Have you ever found yourself in the situation where you are applying for a job and you’ve already got one? Most of us have, at some point in our career. Maybe you started out in one industry and then moved into another or maybe you’ve gone from one employer to the next. Sometimes it can feel like you’re running around in circles, trying to complete the same task over and over again, only to find yourself starting from scratch once more. You want to make sure that when you do write that cover letter, that it’s to the point, and that it makes a lasting impression.
Know Your Audience And Tailor Your Approach
When you’re writing a cover letter for a job, you want to make sure that you tailor your approach to the individual you’re addressing. You wouldn’t send the same email to everyone, would you?
As a general rule, tailor your approach based on the position you’re applying for. Maybe you’ve got a friend or family member who’s an HR manager and this is how you usually address them, but in this case, you’ll want to write a different letter.
If you’re applying for an executive position, your approach will likely be very different to that of an individual seeking a managerial role. Find the specific details of the person you’re writing to, and tailor your approach accordingly. This could mean using a very different set of words or phrases to describe your experience.
Keep It Short
With most employers, especially those who value efficiency and productivity, your cover letter will be limited to a couple of sentences at most. Keep it concise and to the point.
Don’t bombard your letter with unnecessary details. It’s always best to keep things simple and sweet.
Write From The Heart
Above all else, your cover letter must reflect your heartfelt, honest opinion. If you try to fake your way through this, your employer will smell it a mile away. The main purpose of a cover letter is to allow the employer to get to know you better, so you can showcase your talents and skills to the fullest. This means being 100% genuine, and being yourself.
One of the best things you can do for yourself in this situation is to write a heartfelt, honest letter. Be passionate about what you’ve accomplished and what you intend to do. Your letter should not only portray you as a competent and skilled employee, but should also encourage the employer to engage with you further. Let your personality shine through, and don’t be afraid to show some personality quirks if they suit you.
Keep a professional and positive attitude at all times. Even if you feel disheartened or nervous about the position you’re applying for, never let your personality show through in a negative way. This will only hinder your chance of being considered for the role.
Make It Sweet
As previously stated, you want to tailor your approach to the individual you’re writing to. One way of doing this is to make your cover letter as sweet as possible. This means using a few choice words to describe your experience, and keeping your sentences sweet and short.
If you’re applying for a sales position, you might want to downplay your experience in sales and instead focus on your drive for success and your ability to influence others. This is often the approach taken by B2B sales organizations, as they look for employees who are hungry to succeed and who can show initiative.
Follow Up
After you’ve submitted your application, don’t forget to follow up with a call or an email to the person who has the authority to make a decision. Sometimes it can take a few days to a week for the employer to get back to you. In the meantime, you can also follow up with a quick text message. Don’t expect a call back the very next day, especially if you haven’t heard from the employer in a while. It’s important to keep in mind that this is not a one-stop-shop and that your email may not be answered immediately.
If you haven’t heard from the employer within a few days, it might be a good idea to follow up with another email or even a call. Sometimes it can take a little bit of perseverance to get a response, so don’t give up if you don’t hear back right away. Keep in mind that you’re not the only one who’s trying to get a response, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back right away.
Final Takeaway
When it comes to applying for a job, everyone is under the same pressure. You want to make sure that when you do write that cover letter, that it’s to the point, and that it makes a lasting impression.
The above tips should give you a good foundation for writing that perfect cover letter. Sometimes it’s all about knowing the right words to use and being able to describe yourself in the most favorable light. Ultimately, you want to write a letter that encourages the employer to engage with you further, so that you can showcase your talents and skills to the fullest. If you keep all of the above tips in mind, you will be able to craft the perfect cover letter for your job application.