Having painstakingly prepared your resume and adapting it to the role you are applying for, what would be the purpose of a cover letter and how can a cover letter be leveraged as a game changer to ace a desired job.
A cover letter presents every candidate with a unique opportunity to market their skills, discuss their value propositions, and tell their individual story in a way that depicts interest and knowledge of the company. Do you want to write a compelling cover letter to distinguish you from the multitude of other applicants, then read on.
Do not summarize your resume on the cover letter: your resume will be attached to the application so there is no need to squander that opportunity.
Talk about the business need of the role you are applying for and how your skills, training, and experience make you best suited for that role. Just talk about why you would be great at the job.
Make your opening line simple and to the point. If you want to make it a punch line that is creative and catchy, that is fine as long as you do not muddle up your intentions with laborious quotes and maxims that get you nowhere.
Show genuine enthusiasm for the role and the company. Be specific about what excites you in the role you are seeking. This will come from deep interest and research about the organization, so do your research!
Discuss what impresses you about the company, such as its mission, values, recent achievements, or projects, and how it aligns with your personal values, experiences, strengths, and career goals. By doing this you are already explaining to the hiring manager why you would be a good fit for the role and the company.
If you have notable achievements or projects that showcase your abilities relevant to the role, highlight them and discuss how they relate to the role you are applying for.
Summarize your letter with a strong closing that reiterates your interest in the position and how your experience, skills, and previous performance in similar roles make you most suited for the job.
Invite further communication by expressing your eagerness to discuss in detail why you are the best candidate and your availability for an interview.
Finally, here are a few things to avoid while writing a cover letter
Generalization: do not use the same cover letter for all the roles you are applying for and do not use “To Whom It May Concern” as your subject line. Find the appropriate contact and address the letter directly to them.
Long and winding sentences: ensure that your letter stays within one page by avoiding unnecessary show of eloquence. Make your sentences brief, concise, and direct.
Spelling and grammatical errors: proofread your letter to eliminate errors in grammar and spelling. It could be disconcerting for many hiring managers.
Casual or arrogant tone: in trying to highlight your achievements and exemplify how you are a perfect fit for the job, steer clear of words that come across as unprofessional, casual, or arrogant. Be professional and courteous.
A compelling cover letter creates curiosity in the mind of the recruiter or hiring manager to get more information about you thereby increasing your chances of being interviewed and hired.
If you are struggling with writing your cover letters, we at www.conduithr.com can walk you through your experiences, skills, and qualifications and show you how they align with the opportunities you seek.
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