If you’re seeking a new position, you’ll most likely have to compose a cover letter introducing yourself to the hiring manager or human resources person. This letter is your opportunity to shine and make a good impression.
While it’s not required that you write a cover letter, doing so can certainly help you stand out among a crowded field of job applicants. To ensure that your cover letter does its job, you need to make sure that you write everything just right. With that in mind, here are some tips on what to write in your cover letter.
Keep It Short
When a hiring manager receives dozens, sometimes even hundreds, of résumés for a single position, it’s easy for your cover letter to get lost among the rest. If your cover letter is longer than a page, it’s likely not going to get read. Managers are frequently pressed for time, so if you want to grab their attention, you need to keep your cover letter to under a page.
Writing a short cover letter is also beneficial because it makes you match the expectations of the employer. If they’re looking for a longer letter, they may assume that you are also bringing other, longer baggage with you. There’s also a chance that a short cover letter won’t even be enough to get the attention of the recipient.
Make It Personal
It’s often said that a personal touch is the key to a successful letter. When you personalize your letter, you’re able to engage the reader and convince them that you’re the right person for the job. With a personalized cover letter, you’ll simply need to scan your resume and include your full contact information (e.g., name, address, and phone number).
You can also include a little something about yourself that would make the reader interested in your letter. For example, if you’re applying for a marketing role, you might mention that you’ve always had an interest in marketing and social media, or that you’re a recent college graduate with a degree in marketing. These kinds of personal touches will make your cover letter stand out and make the employer think of you whenever they have a need for a marketing professional.
Quality Vs. Quantity
When you’re writing your cover letter, you need to strike a balance between quality and quantity. You don’t want to bombard the employer with dozens of uninteresting letters that are just a few hundred words long. Nor do you want to write a long letter and then tear it to pieces in an effort to edit it down to a manageable length. Instead, you should aim for quality, while keeping the number of words to a minimum.
For example, if you’re applying for a sales position and your letter is full of clichés, it may not even make it to the employer’s desk. On the other hand, if you write a short but sweet letter, you may very well catch the attention of the person who will be reading it. In the end, it’s all about quality regardless of the quantity.
Writing A Winning Cover Letter
Even if you’re applying for the same position, your cover letter will vary in quality based on how you write it. A poorly written cover letter will almost certainly turn up negative results; a well-written one, however, can have a positive impact on your application. To write a winning cover letter, you need to follow a few easy tips.
First, write in the third person. This will increase the chances of your letter being read by the person who will be deciding whether or not to hire you. Second, avoid using big words. Since the person reading your letter won’t be familiar with the terminology, they may think that you’re trying to impress them with your knowledge. Instead, use simple words and phrases that they’re more likely to understand.
Third, write in a formal manner. While there’s no set rules about how to write a cover letter, a more formal tone will make it seem more professional. In addition, using business language will give your letter a more professional appearance.
If you can keep all of these tips in mind while writing your cover letter, you’re sure to create a quality document that will catch the attention of the person who will be deciding your fate.