I was reading a career advice book and they compared cover letters to the coming attractions that you see before a movie. I love it! This is exactly right!
After, how long should my resume be? the next most common question I hear is, do I need to send a cover letter? You can bet I’m going to be using this preview analogy with clients to help them see the importance of always sending a cover letter with their resume.
A preview is usually short, captures the overall tone, entices you with a few good scenes and leaves you wanting more. This is exactly what your cover letter needs to do. Just like the movie studios are hoping the preview will make you want to see the entire film your cover letter should make your reader want to read your resume.
