I often discuss resumes, and important as those are to an application package, the other important factor is your cover letter. Writing a cover letter that works for you is important because it will show recruiters and hiring managers why you want the role and your specific interest in the company.
Anyone can write a general cover letter of introduction, but really showing why you are applying for that specific job and company will make you stand out and shine. It is important to note that similarly to when you’re writing your resume, it is essential for your cover letter to be reader friendly. One of the most common and easily fixable mistakes I see in a cover letter is that they are typically a page long letter that is dense and hard to read.
If hiring managers and recruiters spend an average of 6 seconds looking at a resume, what makes you think they’ll spend longer looking at your cover letter?
Here are a few tips that will help you with writing a cover letter that works for you:
- Use the same header you use for your resume so it is clear that the documents go together.
- Clearly state your name and what position you are applying for within the first 2 sentences so the document does not get mixed up or lost in translation.
Make sure that you explain:
- Why you want this specific job.
- Why you will do well at this job.
- What you can bring to this role/company.
- Why you want to work for this company.
Break up the format from paragraph after paragraph
I tend to write a paragraph or two, then highlight some qualifications or achievements in bullet form, and then finish with a closing paragraph. This breaks up the document, makes it more reader friendly, and draws the eye to your qualifications/achievements. If the reader reads nothing else, they WILL read those bullet points.
Conclude the cover letter correctly
Finish off by thanking for their time and explaining that you would love to discuss your application further at their convenience. Understanding that these people reading your resume are very busy is always appreciated.
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Do you have any specific questions about writing a cover letter? Comment below or email me at writestylesonline@gmail.com for a response!