-the-ones-i-instantly-rej\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sara McCord<\/a>, an experienced hiring manager, discussed what things about cover letters turned her off and what captured her attention:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With the initial read-through, she&#8217;d put people in the &#8220;no&#8221; pile if their cover letter:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Included typos, an impersonal salutation (&#8220;Dear Sir or Madam&#8221;), or a non-specific vibe that indicated find-replace.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Had an over-effusive tone that reeked of desperation, thanking the reader profusely for taking the time to read it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>If the opening sentence drew her in with something that made the candidate memorable, she&#8217;d keep reading. And that applicant made it into the &#8220;yes&#8221; pile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the first line consisted solely of the anemic \u201cI am writing to apply for [job] at [company],\u201d she\u2019d probably knock that person out of the running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When providing examples of skill and expertise, instead of just including a laundry list, she suggests adding in splashes of personality:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>&#8220;Make the case that you\u2019re more qualified than all the other applicants. You want to make clear what distinguishes you, so the hiring manager can see why you\u2019re worth following up with to learn more.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How To Write a Cover Letter That Gets Read . . . and Positions You as a Good Hiring Choice<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Personalize each letter.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Send them to actual people, putting their name in the salutation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cDear Sir\u201d, \u201cDear Madam\u201d, or \u201cTo Whom It May Concern\u201d won\u2019t do. Search online to find their name, or call the company if you have to. If you can\u2019t take the initiative to find a person\u2019s name, and you resort to \u201cTo Whom It May Concern\u201d, you\u2019ll appear to be not very interested in the company or the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Customize the content for the job and company you&#8217;re targeting.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One sure way to have your letters overlooked is to use a template, sending generic content to each employer. Remember I said earlier that your cover letter needs to be even more specific than your resume?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A cover letter is an opportunity to zero in on your ability to solve that company\u2019s problems even more specifically than you can in your targeted resume. For added oomph, mention each company by name within the body of the letter once or twice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And make sure the thrust of your letters takes the readers themselves into account. For instance, a cold-call letter may have a different focus and read a bit differently than a referral letter. [More on the different types of cover letters below.]<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Don\u2019t just copy and paste parts of your resume.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Simply rehashing your resume in cover letters can have a negative impact. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cover letters should be regarded and written as one more stand-alone personal marketing piece in your brand communications plan, supporting your brand and good-fit qualities for the company.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Mine the information found in well-written job descriptions.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Since you\u2019ll be networking into the companies you\u2019re targeting, you probably won\u2019t have designated job postings to work from. But you may be able to find job openings that look like a good mutual fit. They can be valuable resources for composing cover letters that will hit home. Use the same keywords in your cover letters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But remember what I wrote earlier. Job boards are a very ineffective way to land jobs. Please don\u2019t spend a lot of time responding to online job postings. But DO use the information for research purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Be specific about your potential value.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Instead of just claiming you&#8217;ve mastered a certain skill or have an area of expertise, provide a specific example of how you used that skill to benefit a past employer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Don&#8217;t be afraid to show your personality and passions.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Generate chemistry with <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/the-new-10-step-executive-personal-branding-worksheet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">personal branding<\/a>! This is one way to differentiate your unique combination of skills, motivating strengths and personal attributes over those you&#8217;re competing against.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Use cover letters to state certain things you wouldn\u2019t say in your resume.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Cover letters are the place to include sensitive information you wouldn&#8217;t put on your resume, such as relocation or returning to work plans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Write in an informal but professional tone.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>According to a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fastcompany.com\/90758609\/the-ultimate-cover-letter-checklist\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">FastCompany article<\/a>: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>&#8220;Avoid overly formal language and long, complicated sentences that may disinterest the reader. Aim to make the letter friendly, clear, and professional. A good best practice is to research the company\u2019s brand and tailor the wording in a way that speaks their language.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>You don\u2019t need to reinvent the wheel with each cover letter.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Because you\u2019re focusing your <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/5-ways-to-keep-your-executive-job-search-confidential-on-linkedin\/\"  data-wpil-monitor-id=\"645\">search towards one kind of job<\/a>, you may be able to re-use some of your cover letter content from one letter to the next, customizing the introductory paragraph and elsewhere as needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Try the \u201cold is new again\u201d approach with cover letters.