The cover letter is perhaps the most misunderstood aspect of the
application process. Some people disregard cover letters completely,
and others put way too much emphasis on them. If you take a random
sampling of cover letters submitted for jobs, you’ll find letters
ranging from one sentence to three pages and containing vastly
different types of information.
When it comes
to a resume and cover letter packet, it is important to note that the
resume is the more important document of the two. That said, there are
several essential functions of a cover letter.
One
might compare the relationship between a resume and cover letter to
that of a novel and the blurb on a novel’s back cover. Here’s why:
- A novel doesn’t need
a back cover to be considered good, and if the novel is strong enough,
people will want to read it based on its reputation alone (this could
equate to the reputation of your school or residency program).
- If
someone is trying to decide between several similar novels, however, he
might read the back cover in order to find something that draws him in.
Similarly, a well-written cover letter could help set you apart from
other applicants at your level.
- Sometimes
during the reading of the novel, the reader will reference the back
cover in order to clarify a relationship or to see what a major plot
point is going to be. In this same vein, someone may turn to your cover
letter while perusing your resume to look for further clarification of
some of your experiences.
While
the cover letter serves a valuable role, you want your resume to be
able to stand on its own without a cover letter if need be. Resumes are
often passed along from person to person and, should the cover letter
get lost along the way, you want all of the most relevant information
about your candidacy to be on your resume.
At the same time, there are certain things that just cannot be communicated through the resume alone. These might include:
- reasons for relocation;
- reasons for choosing a certain specialty area or type of practice;
- reasons for entering medicine from a prior career;
- information about gaps or potentially misunderstood information on your resume;
- a further explanation of particularly unique or impressive qualifications; and/or
- a summary of your most relevant experience.
A
cover letter should not simply offer a condensed version of what is
already on your resume. If your resume is very straightforward and
speaks for itself you should stick with a brief cover letter. You’d
rather have someone focus the bulk of their attention on your resume
than discard it because he/she was turned off by a lengthy and
pointless letter. Likewise, if you feel that your resume is lacking in
certain areas, you will want to try and compensate for that with a well
thought out and well written cover letter.
To
figure out what your cover letter should say, first write down any
things you feel you need to communicate to the employer—things that he
will not realize from simply perusing your resume. Then jot down the
four most impressive aspects of your background with regard to the type
of position you are seeking.
Once you have
this information assembled, it boils down to writing. The Doctor Job
employs professional writers who specialize in drafting concise and
compelling cover letters that say exactly what you need to say in a
manner that conveys intelligence and insight. Trust us to help you put
your best foot forward.
|
