Writing a great cover letter is all about making a convincing impression of your skills and experiences. It can seem intimidating, but if you follow a few simple steps you are sure to craft a letter that will get you noticed and potentially land you that dream job.
The first step for any successful cover letter is to make sure it stands out in a positive way. Spend some time researching the company and the position to make sure that your writing is tailored as closely as possible to both the hiring manager’s needs and the company’s values. Incorporating key words from the job description is a great way to make sure that your letter will prove its value.
Next, personalize it to each company. Demonstrate that you’ve done your research by mentioning the company name and how their mission resonates with your own values.
Once your letter has a personal touch, it’s time to get down to the nitty gritty. Make sure that each sentence has a purpose and that your writing flows in a logical order. Additionally, ensure that your writing is clear and concise. Anything over five lines is likely too long; the goal is to draw the hiring manager in rather than overwhelm them.
The style you use should also be persuasive, meaning you should use active language and be sure to back up any statements you make with relevant examples from your previous experience. Additionally, be sure to double-check your grammar and spelling as no great cover letter will be free from errors.
The next step for a great cover letter is to create a summary section. A summary section is your chance to really drive home your skills and experience while summarizing your entire experience in just a few sentences. By concisely summarizing your qualifications, you’re providing the hiring manager with the perfect snapshot of who you are and why you’re a great fit for the job.
Finally, make sure to show the hiring manager your genuine enthusiasm for the career. Demonstrate through your writing that you’re genuinely excited about the opportunity, but don’t forget to back it up with an actionable plan. Providing an actionable plan in the cover letter can be a great way to show that you’re serious about the position and make yourself stand out from the competition.
By following these four steps, you can easily craft the perfect cover letter. If done correctly, you can make sure that your application stands out and may even increase your chances of landing that dream job!