It’s easy to think that cover letters are a thing of the past, with modern digital recruiting practices making it nearly impossible for job seekers. But don’t be fooled! These important documents can help you stand out from among your peers and make sure recruiters take notice – which will ultimately result in an interview invitation or offer extension after careful review.
According to most recruiting professionals, you should put at least as much energy into the cover letter. Think of your introduction in this way: it provides an opportunity for an excellent first impression which can make or break any chance! Make yourself stand out with a powerful letter that showcases what makes YOU unique.
It’s a lot of information to take in, but we’ve boiled down everything you need to know into seven tips. The difficult part is turning our tips and making sure they land as smoothly on paper as possible – which will help get you one step closer to your dream job!
Make Your Cover Letter Job-Specific
Every job is different, which means that a cover letter should also be tailored to the specific requirements of each position. While you might think it’s enough just changing up some lines here and there in order to make your application stand out against other applicants’, hiring managers can spot generic letters from across the room – they’re already looking!
A generic cover letter tells hiring managers that you’re dealing with a job candidate who is too lazy to do more than the bare minimum. You might be able to get some work done, but it won’t ever lead you towards getting good or even great employment!
The jobs that are actually worth fighting for aren’t given to average job candidates. They’re only available if you work hard and get creative with your cover letter, customizing it specifically towards what is required of each position so as not to be overlooked or bypassed in any way possible!
Don’t Talk Only About Yourself
Always remember that your cover letter shouldn’t just be about you. Make sure to mention the company and why they should hire for this position instead of someone else! Mention anything unique or special about yourself such as how much time spent working with children, elderly adults (and their caregivers).
Disabilities; tell them what kind of person you are so there’s no chance whatsoever of getting bored by reading through these carefully crafted sentences again later on down the road when it comes down towards making an offer, I’ll go ahead and summarize: “Hi Mrs. Jones from ABC Co Ltd., I hope all goes well here sincerely yours.
If you don’t know much about the company, do some research and be careful before sending them an email from your main account. You’ll end up being better off if they get a few more days to see what kind of person are you really are instead of sending cookie-cutter cover letters with no thought put into it at all!
Don’t Be Afraid to Drop Names
I am writing to apply for the position of ____. I would love this opportunity and have included my resume in order that you can see how qualified I am! Please don’t hesitate if interested, but also let me know what steps should be taken next so we may start planning together soonest possible time :-)Thanks-Michael J Gates
- Greeting: “Dear Mr. Smith” or “Dear Mrs. Jones”
- Thanks for considering my application: “Thank you for considering my candidacy.”
Sometimes, the name of the hiring manager is mentioned in the job offer. Sometimes it takes a bit of googling to find them but don’t be afraid! You can mention any personal connections you have within the company if appropriate while still being nonchalant about your search for employment with that specific organization
