In some ways, applying for jobs has never been easier. With the ease of ‘one-click to submit’ job applications on sites like LinkedIn and Indeed, job seekers can apply to multiple jobs in minutes.
But that doesn’t mean you should.
While technology has certainly changed the way candidates apply for jobs, some things remain the same. This includes the need for a cover letter. Unless you’re applying online and the system doesn’t allow you to submit one, you should consider sending one in.
Why? Because most hiring managers want to see a cover letter. Even if they don’t fully read it, they expect to have one in hand from applicants. So if you don’t send one with your resume, you could stand out for the wrong reasons. (more…)
Are you looking to make a career change in the New Year? Whether your reason is for a better salary or more meaningful work, now’s a good time to start planning out how you’re going to approach your job search. (more…)
When it comes to your resume and cover letter, the goal of both is the same: to put you in the running for the job. However, to get there, you need to approach them each uniquely. (more…)
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. (more…)
Most hiring managers receive the same boilerplate resume over and over again. As a result, it can be tough to compare candidates and find the best-qualified ones. For you, however, it provides a valuable opportunity to set yourself apart. But if you’re not a cover letter writing expert, where do you begin? Start by following these tips. (more…)
Is a cover letter really necessary today? For most recruiters and hiring managers, the answer is “yes.” Unfortunately, many candidates end up treating it as an afterthought, without investing the time and effort necessary to truly set themselves apart.
But think of it this way: Your cover letter is the first impression you’ll be making on a potential new employer. So when you submit one, you want to ensure it’s as persuasive as possible. (more…)
You’ve spent hours on your resume. When it comes to your cover letter, it’s tempting to cut corners. But as expert cover letter writers, the team at ResumeSpice knows doing so can sabotage your job search efforts. Hiring managers actually do read these and they offer you another valuable opportunity to set yourself apart as a candidate.
So when it comes to crafting a compelling one, how can you go about customizing it for each position in a way that seems authentic, not forced? Start with these simple tips:
Tip #1: Read through the job posting again.
Before you begin writing your letter, take a look at the job posting. What skills and abilities do you have that seem most important to this particular employer? Make a list then be sure you’re highlighting these specifically in your cover letter. You don’t need to cover each one. Just one or two where your background is the strongest. This will enable hiring managers to quickly see you’re a fit for the position.
Tip #2: Open with a compelling statement.
Instead of just stating that you’re applying for “XYZ job,” write something that grabs the attention of the hiring manager. They’re likely going to be seeing many boilerplate letters that all start off the same. So when you take this approach, you’re going to entice them to keep reading.
Some thought-starters about what to lead with include:
Tip #3: Tell a story.
Is there a particular project you worked on that’s highly relevant to the position? Did you recently win an award that speaks to your unique skills and abilities and the value you can offer in this role? Are you genuinely attracted to this company’s products or services? If so, why?
Whatever the case, when you tell a story, you’re going to bring your background to life in a way that’s more personal to the hiring manager. This will further enable you to distinguish yourself among other candidates.
Tip #4: Skip the superficial.
When it comes to your cover letter, don’t litter it with superlatives and unsubstantiated claims. Instead, clear and simple language is your best approach. Calling yourself a “guru” or a “star” candidate will just undermine your credibility and make it seem like you’re more fluff and less substance.
Tip #5: Proofread, proofread, proofread.
Just as with your resume, it’s important to proofread your cover letter carefully to check for mistakes in grammar and spelling. It’s also critical to ensure that you’ve addressed the letter to the right person and that their name and job title are spelled correctly.
If you’d like professional help creating a well-written cover letter, turn to the cover letter writers at ResumeSpice. Not only do we know what hiring managers are looking for, but how to set your background apart so you get noticed and get a call for an interview. To learn more, call us today at 832.930.7378.
Is the cover letter dead? While most job candidates would love the answer to be a resounding “yes,” that’s just not the case. Hiring managers still rely on cover letters to learn more about the job seekers they’re considering interviewing.
Yet, if you’re like many job candidates, writing a cover letter is a struggle. You’re not sure what to say, how to say it, and which details are going to make you stand out the most to potential employers. That’s where the cover letter writing experts at ResumeSpice come in. Below are some tips and tricks from our team to help you craft a quality letter that gets noticed:
Start with research
Before beginning the writing process, do some research. Learn all you can about the company, including its services, customers, mission and vision. When you have a solid understanding of what they do and who they serve, you’ll be able to demonstrate relevant examples of the value you can offer.
After some leg work you’ll also gain a better sense of the tone you should be using in your letter. For instance, if you’re applying to work in a more formal, corporate setting, then you’ll want to be more conservative with your language.
Make a memorable opening statement
Avoid the “I am applying for the position of ABC analyst.” This simply wastes valuable real estate on the page and does nothing to convince a hiring manager of your worth. Instead, stand out with a strong opening statement. Talk about what grabbed your attention about the job or what excites you about the company. When a hiring manager has read through dozens of cover letters with the same opening statement – and yours offers a fresh and interesting perspective – you’ll differentiate yourself in a big way.
Show the value you can offer.
Hiring managers want to get to know candidates who have a solid track record of achievements. It’s therefore smart to offer relevant examples of a problem you helped solve, a successful project you initiated and completed, and any other results you were able to deliver in past positions.
Demonstrate enthusiasm.
Many times, hiring managers are used to seeing dry or boilerplate cover letters from job candidates. That’s why a little energy and enthusiasm can go a long way in helping to set yourself apart. So talk about why you want the job and what about the company stands out to you. For instance, “I read your company blog daily and would be thrilled to be a part of an organization known for setting industry standards.”
Writing a cover letter can be a daunting task for many job seekers. If you would like professional help with the process, connect with the cover letter writing experts at ResumeSpice. We will learn about your background, experience, and accomplishments to help you produce a winning letter that showcases why you’re uniquely qualified. Call 832.930.7378 today to learn more.
Some candidates make the mistake of focusing on their resume without giving much thought to their cover letter. Others don’t even send one in at all, believing that hiring managers simply don’t read them.
But submitting a personalized and persuasive letter, along with your resume, is another vital tool that will help you stand out in a sea of other candidates. Here’s why:
Whatever you do with your cover letter, avoid regurgitating what you have on your resume, just in letter form. The information you include in your cover letter should be unique to that document and either build on, or introduce, what’s in your resume. It shouldn’t be a replica.
Some other tips from our professional cover letter writers to help you craft a polished and powerful letter include:
Clearly, writing a cover letter isn’t always easy. That’s why if you’re struggling with the job, then you should consider working with professional cover letter writers, like those at ResumeSpice. We can help you distinguish yourself from the competition, all so you get the call for an interview. Interested in learning more? Contact us at 832.930.7378 today.
