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Getting noticed in the job market is crucial. Picture your ideal job with great coworkers, a supportive boss, good pay, and maybe even free coffee on tap. To stand out, you need a standout cover letter that will grab the attention of potential employers.
To do this, you have to show them that:
a) you’re going to perform incredibly well on the job,
b) you’re incredibly likeable and
c) you’re going to fit in around there.
These are big factors in getting hired. Your cover letter is where you can make these points right from the start. The person who gets the job will be the one who shows they’ve got these qualities. Firstly, you should check out our blog post on whether writing a cover letter is still relevant in today’s job market.
Ready to make your move? Your cover letter should be smart, not filled with overused phrases, boring words, or a list of what you want from the company. Instead, make it interesting and impressive.
Here is how to write a cover letter that employers will actually read and call you up:
Address the letter to an actual person within the company
Refrain from using “To Whom It May Concern.” There is no one by that name in any company. Make an effort to find a real person to whom you can direct your letter. This might seem difficult or overwhelming, but it’s often more accessible than you may think. A reader likes seeing their name and knowing the letter was written specifically for them. If you don’t know who you are writing to/for, it will make it less personal and might hurt your chances of landing that interview.
Just meander your way over to LinkedIn and do a people search using the company’s name as your search term. Scroll through the people working at that company until you find someone who appears to be the hiring or recruitment/talent manager. If you can’t find a logical manager, try locating an internal recruiter, the head of staffing or, in smaller companies, the head of HR. Address your masterpiece to that person. Your effort will be noted and appreciated.
Tell them why, specifically, you’re interested in the company
Potential employers want to feel special. They want to be shown that you are not just applying because everyone else is applying and that you put effort into writing that letter. So, you need to clarify that you’re approaching the firm for specific reasons. And ideally, not the same precise reasons that everyone else is giving.
Outline what you can do and deliver
Every job opening has a job description (JD) and unique requirements. You need to scrutinise the job description (or JD) and use whatever other information you’ve gathered about the opening to determine the essential requirements and priorities for this job. You can instantly make it clear to the reader that you can deliver on the critical vital things.
Consider crafting a section within the letter that begins with, “Here’s what, specifically, I can deliver in this role.” Then, expound upon your strengths in a few of the priority requirements for that role (they’re typically listed first in the job description or mentioned more than once). Talk about your accomplishments, accomplishments, successes, and how you can bring your skills to the table and help your new boss. If you have transferable skills, interpret them for the job— i.e. explain how skills can help with your new job.
Tell a Story
Especially one that is not on your CV. What’s your story? What brings you to the company you want to work for? Tell a story. Draw them in.
Be you
Always, always, always be you. Being you reflects on paper or in your writing. Craft cover letters that employers will read.
Do you think this is too much work and need help? Don’t hesitate to contact us. We can help you craft that winning cover letter that will actually get you your dream job. Try us today!