Your cover letter is your big chance to make a good impression on a potential employer and should be done with a plan and purpose for best results. It does take some skill, but just like riding a bike, with practice any capable person can do it.
In the following article you will find the top 10 resume writing rules and pointers industry experts suggest, that you can apply for making that priceless first impression with a new boss. Consider the following tips when writing you cover letter.
- Personalize the Letter to Match the Position you Apply For
This means you will want to make sure the job, title, employer name and reference number all properly included and match the company and job you are applying for, you may also include where you saw the add or heard about the position. Be sure the date and contact details are also correct and up-to-date.
- Follow Clear and Concise Format and Wording
Your employer will probably be looking at many cover letters like your own, so don’t be the one that wastes time with flowery phrasing and complex layouts. You want to select the fewest words possible to express why you are the best applicant for the position being offered. 3 -4 paragraphs should be your self-imposed limit.
Make sure you express the things about the company that makes it a prime choice for you. Then be sure to explain briefly why your skill set is invaluable to this company’s vision and goals. Take time to explain how your personality and qualifications make you an ideal candidate for the position and company as a whole, finally thank your reader for their time and consideration and close the cover letter.
- Tailor your language and content to the job requirements
A precision crafted cover letter has a special focus on the expectations of the employer. Be sure to read the job descriptions carefully to pick up on the key words they use to describe the skills and other attributes they are looking for. Then take time to mention how your special combinations of attributes can fill this role perfectly.
- Keep the tone positive and upbeat
The tone you use in your cover letter should also match the position you are applying for but must always be kept professional but upbeat and positive. You want to show the company they don’t only get a qualified addition but and enthusiastic one as well. Avoid mentioning negative points lack or requirements or such, these points can be mentioned in the interview.
- Demonstrate your professionalism
The quality of your cover letter will say much about your professionalism and attention to detail. If you fill your cover letter with grammatical errors, spelling mistakes and flawed punctuation you will also tell your prospective employer that professionalism and excellence are not concepts you are well-practiced in. After you have checked and rechecked your letter, choose your most positively-critical and meticulous friend or family member to give it a review.
- Give them a reason to read your resume
Your cover letter will be the primary reason you receive that vital call back. Your letter should include not just your qualifications for the position, but a teaser and sample of the exploits and accolades listed in your resume. The idea is that if you can get your employer to move from your cover letter to your resume, you will have sparked their interest.
So rather than just summarize your resume in your cover letter, take some time to make it interesting by adding hints and clues about yourself that entice the reader to learn more about you and your qualifications.
- Let your personality shine through
Keeping professional is important, but don’t let this slide the ton to a robotic, insipid declaration of your skills and suitability. Try to infuse as much of yourself and your personality as you can into your letter. This will allow them to view you as an approachable amicable human being they would be happy to encounter 5-days a week for the foreseeable future.
- Avoid cover letter clichés
Anyone who has looked through cover letters before will develop a natural aversion to cover letter buzz words. So, don’t describe yourself as a “team player who gives 110% to their work”. If you want to describe your impressive capacity to “integrate with others and progress toward mutual goals” or “invest your full focus and concentration so that your work is accomplished with aplomb and panache”, say something like that in your own words.
