Cover letters are critical documents when it comes to landing a new job. It is in the cover letter where you first state your case as to why you are the employer’s ideal candidate – and it can even help you make up for or explain any flaws in your resume. However, a cover letter must also be concise. Hiring managers are busy, and they will not be impressed by a letter that is more than a few paragraphs long. Here are some tips to help you use a cover letter to move your resume to the top of the pile.
One: Tailor Each Letter
Many job seekers reuse the same cover letter over and over again. Hiring managers can spot templates a mile away. Be sure to read each job posting carefully and take note of the job requirements and the application instructions. Be sure to address the specific skills, qualifications, certifications and expertise that the employer specifies in their ad. Include unique anecdotes or information to reinforce your position as the ideal candidate. Make sure that you have the company name and the contact name included and spelled correctly, as well.
Two: Answer Critical Questions
A good cover letter will answer these four questions:
- Why do you want the position?
- Why will you excel at this position?
- What do you bring to the table?
- Why do you want to work for this specific organization?
Always make sure your cover letter addresses these points, as they are the basis for your sales pitch.
Three: Ask For The Interview
Every cover letter should close with a request for an interview. This reinforces your interest in the position. Many job seekers assume that their application is a request in itself, however, hiring managers are always looking for enthusiasm from candidates. If you can’t muster the excitement to ask for an interview, how passionate can you really be about the job?
Four: Bypass the Cover Letter Entirely
Great cover letters are extremely difficult to compose, and unless you are a naturally exceptional writer, you may never get the hang of it. The good news? You can set your job search on a course that will improve your chances of finding your ideal job without having to stress about a cover letter.
Rather than venturing into a job search on your own, partner with a recruiter who is an expert in your field. You can reach out to a recruiter online or via phone, and their main focus is on your resume. Because they work directly with hiring managers, you never need to compose a letter to get noticed – your recruiter takes care of that part for you.
If you are a job seeker who is ready to accelerate your job search by partnering with an expert recruiter, contact the team at Contemporary Staffing Solutions today. We are committed to the success of our talent network, and we can help connect you with a position that will help you achieve your career goals.