Don’t Repeat Your Resume
A lot of people write cover letters as if they were paraphrasing their resumes, which is absolutely WRONG! Instead of just repeating yourself and rewrite what you’ve done in the past, use your cover letter to describe additional details that you weren’t able to squeeze into the single page of your resume. Include things you’ve learned or problems you’ve solved from your past positions.
Instead of bullet points, a cover letter gives you the freedom to use full sentences to expand upon your resume and tell the story of who you are, and why you’re the perfect fit for the company. You should use your cover letter to show personality, seriousness for the job, and an interest in the field that you are applying for.
Organize Your Thoughts
Before writing a cover letter, review the job description closely and draw down keywords and phrases. Note the specific skills, and requirements that are needed for the job, and showcase which of your qualifications align with what the company is looking for in your cover letter.
Using the same language and keywords from the job description doesn’t only help recruiters read your application, it also helps if your application is being processed by an applicant screening system or a resume parser. Also, use examples to support your argument and to further prove that you are indeed the best fit for the position.
Emphasize Your Personal Value
Hiring managers are looking for candidates who brings additional value to the team and help the company grow. Be sure to conduct a research on the company before you apply, learn about their product, their service, their vision, and goals.
For instance, you can demonstrate your knowledge over what the company does and some of the challenges it faces in your cover letter. These don’t need to be specific but you might mention a trend that’s affecting the industry. Then talk about how your experience has equipped you to meet those needs; perhaps explain how you solved a similar problem in the past or share a relevant accomplishment.
Close Strong with Enthusiasm
In the last paragraph of your cover letter, make it clear why you want the position. Finish off by briefly explaining how your experience or skills will help you master the job, and how your personality will fit into their company environment.
Also, don’t forget to show your enthusiasm for the company and the role. Use only professional and mature language to express your excitement, and don’t go overboard with the flattery or say anything you don’t mean. In most cases, it’s more appropriate to say how much you love the company’s product or services than simply praising the company itself.
Edit and Review Before You Send It
Review your cover letter to ensure you have written the appropriate date, company name, job title, and recipient’s name. Make sure to proofread, spell-check, and reread your cover letter to fix any errors.
Before you send it, check to see if any of your sentences are too wordy, overly complex, or totally unreadable. Ask yourself, do you tend to overuse the passive voice, and do you have any typos, grammar mistakes or run-on sentences? It’s also a good idea to ask someone else to review your cover letter to get a fresh perspective, and ensure that your cover letter adequately conveys your skills and qualifications for the position you are applying for.
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