9 Tips To Writing a Cover Letter
Whether you’re applying for a summer job at the local mall, or a more prosperous position to get you through college, a cover letter can be a crucial selling point. Cover letters aren’t always required in an application process, but when they are, it’s important to make yourself stand out. A cover letter gives you the opportunity to demonstrate your personality and share anything about yourself that isn’t included in your application or resume. These tips are also true when you’re applying for that first job out of college, so take them to heart and get ready to write a notable cover letter.
Write a simple cover letter and keep it brief
A cover letter should be one page. Make it easy to read by using short paragraphs, a variety of sentence lengths and bullet points. Get to the point by avoiding flowery words or excessive text. Write like you would speak. Be cordial and polite.
Build a cover letter by being assertive and proactive
You are unique and well qualified for the job in which you’re applying. Explain what special skills and qualities you have that you can bring to the job. Don’t explain what the job will do for you, instead write about what you can offer the company and why you’re a good candidate. Avoid empty clichés, such as “I’m a self-starter,” or “I’m self-motivated” or “I’m a people person.” Use active words and phrases.
A good cover letter is specific
Do your research so it’s obvious you know something about the company as well as the position you’re seeking. Find research on the company’s website, but also look at other reliable sources. Don’t write generic praise about the company. Add information about recent occurrences if applicable and helpful.
Know who will receive your letter. If you can’t find a particular name, call the company directly and inquire. Use formal language when addressing the person who will receive your letter and application (Mr., Ms., Mrs., Dr.). Don’t call them by their first name, even if you know them personally.
Revise
It’s okay to use the same draft as a template if you’re applying to multiple jobs. There’s no need to start from scratch every time you apply for a different position. However, revise your letter for each application, so each letter submitted is slightly different. You will utilize different skills for each job, and different aspects of your life will be relevant for particular positions, so focus only on what’s relevant.
Add non-professional experience to a basic cover letter
It’s perfectly acceptable to use personal experience that isn’t professional in your cover letter. This helps demonstrate your character and presents you as a well-rounded individual. However, explain why non-professional experience is relevant to the job. If possible, use business terms to make the connection. Your personal experience, such as classes, extracurricular, volunteer activities, etc. have prepared you for the professional world.
Here’s an example: Rather than just saying, “I was president of the Student Council.”
Remark, “During my term as Student Council president, I developed leadership skills through organizing and coordinating a 10-person fundraising team.”
Make appearance clean
Organize your cover letter well and save it in a universal format that can be opened on all computers, no matter what software (such as a PDF). Use a standard font type at a 10 to 12 typeface size. If you’re going old school and printing out your cover letter (which does still have its benefits) use high quality paper. Print a clean, final copy. Do not photocopy.
Don’t say you’re the best
Add as many skills and qualities that show you’re qualified for the job, but don’t tell the recipient of your letter that you’re the best candidate. You don’t know who you’re up against. Claiming that you’re the best comes across as arrogant. If you really are the best, they will hire you. Show them you’re right for the job, don’t tell them you’re right for the job.
Proofread
One single typo will place your letter in the trash. The job market is competitive, and employers are looking for people who are responsible for the task assigned. Therefore, check your grammar, spelling and punctuation. Have someone else glance over your work as well. They may find something that you glossed over. Simple mistakes are easy to overlook, but they have the biggest impact on the end result.
Before you submit your application, double check to make sure you’re including everything. You don’t want to have to send something twice. That just clutters the recipient’s inbox and makes you look unorganized. Your cover letter is important, but so is all the other documentation that’s requests. Especially your resume!
Follow-Up
It may seem obsolete, but a good old-fashioned hand-written thank you can be the trigger that slides your resume into the “yes” pile rather than the “maybe” group. If you aren’t able to write and send a hand-written note, send an email at the very least. This formal follow-up shows that you’re interested in the job, you’re careful and you’ll go the extra mile. These are characteristics that employers love to see in a candidate.
In a world that thrives in the digital age, making yourself more personable will place you ahead of the crowd when it comes to finding a job! Don’t be afraid to share your talents and skills because they are what makes you unique and beautiful. There’s no need to shy away from who God created you to be!