<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Snail-mail your resume flat, in a 9 x 12 inch envelope, with cover letter paper-clipped on top.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How To Send Your Cover Letter: Email Message vs. Email Attachment<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized essb-block-image\" data-essb-pin-description=\"send cover letter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/linkedin-mistakes-1.jpg\" alt=\"send cover letter\" class=\"wp-image-12461 lazyload\" width=\"833\" height=\"679\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/linkedin-mistakes-1.jpg\" alt=\"send cover letter\" class=\"wp-image-12461 lazyload\" width=\"833\" height=\"679\" srcset=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/linkedin-mistakes-1.jpg 640w, https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/linkedin-mistakes-1-300x245.jpg 300w, https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/06\/linkedin-mistakes-1-150x122.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 833px) 100vw, 833px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Some people advise sending the cover letter as a separate attachment in the email (along with the resume attachment) and including a short e-note as the email message itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The e-note should have a compelling subject line with relevant keywords to capture attention. And the content of the e-note should be a quick sell that gets right to the point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I prefer the second option: using the cover letter as the email message itself.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Think about it. Recipients of your email are already getting two versions of your resume as attachments: a highly-formatted version and a stripped down, <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/executive-resume-ats-applicant-tracking-systems-need-know\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ATS-friendly version<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I think adding the cover letter as a third attachment is too much. As with every aspect of your job search, be empathetic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/commonsense-executive-job-search-what-you-dont-do-can-hurt-you\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Put yourself in the shoes of the recruiters and other hiring professionals<\/a> assessing you. Make it as easy as possible for these people to get right to the information about you they need to see. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cover Letter Length and Formatting<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember that since your cover letter is an email message, it will often be viewed on the recipient&#8217;s phone or other small screen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>And, along with your resume, your cover letter will probably be sent through their ATS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Make it easy to read and with plenty of white space.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Break up the content into 3-4 paragraphs of no more than 4-5 lines.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep it to around 200-250 words. Many ATS can only accommodate 250 words in a cover letter.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Don&#8217;t use odd fonts, graphics, tables or columns. They may become corrupted through emailing and ATS may not be able to scan them.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Although how you set up the cover letter is not set in stone, here&#8217;s a typical breakdown:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Subject line<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>As you would with any email, state the purpose of this email message, including the job you&#8217;re interested in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>First paragraph<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Don&#8217;t start with a tired phrase like &#8220;I&#8217;m writing to express my interest in x position.&#8221; You&#8217;ve already stated this in the subject line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Get right to the point in the opening paragraph. Let them know why you&#8217;re writing to them. I often frame this as a compelling question: &#8220;Are you looking for a [job title] who \u2026&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If someone at the company referred you, by all means mention them once you okay it with the referrer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The same FastCompany article as above suggests dynamic introductions like these 4 opening lines:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>&#8220;While you won\u2019t find the title \u201cCommunity Manager\u201d listed on my r\u00e9sum\u00e9, I\u2019ve actually been bringing people together online and off for three years while running my own blog and series of meetups.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>&#8220;I\u2019ve wanted to work in education ever since my third-grade teacher, Ms. Dorchester, helped me discover a love of reading.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>&#8220;My approach to management is simple: I strive to be the kind of leader I\u2019d want to work for.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>&#8220;In my three years at [prior company], I increased our average quarterly sales by [percentage].&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Main body of the letter<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Differentiate and position yourself as a problem solver for that employer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here are some things you can do or include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Add a specific example or two of relevant projects you were involved with. For instance, instead of saying &#8220;I&#8217;m a problem solver&#8221;, provide an example.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add a list of 4-5 short bullet points to highlight top relevant contributions to past employers and top skills.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Add a strong testimonial or accolade from someone you work with.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/how-c-a-r-storytelling-gives-executive-resume-branding-zing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Use storytelling<\/a> to help them see how you accomplish things and to envision you on the job with them. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Use headings to break up the content, such as &#8220;Game-Changing Initiatives I Introduced at [current or past employer].