【中文版在后面】
A common mistake many job seekers make is either neglecting to include a cover letter with applications or using it merely to echo one's skills. This goes against the grain of most conventional job search wisdom, which is to find ways to stand out in a competitive job market.
I want to emphasize the importance of writing cover letters that don't just showcase your skills but, more importantly, illustrate how you can add tangible value to the prospective employer.
That's why a value-centric cover letter is so effective. It's about aligning your skills and experiences with the employer's needs and problems, demonstrating how you can be a solution provider.
This approach is not only refreshing for the employer but also sets you apart as a candidate who understands and empathizes with the company's challenges.
Here are a few tips for writing a value-centric cover letter:
Research thoroughly: Before writing, research the company, its culture, challenges, and recent developments. Understanding the company allows you to tailor your cover letter to address specific issues or goals the company is facing.
Identify pain points: Use your research to identify potential challenges or pain points of the company. Reflect on how your skills and experiences align with solving these issues.
Show, don't tell: Avoid vague statements. Instead, use specific examples from your past experiences where you've solved similar problems or added value in similar contexts.
Connect the dots: Clearly convey how your background makes you a unique fit for addressing the company's current needs. Connect your skills and accomplishments to the potential value you bring to the role.
Personalize your letter: Customize each cover letter for the specific job and company. A generic cover letter is easy to spot and often ends up ignored.
Concise and focused writing: Keep your cover letter concise, using plain, simple language. Usually, one page is enough, but two pages is fine if you have a lot of experience. Focus on the most relevant aspects of your experience and skills.
End with a call to action: Conclude your letter by expressing enthusiasm for the opportunity to discuss how you can contribute to the company, suggesting a follow-up meeting or call.
A well-crafted cover letter is your opportunity to not just introduce yourself but to demonstrate how you can be an asset to the company.
【中文版】
写求职信解决雇主的问题
许多求职者常犯的一个错误是，要么忽略了在申请中附上求职信，要么只是用它来衬托自己的技能。这与大多数传统的求职智慧背道而驰，传统的求职智慧是想办法在竞争激烈的就业市场中脱颖而出。
我想强调的是，写求职信的重要性不仅仅是展示你的技能，更重要的是，说明你如何能为未来的雇主增加有形的价值。
这就是为什么以价值为中心的求职信如此有效的原因。这是关于将你的技能和经验与雇主的需求和问题结合起来，展示你如何能够成为一个解决方案提供者。
这种方法不仅会让雇主耳目一新，也会让你脱颖而出，成为一个理解并同情公司挑战的候选人。
以下是一些写以价值为中心的求职信的技巧:
彻底研究:在写作之前，研究一下公司，它的文化，面临的挑战，以及最近的发展。了解这家公司可以让你量身定制求职信，以解决公司面临的具体问题或目标。
找出痛点:通过你的研究，找出公司的潜在挑战或痛点。反思你的技能和经验如何与解决这些问题相结合。
展示，而不是告诉:避免含糊的陈述。相反，你可以从过去的经历中举出具体的例子，说明你在类似的环境中解决了类似的问题或增加了价值。
联系要点:清楚地表达你的背景如何使你成为公司当前需求的独特人选。把你的技能和成就与你给这个职位带来的潜在价值联系起来。
个性化你的求职信:为特定的职位和公司定制每一封求职信。一封通用的求职信很容易被发现，但最终往往会被忽略。
简明扼要的写作:让你的求职信简明扼要，使用平实、简单的语言。通常，一页就足够了，但如果你有很多经验，两页也可以。把重点放在你的经验和技能中最相关的方面。
以行动呼吁结尾:在信的结尾表达你对这次讨论你能为公司做什么贡献的机会的热情，建议后续的会议或电话。
一封精心制作的求职信不仅是你自我介绍的机会，也是你展示自己对公司的价值的机会。
这是关于将焦点从以自我为中心的叙述转移到直接谈论雇主的需求和挑战。
通过在求职信中采用以价值为中心的方法，你不仅展示了你对公司需求的理解，还将自己定位为一个积极主动的问题解决者，这将大大提高你获得梦寐觎的面试机会。
