You definitely need to know how to write a cover letter. A cover letter is just as important as a resume and should be taken seriously. Your Cover Letter is the first thing a potential employer will read, and if it is slurred, it simply won’t get to the resume.
As a general rule, a cover letter should be three paragraphs, each with no more than three sentences. The first paragraph should grab the attention of the HR professional, so it’s best to talk about how you’re different from the typical job applicant. In the second paragraph, you should briefly talk about your work experience and your level of professionalism, you can also talk about academic success. Be sure to name one professional achievement that is directly related to the company’s field of activity for the position in which you are applying. The third paragraph is your call to action. Tell readers what position you are applying for, thank them for their attention, and express your willingness to come for an interview if you do not have a specific job in mind.
Remember that in general it takes 20 seconds to read one CL, so you should be as concise as possible. And, of course, bright.
Avoid general greetings.
Make sure that the person who reads your cover letter understands that you have carefully studied the information about the company. To get started, address the person who will be considering your candidacy by name, without using creepy constructions like “Dear HR employee.” Many sites that have company details (like LinkedIn) list who posted the job, so it’s easy to find the recruiter’s contact information.
You should never send the same cover letter to different companies.
Write your cover letter for a single position addressed to a specific company. This means that in each case, you need to focus on various aspects of your education, character traits, skills, and experience – all those traits that set you apart from other candidates. Make a potential employer feel special by showing that you are up to date with company news. For example, write something like this: “I’ve been following your company since I graduated from university, and I really like your updated strategy. I would like to become a part of your company and take part in the development of similar solutions in the future.”
Avoid general listing of skills.
Don’t use the same words in your cover letter that are in the job description – better give an example of how this or that skill applies to you. For example, the item “leadership skills” should turn into the phrase “during my studies, I was the chairman of the scientific student society of my institute.”
Use keywords related to the requirements listed in the description.
For example, if you are applying for an analyst position that requires a master’s degree in finance, then your cover letter should include the hook words “magistracy” and “finance.” Sometimes resume screening is carried out using special programs, and in the absence of keywords, the robot may ignore your application altogether which is why it’s important to know how to write a cover letter properly.
Don’t use highly specialized jargon.
People who view responses may not always be familiar with specific terms. McKinsey recommends that job seekers ask friends to read your cover letter before sending. This can also be good for your resume as well. It can help identify jargon not understandable.
Brevity is the sister of talent.
Bank of America recommends putting yourself in the shoes of recruiters and showing them respect. Recruiters get hundreds of cover letters. Prioritize, organize information, and don’t go into detail about every item.”
Check your spelling.
If there are errors in your cover letter, it means only one thing: you are not attentive enough to the details and do not take your job search seriously. When several dozen people apply for a vacancy, one minor mistake can immediately discredit you. Carefully reread your cover letter, preferably several times and after a break.
Don’t lie.
Nobody wants to hire someone they can’t trust. If you are of interest to a potential employer, information about you will be closely studied. A candidate caught in a lie will definitely not pass to the further selection stages. Keep in mind that most companies verify the personal data of candidates.
Demonstrate your communication skills in your cover letter.
Communication is a key skills for many jobs and is a requirement by employers. Write a cover letter in the easiest possible language. Avoid being long winded. Briefly, and glibly list the reasons why they should choose you.
Use numbers and hard data.
In addition to the ability to competently build communication and other skills, mention your GPA and other relevant accurate data. Numbers always stand out in text and are easy to remember.
Follow the rules.
If the job description says that your cover letter must contain the job number, and the letter itself can only be sent electronically, do as it says. If you do not follow the rules, the recruiter will think that you are inattentive to details, neglect the instructions, and eventually lose the desire to consider your candidacy.
The top three mistakes in cover letters are:
1. Lack of information content. There are times when applicants simply put a dot in the cover letter field or the text “sending you my resume.”. Unfortunately, there are many such examples. So at the stage of the first acquaintance, the recruiter has a negative impression of the candidate.
2. Too many letters. The HR manager is a busy person. Most likely, he will not read long lengthy reflections on the compatibility of the candidate and the presented vacancy. Try to convey the main idea concisely.
3. Don’t teach recruiters how to work. Candidates often write “I think I’m a good fit for you” in their cover letters. This is unacceptable. The response to the vacancy shows your interest in this job. The employer takes a reciprocal step by inviting or not the applicant for an interview. There are also such examples: “I perfectly understand that everyone needs employees with work experience, and no one wants to engage in additional training. This is often easier and faster to teach a young capable specialist than to wait until an employee with accumulated experience adapts to the routine established by the company”. Believe me, a recruiter with experience perfectly understands who he is looking for and by what criteria.
This article is helpful in knowing how to write a cover letter. These job search engines can help you find a position to apply for. If you are looking to hone your interview skills, you can check out my course here.