If there is any risk of kissing your job applications goodbye, it can be your resumes/cover letters. With so many free and downloadable resumes and cover letters online, it all makes easier for an aspiring applicant to make such important elements of work application. However, sending a resume and cover letter that you know you did not make only gives out the impression that you are lazy. Copying and using these free resumes/cover letters evoke you as uninventive and unoriginal. Do you think a probable employer will call you should your application essentials are indicative of your being apathetic?

One of the many resume and cover letter mistakes that you should avoid is using one. The underlying concept of a cover letter is to bring you in closer to the position, and what a better way to start than to be called for an interview, wherein you will be given the chance to prove your worth. And what a blunder it will be to submit a copied cover letter. What good will it do? A stellar resume stained by a mediocre cover letter proves to be worthless. It is somehow amusing how most people believe that they can get away with a copied cover letter, thinking that there is no way employers will know if they really make the cover letter by themselves or not. All the while, they rejoice for the fact that they stumbled across an impressive cover letter to equally impress potential employers.

Truth be told, the harsh reality is the fact that hiring managers and employers are well trained in spotting excellent cover letters. Naturally, they know by heart what they are looking for as per the needs of their company. Additionally, do not forget that employers possibly get more than a hundred applications daily. Do you actually think they will spare their precious time reading on some piece of bland and dry cover letter copied online? No matter how exceptional you think your resume is, using some copied and overused lines of cover letter is more likely to ruin your chance of being called for an interview.

To write a truly impressive cover letter, it helps to know the crucial points to keep in mind. The first paragraph must raise some interest. It is of essence that you get hold of the employer’s attention by showing your interest and sufficient knowledge about the company. You may be write some relatively good points about the company you are applying in, to impart to the employer that you are not just applying for mere money, but due to real interest to the company itself and to be able to offer your valuable contribution for the company’s growth. What employers really want to know is what exactly you can do for their organization. No sample cover letters can make all this for you, you alone can better put into writing what potentials you can actually provide.

The second paragraph will be your resume paragraph. There, you may recap your strong points and clearly point out the highlights of your resume. This is a seeming approach in garnering that desired vacant slot. Those free cover letters online may be professional and fancy, yet if you read them closely, do you see yourself as the one indicated in the letter? Generally, the answer to this is “no.” In this part of the cover letter, you can showcase your match to the company. Back up your resume with an equally believable and practical cover letter.

Make it a point to indicate in your cover letter your availability for a possible interview should your application is given some consideration. Be sure to state in your application letter when you are available for an interview. One common mistake though is not indicating when you will do a follow up with your application. But the worst mistake is saying you will, but never do.

Job application is never easy especially now that competition is fierce. Therefore, original resume/cover letter that truly stands out among the rest is your only secret advantage against competitive applicants.