When you need to write a cover letter to apply for a job, it’s sometimes the small things that can make a big difference. The closer to perfect your letter is, the better your chances are of impressing the hiring manager. Follow these tips and techniques for sending a top-notch cover letter, and you will increase your chances of getting an interview. There are also letters of interest (also known as prospecting letters), in which you ask about possible job openings at a company. Cold contact cover letters are written to companies that haven’t advertised job openings. For your letter, pick two to three skills or abilities you want to highlight. Then offer examples of times you demonstrated those traits. For example, if you want to highlight your experience and skill tutoring children, provide an example of how you successfully tutored a student. You can include a particular teaching moment when you were particularly successful. Whenever possible, include numbers to show how you have added value to previous companies you worked for. In the example mentioned above, you might provide data on how your previous students’ grades improved while working with you. If you are a recent graduate or otherwise do not have a lot of work experience, you can highlight some of your transferable skills in your resume. Provide evidence from projects, classes, volunteer work, etc. that demonstrates that you have these skills. Target each letter to fit the specific job. The best way to do this is to match your qualifications to the job:
First, look carefully at the job listing. Second, select two or three skills, abilities, or experiences that the job requires that you know you have. In your letter, provide examples of times that you demonstrated each of those skills.
Include keywords from the job listing in your cover letter as well. For example, if the listing says the ideal candidate has experience with “data-driven decision making,” you might include an example of a time you used data to make a decision or solve a problem. It can be time-consuming to write a custom cover letter for each job you apply for, but it’s important to take the time and effort. A custom letter will help the reader to see, at a glance, that you are a good match for the job. However, when you have recent gaps in your work history (within the past year or so), whether from being laid-off and out of work, taking time out from the workplace to spend with your family, traveling, going back to school, or for any reason, your cover letter gives you an opportunity to explain an employment gap. If you decide to mention this employment gap in your cover letter, do so very briefly, then quickly return to highlighting your skills and abilities. Be sure to address your cover letter to the specific hiring manager who will be reading your letter. If you don’t know who that person is, check out the company website, or even call the company and ask. If you have any contacts at the company who referred you to the job or are willing to put in a good word for you, mention their names in the first paragraph of your letter. This is a great way to gain an employer’s interest. However, make sure you have checked with your contacts in advance and asked if they are willing to give you a referral. If you are sending your cover letter as an email, your format will be a bit different. You will also need to include a subject line that mentions your name and the job title. A cover letter should not be longer than a page (three to four paragraphs at most). However, you want to have plenty of white space in your cover letter, so don’t make the margins too small. Also include a space between your greeting, between each paragraph, and after your closing. This will add white space as well. No matter how you send your cover letter, be sure to pick a simple, readable font. Also avoid clichéd, overused phrases that hiring managers are sick of reading (“go-getter,” “team player,” etc.). Replace those phrases with power words like “initiated” and “collaborated.” You want to come across as polite and professional, but not fake. Don’t use language that feels uncomfortable or corny. Read more about how to show your personality in a cover letter. Also check out some cover letter templates, which can help you format your letter. A template also gives you the framework you can personalize for your own letters. Read through your letter, looking for any spelling or grammar errors. Make sure you have the correct company name, hiring manager’s name, date, etc. in your heading. Consider asking a friend or family member to read your letter as well. Ask them to check for errors, but you can also ask for more general feedback. Ask whether or not your friend is convinced that you are a great fit for the job after reading your letter. If you need to email your cover letter, be sure to include your name and the job title of the position in your message. It’s important to send your cover letter and resume attachments correctly, to include all the information requested so your message is read, and to let the receiver know how they can contact you to schedule an interview.
