Resume writing can be a stressful feat when looking for a new job. And on top of that, now you have to come up with a cover letter!?! While the cover letter may not cause quite as much anxiety, there are plenty of people who just do not know what to say. You want to make a great impression with a prospective employer and many times, the cover letter can be the final nudge an employer needs to hire you.
Cover letters give you a chance to get real with a prospective employer. You can make yourself stand out while showing them who you really are. You want to keep it professional, but you are free to take a more relaxed approach to show your qualifications and your reliability.
So what should you focus on? Here are five tips to get your started:
- Formatting – If you are not formatting a cover letter properly, it could be a huge red flag for a prospective employer. Do your research to make sure you are addressing the letter properly, using the correct salutation, and closing the letter with a gold star! While you do not need to be a professional in layouts, making sure you can follow a standard format will show you can follow instructions and keep things professional.
- Content – Do not let the main content of the letter confuse or scare you. Talk about yourself, but do not give your life history. Stick to the basics: Your education, background, experience and skill level. But better yet, use those things to show how you incorporate them into your current position. And show how you will apply it to this job if you’re hired. Showcase your strong points and why it will be a great asset to the employer if you work for them. Why you? Tell them!
- Aim for your target – It may help to know who will be reading your cover letter. Is it the hiring manager? HR? The owner of the company? Do your best to find out who you will need to address the letter to and if you’re not sure, keep it as neutral as possible with “To Whom It May Concern.” Also make sure it is standard procedure with the prospective employer to email the cover letter. Many employers are clear on where to include a cover letter, but some may want it in the body of an email.
- Grammar and punctuation – Feel that you do not have the best writing skills? Enlist some help from someone who you trust that has what it takes to make sure all the mistakes are caught. Read and reread the cover letter to make sure you are not leaving in any mistakes that a potential employer will find. Simple grammar mistakes could hurt you from even getting in the door, so make sure you take it seriously!
- Reel them in with a brilliant finish – Make a strong impression by properly summarizing why you are the ideal fit for this position. Tell them why you want to work for their company and why you are the ideal candidate. And don’t forget to leave reliable contact information so they can clearly and easily get a hold of you if they have further questions or want to schedule an interview.
Good luck!