Should I Always Include a Cover Letter With My Application?

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…)

4 Basic Guidelines for Your Next Cover Letter

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…)

3 Tips for Perfecting Your Cover Letter

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…)

How to Customize Your Cover Letter for the Job – Without Forcing It!

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:

  • Highlighting someone who referred you to the job or a mutual connection.
  • Bringing up an industry trend to demonstrate your knowledge and experience.
  • Talking about why you entered your career field and expressing passion for what you do.

 

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.

 

Cover Letter Writing 101

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.

Why You Need an Original Cover Letter for Each Job You’re Applying to

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:

  • Your cover letter is a great place to get personal about your background, skills, and abilities. You can share a story that ties in well with the opening to which you’re applying. Or you can talk about your in-depth knowledge of the company and how excited you were when you saw the posting. Your cover letter provides space for you to showcase who are you as a candidate beyond just your skill set and past job titles.

  • Another reason a personalized cover letter is so important is that it gives you the chance to get more specific about why you’re a great fit for the job. While your resume is talking about your past, your cover letter can highlight your present state – i.e. why you want the job – and the future value you can contribute. You can discuss what you bring to the table, the impact you could make if hired, and which specific skills and abilities the employer might be most interested in putting to work.

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:

  • Research the company and their hiring needs so you can more easily align your background and abilities with their mission, culture, and job opening.
  • Write a great lead. This is the opening sentence and should engage the hiring manager from the start, so they want to keep reading.
  • While you should always be professional, it’s ok to go with a warm and friendly tone in your cover letter. You want to come off as a human, not a robot.
  • Avoid clichés and empty statements, like you’re a “hard worker” or “team player.” Instead, get specific and offer details and stories that show you’re a hard worker, rather than saying it.

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.