Keys to a Stand-out Cover Letter
Find A Job
One of the keys to getting noticed during a job search is to create tailored cover letters to send to different companies with your resume. Cover letters are a supplement to the resume and allow you to explain why you want the position and why you are qualified. Every resume should be accompanied by a cover letter whether it’s required for the application or not.
Stick to a One-Page Maximum
A cover letter should be one page maximum, writing more than a page is unnecessary as HR will not have the time nor want to read it.
Personalize It
A cover letter should always be personalized. Never write “to whom it may concern;” this shows no effort and will fall into the same category as all the other generic cover letters. Instead, spend time calling the company and asking who the direct contact is. If the receptionist is unsure, ask for the Director of HR and address it to him/her. This shows you took time the time to investigate and are serious about the position. Be sure the name is spelled correctly and the title is correct. Formal titles never hurt either, but be sure they are accurate (Mr., Mrs., Ms., Miss, Dr. or Professor).
You should also craft the cover letter to the company and position for which you are applying. You should personalize it by explaining why you are qualified for the position, describing past experiences that are applicable to the position, why you want to work for the company and how you can help the company. This is the appropriate time to reference company awards, advancements, etc. and demonstrate your knowledge of the company. If the cover letter is not personalized, the receiver will immediately know that it’s a generic cover letter being sent to various companies.
Don’t Restate Your Resume
Your cover letter should be a supplement to your resume, not a reiteration of it. In a cover letter you should highlight the skills you used in your prior jobs as opposed to listing out the tasks that are already stated on your resume. For example, if you were a project manager then reiterate your leadership skills in the cover letter. Or, if you were in a finance position, highlight your analytical skills. Don’t list out your day-to-day tasks.
Proofread and Spell Check
Just like resumes with spelling mistakes, cover letters with grammatical errors will be tossed in the trash. Be sure to spell and grammar check, as well as have another person proofread your cover letter.
Send as a PDF
To ensure that formatting is not skewed, save the cover letter as a pdf if sending electronically.
