1. Start With a Polished Resume and Craft an Outline First

Your resume is often the first contact a potential employer gets, and it’s important to make a good first impression. To make sure you have an up-to-date and accurate copy, review your resume and update any information that may be out-of-date or inaccurate. Make sure to omit any information that is not relevant to the role that you’re applying for. Once your resume is polished and ready to go, take some time to brainstorm and come up with an outline for your cover letter. This will make it easier to write your ideas in a structured way and divide them up into distinct topics. It also helps to figure out your main message, which can then be reflected in the subject line of your email.

2. Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Specific Role

Write each cover letter specifically for the role that you’re applying for. Try to match your experience to the job’s specific requirements, and be sure to highlight those that are most relevant. Every job and employer is unique, so if you’re applying for multiple roles, create a unique cover letter for each one. This may seem like a daunting task, but just focus on one role at a time and you’ll get there. If you find yourself falling into a pattern of writing the same letter for multiple roles, take the time to go back and do some more fine-tuning.

3. Use Action Words and Active Voice

The language that you use in your cover letter is just as important as what you’re saying. Use action verbs and active voice to describe your accomplishments and make your writing dynamic. Instead of writing that you “assisted with a project,” say that you “led a project.” This type of language paints a more vivid picture of your accomplishments and shows potential employers what you can bring to the table. Additionally, make sure your letter is free of any spelling or grammar errors as this may lead potential employers to draw the wrong conclusions about your attention to detail and professionalism.

4. Focus on the Benefits for the Employer

Employers want to know how you can help them achieve their goals. Instead of focusing on yourself and what you’d like to gain from this role, flip your perspective and point out the benefits you can bring to their company. Make sure these align with the role’s requirements and be as concrete as possible. For example, if you have a background in marketing, you can point out your success in campaigns or your ability to spread awareness about a certain product.

5. Keep It Short and Use Transition Words

Employers generally want to go through your cover letter quickly, which means you should aim to keep it as concise as possible. If possible, try to keep it to a single page. Also, make sure that you include transition words throughout your cover letter to make it easier for potential employers to read. Transition words will make the flow of your writing smooth and enjoyable.

6. Add a CTA and Proofread the Letter

Make sure to add a call-to-action in the last paragraph of your cover letter, no matter what type of document it is. You can tell potential employers that you’d like to discuss the role in more detail and provide them with your contact information. It’s also a good idea to have a couple of people proofread your letter before sending it out. This can help you to catch any errors or typos that you may have missed when writing it.

7. Put the Plan into Action

Once you have written a great cover letter and updated your resume, you’re ready to apply for positions. Create an account on job-seeking websites, such as LinkedIn and Indeed, and use it to find relevant roles. Many of these websites allow you to tailor your job search and target specific types of positions. Additionally, many companies have job postings on their websites, so make sure to check those out as well. Finally, don’t forget that your network is an invaluable source of job opportunities. There may be friends, family members, or even past colleagues who can provide you with leads and information.

Conclusion

Getting your dream job takes more than just a great cover letter. It involves creating an up-to-date resume, networking, and taking advantage of every opportunity that comes your way. But if you make sure to craft an unforgettable cover letter, you will be well on your way to success. Taking the time to research the position, tailor the letter to the specific role, and incorporate action words and active voice will ensure that your document stands out from the competition. With a bit of hard work and dedication, you can make your dream job a reality.