How to write a cover letter involves more than just including your career history. Here are some tips for writing an impressive, interesting and well-thought-out letter to stand out from the competition.
1. Research the job opportunity and company’s culture
In addition to reading the job posting carefully to ensure you match the requirements, select some necessary skills for the role and tailor your cover letter to match those skills. Also, learn more about the company culture and its mission statement by reading through the company website.
Remember, a cover letter should constantly “evolve” with each specific job you apply to. After you send your resume and cover letter to an employer, keep editing and rewriting your letter for future employers. That way, your application will be strong for each submission.
Good example:
You recently read about an award the company received for humanitarian efforts. Mention that accomplishment in your cover letter and how that ties in with your own ideals.
Bad example:
You misspell the company name or feature the wrong job title in your cover letter.
2. Think of your cover letter as a story
Tell your career story to the hiring manager or recruiter reading your cover letter. Explain why the role you are applying for is a great opportunity for you and a win for the company that hires you, and be positive in your approach.
Good example:
You tell an emotional story about spending a week in the hospital as a child, leading to your passion for the health care industry.
Bad example:
You negatively talk about how you received bad service from a server at a local restaurant, leading you to believe you can do a better job.
3. Focus on the future
Don’t just talk about your past and current experience, specifically mention what you can offer the prospective employer and how you can add value to the company. Focus on what you have to offer that others don’t.
4. Keep it short and sweet
Typically, a cover letter is three-quarters of a page and only a few paragraphs long. It should be easy to read, with some bullet points to allow a busy job recruiter or hiring manager to scan through it quickly.
Good example:
You summarize your career history and accomplishments within ¾ of a cover letter page, just enough for the hiring manager to see that you are highly qualified for the position.
Bad example:
You write a page and a half of career information, and additional filler irrelevant to the job. The hiring manager reads one cover letter paragraph and tosses your cover letter to the side.
5. Proofread before you submit
An error on a cover letter will not show you in the best light. You must reread your cover letter numerous times to ensure you have not made silly typos or grammatical mistakes. If you’re uncertain about your letter, see if you can get a trusted contact to read it.
Sometimes when you’re alone with a piece of writing, you can get so absorbed that you lose perspective. Break out of the bubble, reach out to someone else and benefit from a fresh pair of eyes.
No Comment