It is no secret that a cover letter is one of the most crucial ingredients when it comes to applying for a job. It needs to be creative, compelling and concise – but HOW we hear you asking. How do you wow the hiring manager and convince them that they have to meet you in person for an interview? Here’s how to write a compelling cover letter that will secure you the job of your dreams:
1. Research the company.
Work out what the company most wants to achieve and how to demonstrate that your past experience is exactly what they need to do this.
2. Plan your strategy.
To prove how you plan to help the company achieve their ends, highlight 3 ‘personal brand’ qualities that make you shine brighter than the competition.
3. Find out the hiring manger’s name.
In an age of endless information it is no longer enough to address the cover letter “To Whom It May Concern.” Use the tools available to you to find out the name of the hiring manager. It will prove your tenacity and dedication to the role.
4. Who are you?
Clearly and succinctly introduce yourself, what job you’re applying for, and why you’re the best candidate. If you have a friend or acquaintance in common now is your opportunity to mention so.
5. Cut the fat.
Don’t waste space with cliché buzzwords and empty jargon. Be sure to revise and review every sentence to make sure it is as ‘fat-free’ as possible.
6. Make your case.
Clearly state why you think your unique cocktail of skills, attitude and experience make you the perfect candidate. Use carefully selected examples and stories to make your case.
7. Backup with numbers.
Numbers speak a thousand words. Backup your examples with cold hard facts to prove how you’ve saved your company money or driven more sales.
8. Finish strong.
Be assertive. Finish the cover letter with a convincing argument about how you plan to hit the ground running to get the company to meet and exceed their goals. Finish up by suggesting a date to come in for an interview. Don’t worry about being too forward.
9. Keep it short.
Brevity is crucial. Whether your cover letter is in email or document form the ideal length should be a concise couple of paragraphs with a number of bullets between.
10. Double check.
The worst thing you could do is sending a cover letter with errors or typos. Take a moment before pressing send to review your masterpiece. Ask a second pair of eyes to review your work.
Good luck and happy job hunting.