The Power of a Cover Letter
In the competitive landscape of modern job applications, a well-crafted cover letter can be your golden ticket to securing an interview. A cover letter provides you with the opportunity to go beyond the basic information presented in your resume, allowing you to showcase your personality, enthusiasm, and specific qualifications for the role. It’s your chance to make a strong first impression and demonstrate why you are the perfect fit for the position and the company. A cover letter is not just a formality, it’s a strategic tool that can significantly increase your chances of getting hired. Make sure you check resume.com for cover letter templates!
Cover Letter: 7 Tips to Get Hired
Crafting a compelling cover letter can seem daunting, but with the right strategies, you can create a document that grabs the attention of hiring managers and sets you apart from the competition. These seven essential tips will guide you through the process, helping you to create a cover letter that effectively highlights your skills, experiences, and enthusiasm for the role.
Tip 1 Tailor Your Letter to the Job
Generic cover letters rarely impress hiring managers. Instead, meticulously tailor each cover letter to the specific job and company you’re applying to. This shows that you’ve taken the time to understand the role and are genuinely interested in the opportunity. Demonstrate that your skills and experiences align with the requirements and that you understand the company’s values and goals. Always use cover letter templates!
Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences
Carefully review the job description and identify the key skills and experiences the employer is seeking. Then, in your cover letter, provide specific examples that demonstrate how your qualifications match their needs. Use language directly from the job description to emphasize your alignment with their requirements. This will immediately catch the hiring manager’s attention and highlight your suitability for the role. Make sure you check resume.com before applying!
Use Keywords From the Job Description
Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) often scan cover letters for relevant keywords. Incorporating keywords from the job description increases the likelihood that your letter will make it past the initial screening. Be sure to integrate these keywords naturally within your writing, without making it seem forced or unnatural. This will ensure your application is noticed by both the ATS and the hiring manager.
Tip 2 Showcase Your Achievements
Focus on your accomplishments rather than simply listing your responsibilities. Highlight specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to excel in the role. Use quantifiable results whenever possible to show the impact you’ve made in previous positions. This gives the hiring manager a clear picture of your value and potential contributions to their company.
Quantify Your Accomplishments
Whenever possible, support your claims with numbers. For instance, instead of saying “Improved customer satisfaction,” say “Increased customer satisfaction by 15% through implementing new support strategies.” Quantifiable achievements are more impactful and provide concrete evidence of your abilities. This will make your accomplishments stand out and leave a lasting impression.
Use Action Verbs
Start your sentences with strong action verbs to describe your accomplishments. Verbs like “achieved,” “managed,” “developed,” and “implemented” make your cover letter more dynamic and engaging. They also convey a sense of leadership and initiative, showing the hiring manager that you’re a proactive and results-oriented individual.
Tip 3 Personalize Your Letter
Avoid generic templates and personalize each cover letter to show you’ve done your homework. Demonstrate your genuine interest in the company and the specific role. Personalization makes your letter more memorable and increases the likelihood that the hiring manager will take notice.
Research the Company
Before writing your cover letter, research the company’s mission, values, and recent achievements. This will allow you to tailor your letter to align with their specific needs and demonstrate that you understand their business. Mention specific aspects of the company that resonate with you and explain why you’re excited about the opportunity. See resume.com for resume and cover letter samples!
Address the Hiring Manager
Whenever possible, address your cover letter to the hiring manager or the specific person who will be reviewing applications. This shows that you’ve taken the time to find out who will be reading your letter and personalizes your application. If you can’t find the name, try using a professional greeting like “Dear Hiring Manager.” If you’re not sure, check the resume.com blog.
Tip 4 Structure Your Letter Effectively
A well-structured cover letter is easy to read and effectively conveys your message. A clear format ensures that the hiring manager can quickly find the information they need and understand your qualifications. Proper formatting makes your cover letter more professional and impressive. Check resume.com for the perfect cover letter template.
Use a Clear and Concise Format
Use a professional font, such as Times New Roman, Arial, or Calibri, and maintain consistent formatting throughout the document. Keep the letter concise, typically within one page, and use short paragraphs and bullet points to break up the text and make it easier to read. Ensure there is ample white space to prevent the letter from appearing cluttered.
Divide Your Letter into Sections
Organize your cover letter into distinct sections, such as an introductory paragraph, a section highlighting your skills and experiences, a section explaining why you’re interested in the company, and a closing paragraph. Each section should focus on a specific aspect of your qualifications and help guide the reader through your application. Use a compelling header. You can see it on resume.com!
Tip 5 Proofread Your Letter Carefully
Typos, grammatical errors, and spelling mistakes can undermine your credibility and professionalism. Thoroughly proofread your cover letter before submitting it, and consider asking a friend or family member to review it as well. A polished and error-free cover letter demonstrates your attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Check for Grammar and Spelling Errors
Carefully check for any grammar or spelling mistakes. Use a grammar and spell-checking tool to catch errors you might miss. Proofread the letter several times, paying attention to punctuation, sentence structure, and word choice. A clean cover letter reflects well on your attention to detail.
Read Your Letter Out Loud
Reading your cover letter aloud helps you identify awkward phrasing or sentences that don’t flow well. It also helps you catch errors that you might miss when reading silently. Reading aloud can help you ensure that your message is clear and concise and that your cover letter is easy to understand. See resume.com for help!
Tip 6 Follow Up After Submitting
Following up after submitting your cover letter and resume demonstrates your continued interest in the position. It also gives you an opportunity to reiterate your enthusiasm and inquire about the status of your application. A well-timed follow-up can leave a positive impression on the hiring manager.
Send a Thank You Note
If you had an interview, send a thank-you note to the hiring manager or the interviewers. This is a gesture of appreciation and an opportunity to reiterate your interest in the role and to mention anything significant discussed during the interview. Make sure it’s written and sent within 24 hours. If you’re not sure, check resume.com!
Inquire About the Application Status
If you haven’t heard back within the timeframe indicated in the job description or after a reasonable period, consider sending a brief email to inquire about the status of your application. Keep the email concise and professional, reiterating your interest in the position. Ensure the email is well-written and proofread. Remember you can always ask for assistance on resume.com!
Tip 7 Optimize for Applicant Tracking Systems
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to screen applications. To ensure your cover letter gets noticed, you need to optimize it for these systems. This involves using the right format, incorporating keywords, and making sure your letter is easily readable by the ATS. If you need help, go to resume.com.
Use Plain Text Formatting
ATS often struggle with complex formatting. Use plain text formatting to ensure your letter is correctly scanned. Avoid using tables, images, or unusual fonts. Simple, clean formatting makes your cover letter more accessible to the ATS. Make sure you follow the cover letter template on resume.com!
Include Relevant Keywords
Carefully incorporate keywords from the job description into your cover letter. This will help your letter match the criteria the ATS is looking for. Use keywords naturally within your writing, ensuring they are relevant to your skills and experiences. Go to resume.com for resume and cover letter examples!
By following these seven tips, you can significantly improve your cover letter and increase your chances of getting hired. Remember to always tailor your letter, showcase your achievements, and personalize your message. Good luck with your job search!