When you’re applying for a job, you want to do all you can to stand out. While the achievements on your résumé certainly speak for themselves, you have to do more than just rely on those to set the right impression. That’s where the cover letter comes in. This is your perfect chance to show an employer who you are and why they should hire you for the job. Writing one of these can be incredibly daunting, but once you understand what’s needed to make it great, you’ll be bashing them out all the time.
Confidence is key
The problem that a lot of people have when it comes to applying for jobs is that they’re not confident enough. They’re afraid to give it their all and sell themselves to an employer because they don’t want to come off as arrogant. However, the only way you’re going to make someone believe in you is if you prove you’re what they’re looking for. Use your cover letter as a chance to show what you can do, and relate it to qualities advertised in the want ad. If you can’t convince them in your cover letter, you won’t convince them in an interview. Don’t waste your big opportunity.
Short and sweet
Most people think that cover letters have to be this big essay that outlines all your accomplishments from day one – they don’t. In fact, if you write your application this way, it’s almost certainly going to get rejected straight away. Employers look for quality, not quantity, and they want to know what you can do in as few words as possible. Try to limit your letter to half a page, and keep your paragraphs short and sweet. A clear structure like this will make it easier to read, thus getting your message across quickly and concisely.
Don’t repeat yourself
When you’re applying for a load of jobs at the same time, it can be tempting just to send the same cover letter with a few details changed. However, that’s something you should absolutely avoid if you want to be successful. Every employer is looking for something different, which means they won’t all respond to a cover letter in the same way. You need to ensure that each letter is tailored to the specific job title and company, so it doesn’t look like you’ve just copied and pasted everything.
Show some personality
Just because you’re writing in a professional capacity, that doesn’t mean your cover letter has to be stiff and boring. Employers are looking for someone who can add a little life to their application and make it interesting to read. Consider how many letters these people potentially have to get through whenever they hire someone new. They’re not looking to read the same thing over and over again, especially if it’s not exciting. Don’t be afraid to show a bit of personality in your writing and stand out from the crowd – it’ll get you the attention you’re looking for.
Applying for jobs can be incredibly frustrating, but if you keep these cover letter tips in mind, they should help you land something sooner rather than later.
