No one likes cover letter writing. And it’s no wonder. There’s so much at stake and yet. At the same time, it’s tough to know what hiring managers want and how you can best stand out. But your cover letter shouldn’t be that complicated. That’s why, at ResumeSpice, we’re getting back to basics. Here are four easy guidelines you can follow as you’re crafting your next cover letter to ensure you’re creating a compelling one.
Write a custom letter.
It’s easy to write one letter and fire it off to all the potential employers you apply to. However, this isn’t going to help you get a call for an interview. Your cover letter needs to be customized for each position. Why? Because every employer has different needs. It’s up to you to showcase how your background, skills and experience can best meet those needs. That requires a different approach for each one.
That’s not to say you can’t use pieces and parts from other cover letters. Just don’t swap out the hiring manager and company name and call it a day.
Write a great opening line.
While it’s always a good idea to mention the job you’re applying to since the manager might be hiring for many different positions, you don’t necessarily have to do that in the first sentence. Instead, talk about why you’re excited about the chance to work for the company or why you’re passionate about the opportunity. Remember, you don’t just want to be another candidate in the crowd.
Write about what you can do for the company.
Don’t talk about yourself and how you want to advance in your career in your cover letter. Focus instead on what you can do for the company. Identify a particular pain point and then underscore how your skills and experience can help solve it. When you do, make sure to include specifics, such as hard numbers and facts quantifying your past results and your proven track record.
Write in a way that will speak to the hiring manager.
Look to the job posting and the company website for guidance on this. If they come across as more formal, then strike that kind of tone in your letter. If, however, they seem more business casual, then take a more laid-back approach and mirror that tone in your writing.
Need help writing a cover letter that gets results?
Call the experts at ResumeSpice. Our cover letter writing professionals can work with you to uncover your strengths and abilities, as well as why you’re interested in a particular opportunity, then craft a compelling letter that sets you apart. Find out more by reaching out to our team at 832.930.7378 or by contacting us online.
