Crafting a captivating cover letter that will seize the attention of hiring managers is no small task. Although it may be time-consuming, one method proven to bring success is tailoring your application for each job and company. This technique ensures your letter gets noticed and puts you in contention for an interview.
But what do hiring managers need to see in cover letters? From my experience, it is much more straightforward than one might believe.
1. Demonstrate your knowledge of the job and company by incorporating tailored content that reflects your research.
Crafting your cover letter is similar to making a sales presentation. You are essentially showcasing yourself, your abilities, and your expertise as it would relate to the organization. Thus, potential employers want you to show that you are knowledgeable about them and that you could be an ideal candidate for the position.
Don’t feel obligated to spend hours on exhausting details, but take the time to customize your cover letter and make note of any industry-related news or announcements; it will show that you’ve done your research. Doing this for each job description can give you an edge over other applicants.
2. Showcase the initiatives and outcomes from your past positions that are relevant to this job, instead of sharing details about your private life.
To become the perfect fit for a job, it is essential to showcase your past work experiences that are pertinent to the position you’re applying for. Keep in mind: your aim should be strategizing and presenting only those facts which demonstrate how suitable you can be for this role. You don’t need to waste time highlighting every single one of your skills or accomplishments – just focus on what matters most.
Unsure of where to start? Think back on times when your best talents made a difference and how that makes you the ideal candidate for this job. Remember: Companies care about what value they can bring to their team, not personal details or ambitions. Focus on demonstrating why they should pick YOU!
3. Crafting concise and clear paragraphs
When writing a cover letter, it’s vital to consider the hiring managers’ needs. They crave concise paragraphs that are easy to read and communicate your point. Avoid getting bogged down in details; instead articulate why you’re qualified using the Situation, Action, Results approach. This will guarantee important information is shared effectively without wasting any of their time or yours!
4. Guarantee that your content is of the utmost quality, and free from any mistakes.
One simple yet often overlooked detail is proofreading your cover letter. It’s not unusual for some to forget about this step, particularly if you are tailored-fitting each one to a specific job description. Be aware that little errors and unprofessional language have the power to disqualify you as soon as hiring managers lay eyes on it – so ensure every sentence reflects professionalism and accuracy! Moreover, creativity is lauded but remain respectful when expressing yourself; stick with formal speech regardless of how great your ideas may be.
Remember that your cover letter should only contain information about what you can bring to the organization and why you are a perfect fit for the job. When crafting your application, keep it succinct yet professional since hiring managers read applications quickly – this way they will easily find all of the essential details they need!
Are you curious to know which other details will make your cover letter stand out in the eyes of potential employers? Share your best advice and tips on how to create an exceptional cover letter and get noticed by hiring managers below!
Heather R. Huhman is a respected career specialist, experienced recruiter, and the founder of Come Recommended – an acclaimed digital PR and content marketing agency for human resource technologies and job search requirements. Not only is she the instructor of Find Me A Job: How to Score a Job Before Your Friends, but she has also authored Lies, Damned Lies & Internships ($10, amazon.com) and #ENTRYLEVELtweet: Taking Your Career from Classroom to Cubicle ($17.50, amazon.com). Moreover, her career expertise can be found in an array of media outlets with her insightful advice on recruiting matters.
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