One of the most frustrating parts about applying for a new job is knowing how to say the right thing when you write your inevitable cover letter. The struggle with writing a cover letter is often that there are plenty of things that you don’t want to say and only a few that are imperative. In other words, there is a lot of room for error. However, there are some tricks and tips you can use if you are trying to make sure that your cover letter has everything that a potential employer would be looking for. In this post, we are going to give you some advice regarding some of the most important things you should include in the next cover letter you write, as well as a couple of things you should decide to just leave out. Continue reading below to learn more.
Forego Restating Your Entire Resume
One of the important things that many job applicants forget is that a recruiter has likely already looked at their resume before they have to submit a cover letter. This means there is no need to recite your entire work history as you have already been deemed as qualified for the position. Now you have to prove you are the right fit, which is something entirely different from having the right skills. We would suggest talking about your understanding of the position and then move into how your past experiences and accomplishments prove you are the right choice for the job.
Use the Hiring Manager’s Name If You Can
Sometimes it is difficult to know who the hiring manager is, and therefore, we understand that this recommendation may not be one you can follow through with. However, if you can personalize your cover letter, we absolutely urge you to do so. Not only does using the hiring manager’s name show that you did your research but it also is much better than leading with the generic “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern.”
Use the “T” Format
While you might be tempted to do something a bit outside the box that allows for your cover letter to stick out against other applicants, we would urge you to keep things simple. We would suggest using the “T” format which includes the same three sections every time you write it:
- Section 1: Introduce who you are and state why you are interested in the position. Show you’ve done your research on who they are and you have knowledge about the industry as well.
- Section 2: Prove why you are the right fit for this job. Show how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the position being offered.
- Section 3: Get excited! Close the note with a “call to action” that will encourage them to offer you an interview. Additionally, indicate that you will be following up about the position in the near future.
Choose the Requirements that Match Your Experience
When a company writes out a job description, they will list out many different skills that the ideal candidate will possess. Make a list of all of the qualifications needed for the job and then make a list of your own qualifications next to those. You can compare and contrast what they need and what you have. This will give you the ability to show them in detail what you would bring to the position were you to land the job.
Avoid Being Generic
Remember when we told you earlier that getting creative with your cover letter isn’t recommended? While this is true about the format, we would suggest you think a bit outside of the box when you are writing the content of your letter. Plain and simple, boilerplate content isn’t going to get you the job. Throw a bit of your own personality into the letter to be sure that the hiring manager understands more than just who you are in a professional sense when they are considering you as a potential hire.
Need Additional Skills for Your Dream Job?
If you do not yet have the right skills to land your dream job, and therefore you don’t think your cover letter holds much weight, there is no need to worry. You can get all of the skills you need when you enroll at a course at the Professional Development Center of Glendale Community College in Montrose. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you!