Did you know that cover letter writing is an art that many job seekers simply fail to perfect? It’s the one thing that can help your application stand out from the rest, but there are some tricks to getting it right straight off the bat.
Let’s imagine this scenario. The hiring manager has over 500 resumes and cover letters to weed through, looking for a new candidate.
The letter reads: “I am writing to apply for job advertisement number #46293 – Sales Executive”. How boring… and the cover letter, plus resume goes in the reject pile. In the real world, hiring managers probably only spend 5-10 seconds per application – scanning the obvious information. The cover letter should be a short, concise, and engaging introduction to you and your resume, not a regurgitated essay about your resume.
Here are four proven strategies to help you with your cover letter writing!
#1 – Make your skills known
The first secret to a great cover letter is to imagine what the perfect applicant in the world would be able to deliver. Start your cover letter with this compelling information. For example, if you are a fantastic salesperson, employers would want to know about your sales records, heightened productivity, and improved profitability. The idea is simple, tell them exactly what they need to know.
#2 – Demonstrate knowledge of the company
Impress your employer by showing off your knowledge of their company. So many cover letters are too generic and not specific to the company you’re applying to. Say something like “I have keenly followed your organisation since 2020, and I imagine that with your recent expansion to Brazil you will need a candidate who is familiar with the area.”
#3 – Use bullet points
Include 2-5 bullet points demonstrating that you can achieve results and quantifying your accomplishments. This makes it easier to read and digest the information as quickly and concisely as possible.
#4 – Captivate with the closing paragraph
Now it is time to really shine. The closing paragraph should introduce your resume and elude that there is lots more to learn about you. Say that you will be in touch with them in a few days to find out more about the position. When you call, don’t just ask if they received your application, but impress them with insightful questions about the company and position. This will get you noticed and is an opportunity to build rapport.
Final thoughts
Now that you know what it takes to write a great cover letter, it’s time to set the keyboard on fire with those typing skills and whip up a fantastic cover letter. After that, head over to Adzuna to start searching for and applying for the job of your dreams!