<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Refer to recent news about the company, such as what drew you to them. Make a connection to something about them.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If your resume contains any red flags like employment gaps, address them here.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Closing paragraph<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Something like the following is appropriate:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><em>&#8220;I am confident that my background in ABC combined with my skills in XYZ will have an immediate impact as your next [name of position]. Thank you for your consideration and I welcome the opportunity to speak with you to discuss my potential contributions to [company name].&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Before you hit send!<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Proofread your cover letter very carefully more than once. If possible, have someone else proofread it, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Up Your Odds with the Right Cover Letter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/blackboard-398453_640.jpg\" alt=\"the right cover letter\" class=\"wp-image-8327 lazyload\" width=\"837\" height=\"634\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/blackboard-398453_640.jpg\" alt=\"the right cover letter\" class=\"wp-image-8327 lazyload\" width=\"837\" height=\"634\" srcset=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/blackboard-398453_640.jpg 640w, https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/blackboard-398453_640-150x114.jpg 150w, https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/06\/blackboard-398453_640-300x227.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 837px) 100vw, 837px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>You\u2019ll need various kinds of cover letters, customizing them for the various kinds of people you\u2019ll send them to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Here are some of the types of job search cover letters:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Letters to recruiters in your niche<\/strong> \u2013 let them know what kinds of jobs and companies you&#8217;re interested in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Letters to HR professionals<\/strong> at your target companies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Prospecting or cold contact letters<\/strong>, or letters of interest to top-level decision makers (not HR) at your target companies \u2013 to suss out unadvertised openings (or &#8220;hidden&#8221; jobs)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Requests for letters of introduction<\/strong> \u2013 typically to people working at your target companies, asking them to write you a letter of introduction to someone in authority at their own company or another company they have an in with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Referral letters<\/strong> \u2013 when someone has already referred you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Networking letters<\/strong> <strong>to various people you know<\/strong> \u2013 requesting job search advice and possibly assistance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Requests for informational interviews with people you may not know<\/strong> \u2013 letters to various employees at your target companies and successful people in your field to request a bit of time to get information about working at the company, or job search advice. This type of letter may or may not be accompanied by your resume.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>And of course, letters in response to job postings<\/strong>. Don&#8217;t spend much time doing this but, when you do, tailor each cover letter based on the job description and include plenty of the keywords noted in the description.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Where To Find the Right Information To Help You Write a Cover Letter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>It all comes back to step one in launching any successful <a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/5-things-you-probably-dont-know-about-executive-resumes-and-job-search\/\">executive job search<\/a> campaign \u2013 targeting your search to specific employers and knowing what it is about you that they need.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/worksheets-personal-branding-and-executive-job-search\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Research your list of target companies<\/a> to determine their needs and problems, and how you are uniquely qualified to help them problem-solve and meet those needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Identify their pain points, and build your cover letter around what makes you a good fit for them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>More About Executive Job Search<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/25-tips-to-write-an-executive-resume-for-todays-job-search\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">25 Tips To Write an Executive Resume for Today\u2019s Job Search<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/20-job-interview-red-flags-you-shouldnt-ignore\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">20 Job Interview Red Flags You Shouldn\u2019t Ignore<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/want-a-successful-executive-job-search-run-it-like-a-small-business\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Want a Successful Executive Job Search? Run It Like a Small Business<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/executivecareerbrand.com\/are-you-executive-job-search-ready\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Are You Executive Job Search-Ready?<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Opinions vary on whether or not cover letters matter. Do people even read them? Do you really need to use them in your job search? It&#8217;s true that not everyone will read your cover letter. But just the fact that you&#8217;ve included one gives a good impression of you. Not sending one can make you [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[5,7],"tags":[85,112,181],"class_list":{"0":"post-6306","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-executive-networking","7":"category-executive-resume-career-biography-cover-letter","8":"tag-cover-letter","9":"tag-executive-job-search","10":"tag-personal-branding","11":"entry","12":"has-post-thumbnail"},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Do Cover Letters Really Matter in Executive Job Search? - Executive Career Brand\u2122<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Opinions vary on whether or not cover letters matter. 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