Cover Letters For Returning to Work

Cover letters for returning to work after you have been out the job market can be tough to write. You want to explain why you are heading back into the work force in a positive way. Unfortunately, far too many returnees can’t resist the temptation to share too much information about themselves as they try to justify their absence from the work force to potential new employers.

Don’t fall for this routine. You know why you are going back to work, but your employer doesn’t necessarily care. They simply want to know that you have the skills they need to get the job done effectively. They don’t care if you were retired, home with the kids, sick, getting divorce, or climbing the Himalayas. They simply want to know that you are qualified and competent.

Focus on the skills and abilities that the employer specifically requires. It is fine to allude to the reasons you are coming back into the workforce, but you should spend no more than one or two sentences on this explanation. The bulk of the document should be focused on illustrating how you meet the employer’s need.

Even if you have been out of the work force for years, you should be able to show that your skills are relevant and needed. You can use the Resume Dictionary for examples of power words that will make the picture of your skills clear to the hiring manager. By choosing your words carefully and focusing on your skills instead of your personal life, you can make employers eager to have you on their team regardless of your work history.

Topics: COVER LETTERS |