The job search can be a nerve-wracking experience. You’re unsure of which direction to take, and you’re constantly questioning whether the other candidates are more qualified for the position than you are. The competitive nature of today’s job market often results in hundreds of resumes being screened each day. Needless to say, your cover letter is one of the most important tools in your arsenal when looking for employment. It should help readers determine whether they should give you a second glance, or if they should move on and look at the other applications that were submitted recently.
A good cover letter will showcase your skills while simultaneously explaining why you’re an ideal match for the particular role that is being advertised as well as why you would make an exceptional employee for that particular company. Click here for more information.
Structure your cover letter
The first step in writing a strong cover letter is to structure it correctly. Start by identifying its purpose- to get the job you desire, or to increase your chances of being considered for a job you are interested in. Then, focus on the specific qualifications you have that make you an excellent candidate for the position. Finally, use effective formatting and persuasive writing techniques to make your case for yourself.
When writing about your experience, be sure to highlight any accomplishments or achievements that are unique to your experience. For example, if you are applying for a job as a software developer, highlight any coding projects you have completed or contributed to. If you have experience working in a certain field, mention that experience as well. Another example – if you are applying for a job as a marketing coordinator, mention that you have experience working with clients and developing marketing plans.
In addition to highlighting your qualifications, be sure to describe how your experience would benefit the organization.
Finally, make sure to tell the story of why you are interested in the position. This will help you stand out from other candidates and make your case for why you are the perfect candidate for the job.
Use effective formatting and persuasive writing techniques to make your case for yourself.
Use powerful words and phrases
When crafting your cover letter, you want to make sure that it is as powerful as possible. This means using powerful words and phrases to convey your accomplishments and skills. Here are a few tips to help you do just that:
- Be specific. When explaining why you are the perfect candidate for the position, be as detailed as possible. Talk about how your experience matches the requirements of the position, and highlight any relevant skills or qualifications you have that would make you an excellent fit.
- Demonstrate passion. Be sure to show how excited you are about the opportunity and why you would be a great fit for the company. Share examples of how your skills would be beneficial to the organization, and indicate how your experience would complement existing team members.
- Make a case for yourself. Don’t forget to include reasons why you believe you should be selected over other candidates. Summarize your achievements and explain how these will benefit the company in terms of productivity, profits, or whatever metric the hiring manager may use.
Get personalized feedback on your cover letter
Start with a strong opening statement. This is where you should introduce yourself, your qualifications, and why you are interested in the position. Be personal and take the time to explain how your skills would benefit the company.
Use proper grammar and spelling. Make sure all your sentences are well-organized and that you use correct punctuation and word choice.
Follow up with a thank-you note after submitting your resume. This shows that you took the time to craft a good letter and showed appreciation for being considered for the position.
State why you’re leaving your previous job and how this position will be different. It can help show that you’re proactive and looking for new opportunities.
The Body of the Cover Letter
Cover letters are one of the most important pieces of correspondence you will write in your career. It can make or break an application, and can even determine whether or not you are offered an interview. Follow these tips to write an exceptional one that will impress your potential employer.
- Keep the letter to one page. A resume that is more than one page is usually too long and can be difficult to read. Keep it concise and to the point.
- Use strong verbs and adjectives. When writing about your qualifications, use strong verbs and adjectives to emphasize what you have to offer your employer. For example, say “I am confident that my skills and experience would be a valuable addition to your team” instead of “I have experience working with XYZ company.”
- Be personal. Every cover letter should be tailored specifically to the company you are applying to. However, always make sure to include information about yourself such as your education and work experience. This will show that you are taking the time to research the company before applying for a job.
- Proofread carefully! Once you have finished writing your letter, be sure to proofread it carefully for grammar mistakes and typos. Many hiring managers do not read resumes that are littered with mistakes.
- Send your letter via email or mail. This will give you the opportunity to proofread it several times before sending it out, plus most employers these days use computers and are more likely to read your resume since it can not be lost in the pile of papers
Conclusion
The cover letter is an essential part of any job search. It can help an employer understand why you are worthy of a job interview. If an employer is interested in reading your resume, then they will also want to read your cover letter. The good news is that you don’t have to bring your cover letter skills to a beginner level. You can learn the best cover letter tips and tricks, and then use them to their full potential. These tips will help you write a cover letter that will help get you noticed, and ultimately land you the job of your dreams.
