WRITING A JOB WINNING COVER LETTER
A cover letter can help a job-seeker stand out from the pool of applicants. It can even convince the recruiter and provide the most promising candidature of the applicant. Most of the cover letter which are being used are almost the same: Even the recruiters are tired to see the same repeated format being used by mass of the applicant.
Whenever you need to write a cover letter to apply for a job, it might be the small thing but that can make a big difference. As perfect your cover letter is, the better your chances are of impressing the hiring manager.
Well, internet is full of many tips regarding writing the best cover letter. Here, we are going to discuss about
1. Select the Right Type of Cover Letter
There are several types of cover letters that can be sent to employers and contacts. For example, there are traditional cover letters (also known as application letters), which are written to apply for specific job openings. There are also letters of interest (also known as prospecting letters), in which you ask about possible job openings at a company. Be sure to choose a type of cover letter that reflects what you are applying for, and what you are requesting.
2. Write a Custom Cover Letter
A hiring manager can quickly tell if you have written a generic cover letter for every job. That is a quick way to get your application thrown out. Instead, target each letter to fit the specific job. The best way to do this is to match your qualifications to the job. First, look carefully at the job listing. Second, select two or three skills, abilities, or experiences that the job requires that you know you have. In your letter, provide examples of times that you demonstrated each of those skills.
Include keywords from the job listing in your cover letter as well. For example, if the listing says the ideal candidate has experience with “data-driven decision making,” you might include an example of a time you used data to make a decision or solve a problem. Take the time to showcase your personality and explain how you'd be a terrific fit for the position and the company.
It can be time-consuming to write a custom cover letter for each job you apply for, but it's important to take the time and effort. A custom letter will help the reader to see, at a glance, that you are a good match for the job.
3. Don't Point Out What You're Missing
Generally, don’t apologize for anything in your cover letter. If you are lacking a required skill or degree, don’t mention it. That will only highlight what you don’t have. Instead, focus on highlighting the skills and experiences you do have, and explain how they make you a great fit for the job.
However, when you have recent gaps in your work history (within the past year or so), whether from being laid-off and out of work, taking time out from the workplace to spend with your family, traveling, going back to school, or for any reason, your cover letter gives you an opportunity to explain an employment gap.
If you decide to mention this employment gap in your cover letter, do so very briefly, then quickly return to highlighting your skills and abilities.
4. Never ever, ever use the following phrase
"My name is ___, and I am applying for the position as ____".They already know this, and you'll sound inexperienced.
5. Keep it short
Less. Is. More. Three paragraphs, tops. Half a page, tops. Skip lengthy exposition and jump right into something juicy.
6. Show Them Why You Are Interested
You’re interested in the position they are offering, but convey just how enthusiastic and excited you are about this exact company. Finish that sentence you just started in the last cover letter tip by building on it and addressing something that is particular to this job:
"I’m very excited to submit my application at Carson Logistics because I have been a big fan of the company’s pioneering attitude when it comes to market research and expansion."
Make your positive attitude transcend the page and let them feel that you want it. Make them excited and enthusiastic at the prospect of hiring you by showing them that you know them. This will make a fine cover letter introduction.
7. Be Logical & Chronological
Don’t jump around from past to present back to past on your cover letter. Structure your cover letter so that is shows a logical progression in your employment and skill story. Keep it chronologically in order, like we talked about in telling your story:
Whenever you need to write a cover letter to apply for a job, it might be the small thing but that can make a big difference. As perfect your cover letter is, the better your chances are of impressing the hiring manager.
Well, internet is full of many tips regarding writing the best cover letter. Here, we are going to discuss about
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| 7 Cover letter Tips |
1. Select the Right Type of Cover Letter
There are several types of cover letters that can be sent to employers and contacts. For example, there are traditional cover letters (also known as application letters), which are written to apply for specific job openings. There are also letters of interest (also known as prospecting letters), in which you ask about possible job openings at a company. Be sure to choose a type of cover letter that reflects what you are applying for, and what you are requesting.
2. Write a Custom Cover Letter
A hiring manager can quickly tell if you have written a generic cover letter for every job. That is a quick way to get your application thrown out. Instead, target each letter to fit the specific job. The best way to do this is to match your qualifications to the job. First, look carefully at the job listing. Second, select two or three skills, abilities, or experiences that the job requires that you know you have. In your letter, provide examples of times that you demonstrated each of those skills.
Include keywords from the job listing in your cover letter as well. For example, if the listing says the ideal candidate has experience with “data-driven decision making,” you might include an example of a time you used data to make a decision or solve a problem. Take the time to showcase your personality and explain how you'd be a terrific fit for the position and the company.
It can be time-consuming to write a custom cover letter for each job you apply for, but it's important to take the time and effort. A custom letter will help the reader to see, at a glance, that you are a good match for the job.
3. Don't Point Out What You're Missing
Generally, don’t apologize for anything in your cover letter. If you are lacking a required skill or degree, don’t mention it. That will only highlight what you don’t have. Instead, focus on highlighting the skills and experiences you do have, and explain how they make you a great fit for the job.
However, when you have recent gaps in your work history (within the past year or so), whether from being laid-off and out of work, taking time out from the workplace to spend with your family, traveling, going back to school, or for any reason, your cover letter gives you an opportunity to explain an employment gap.
If you decide to mention this employment gap in your cover letter, do so very briefly, then quickly return to highlighting your skills and abilities.
4. Never ever, ever use the following phrase
"My name is ___, and I am applying for the position as ____".They already know this, and you'll sound inexperienced.
5. Keep it short
Less. Is. More. Three paragraphs, tops. Half a page, tops. Skip lengthy exposition and jump right into something juicy.
6. Show Them Why You Are Interested
You’re interested in the position they are offering, but convey just how enthusiastic and excited you are about this exact company. Finish that sentence you just started in the last cover letter tip by building on it and addressing something that is particular to this job:
"I’m very excited to submit my application at Carson Logistics because I have been a big fan of the company’s pioneering attitude when it comes to market research and expansion."
Make your positive attitude transcend the page and let them feel that you want it. Make them excited and enthusiastic at the prospect of hiring you by showing them that you know them. This will make a fine cover letter introduction.
7. Be Logical & Chronological
Don’t jump around from past to present back to past on your cover letter. Structure your cover letter so that is shows a logical progression in your employment and skill story. Keep it chronologically in order, like we talked about in telling your story:
- Past history
- Present state of affairs
- How you will be perfect for the company’s future
However, if you keep these cover letter tips in your mind before writing one, you’ll soon have a cover letter that will be sure to catch the recruiter’s attention and win you a job:
Tailor - One of the main themes throughout these tips for a good cover letter, make sure to personalize your cover letter to the job description so that it reads as the exact candidate you’re looking for.
Strength - You want to start strong, keep that momentum up, and then finish strong. Keep it short and sweet to help you keep them interested.
Names - Naming came up often in these cover letter tips, from naming the employer and company to the proper naming conventions when you save your file.
Keep reading, and update yourself everyday.
