While everyone is just sending our resumes, and a few others including some generic, poorly-written cover letter, you could stand head and shoulders above the competition.

How?

With an attention-grabbing cover letter that convinces employers that you’re the perfect fit for the role. Truth is, your cover letter is your first opportunity to make a lasting impression on potential employers, showcasing your skills, experiences, and enthusiasm. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to write a cover letter that commands attention and sets you apart from the crowd.

Craft an Engaging Introduction

The opening paragraph of your cover letter serves as the initial handshake with your potential employer. It’s crucial to make this section engaging and impactful. Start by addressing the hiring manager by their name, if available. This personal touch immediately demonstrates your attention to detail and genuine interest in the position.

Depending on the style of your cover letter, you can also include the particular position you’re applying to, and why the advertisement caught your attention. But keep it short. A great intro shouldn’t last more than a few sentences.

Showcase Your Value

After the introduction, it’s time to get to the meat of the matter. Highlight relevant accomplishments, skills, and experiences that align with the job description. 

When talking about experiences and accomplishments, be sure to use figures and data to buttress your point.

For instance:

Instead of writing:

“I increased project speed.” Try: “I reduced the time taken to complete projects by 20%.”

OR

In place of…

“I increased customer satisfaction.” Try: “Thanks to my optimizations, customer satisfaction ratings improved by 60%.”

See? Numbers and metrics make your statements pack more punch.

Remember, your cover letter should complement your resume, not repeat it. Focus on showcasing your unique value proposition.

Tailor it to the Company

Generic cover letters rarely make the cut. To stand out, customize each cover letter for the specific company and role you’re applying to. Research the company’s values, mission, and recent achievements. Incorporate this information into your cover letter to demonstrate your genuine interest and alignment with the company’s goals.

You want to make sure your cover letter reads as specific as possible, so much so that it couldn’t pass for something written for some other company. This makes a lot of difference. 

Address Potential Concerns

If you’re making a career change or have employment gaps, it’s essential to address these potential concerns in your cover letter. Use this opportunity to provide context and emphasize how your diverse background makes you a stronger candidate. Be honest and positive, focusing on how your experiences have prepared you for the role you’re applying for.

Showcase Cultural Fit

Employers not only seek qualified candidates but also individuals who will seamlessly fit into their company culture. Use your cover letter to highlight your alignment with the company’s values and culture. Incorporate specific examples of how you’ve thrived in similar environments, emphasizing your adaptability and teamwork skills.

Demonstrate Enthusiasm

Passion and enthusiasm go a long way in impressing potential employers. Convey your excitement for the opportunity to join the company and contribute to its success. Use compelling language to express your eagerness to learn, grow, and make a meaningful impact.

Close Strongly

Just as a strong opening is crucial, a compelling closing can leave a lasting impression. Express your gratitude for considering your application and reiterate your interest in the position. End with a Call to Action inviting the employer to further discuss your qualifications in an interview. Sounds small, but this little nudge is proven to get employers to schedule your interview.

Format and Proofread

A well-formatted cover letter is visually appealing and easy to read. Use standard fonts and keep the formatting clean and professional. Before submitting, meticulously proofread your cover letter to eliminate grammatical errors and typos. Consider asking a friend or colleague to review it as well, as fresh eyes can catch mistakes you might have overlooked.

Also make sure to incorporate a lot of whitespace to make your cover letter easy on the eye and highly readable.

If you’re unsure about the format of the cover letter you should use, you can chat with our experts to help you craft an effective cover letter that you can then tailor to the specific role you’re applying to.

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Conclusion

Having helped tons of people land their dream jobs and being recruiters ourselves, we know how much of a game changer a well-written cover letter can be. And that’s exactly why we’ve whipped up these tips to help you land your desired job.

By following these steps and infusing your cover letter with your unique personality and experiences, you’ll create a document that resonates with employers and sets you on the path to success.