If you want craft a winning cover letter here are 10 tips that you should follow to ensure success.
1. Do your homework. Learn what you can about the company or organization you’re applying to, so you can tailor your cover letter and really show the employer that you would be a good fit.
2. Follow instructions. Be sure to include any information that was requested in the job posting. If the job description specifies that applicants should identify their salary expectations, then be sure to follow their direction and provide this in your cover letter.
3. Don’t just restate your resume. Use your cover letter as an opportunity to make a great first impression. Most employers read the cover letter first, so you want to catch their attention by describing your impressive skills. The trick is to highlight how you will add value to the position. This way, they are more likely to read your resume.
4. Personalize your letter. When possible, address your cover letter to a specific person. Use their name and make sure the spelling of the name is correct. It is good practice to conduct research to find out who will be reading your resume. This may even mean that you have to pick up the phone and make some inquiries. If you still are unable to secure a contact name, you can simply address the letter to ‘Human Resources’.
5. Tailor your letter to the job. Make sure the skills and experience you highlight in your cover letter are clearly connected to the job you’re applying for. This pertains specifically to the ‘required qualifications’ listed in the posting. If the posting asks for a bachelor’s degree and 6 years’ experience, be sure to indicate in your cover letter how you meet these qualifications.
6. Presentation counts. Use a font that’s easy to read like 12-point Times New Roman, Arial or Calibri. Additionally, you want to make sure that the header of your cover letter (which includes your name and contact info) matches the header on your resume. This is great for branding purposes.
7. Break it down. Make your cover letter easier to read by breaking the text down into short paragraphs. Having 4-5 small paragraphs is sufficient.
8. Use a professional tone. Be sure to use professional and respectful language when writing your cover letter. Avoiding using jargon or abbreviations.
9. Be brief. Your cover letter should be no more than one page long. The best strategy is to keep it short and to the point.
10. Proofread. Review your cover letter several times; don’t just rely on spell-check. Ask someone else to proofread it as well.
If you follow the above cover letter writing tips you are well on your way to crafting a great cover letter.
However, if you find the whole process of resume writing challenging and need some help, please have a look at our resume writing service options. We are here to help!
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