Education & Career Trends: September 13
Curated by the Knowledge Team of ICS Career GPS
- Experts are taken from an article published on makeuseof.com.
When you submit a resume, do you always include a cover letter? In almost all cases, it is appropriate and wise. The letter allows you to introduce yourself, show your interest in the company, address points that do not belong on a resume, and make yourself stand out.
A cover letter is a one-page document that accompanies your resume when you apply for a job. It is your opportunity to introduce yourself to the hiring manager, explain why you are interested in the position, and highlight your skills and experience. A well-written cover letter can make a big difference in whether or not you get an interview.
If you need a little assistance, here’s how to write a cover letter, along with tips and templates to help get you started.
1. Customise Your Cover Letter
When you are applying for a job, it is important to customise your cover letter to the specific position. This means taking the time to read the job description carefully and highlighting the skills and experience that are most relevant to the role.
While using a cover letter template can be a helpful starting point, it is important to customise it for each job you apply for. Don’t just make minor tweaks to the template. Instead, take the time to rewrite it so that it is specific to the position and company you are applying to.
Here are some tips for tailoring your cover letter:
- Start by reading the job description carefully. Pay attention to the skills, experience, and qualifications that the employer is looking for.
- Highlight your skills and experience that are most relevant to the position. Be specific and provide examples of how you have used these skills in the past.
- Use keywords that are found in the job description. This will help your cover letter get noticed by applicant tracking systems (ATS).
- Be positive and enthusiastic. Your cover letter should convey your excitement about the opportunity and your desire to work for the company.
- Get someone else to proofread your cover letter before you submit it. A fresh set of eyes can help you catch any errors.
According to Glassdoor:
“When starting to write any cover letter, it is always best to plan the content of your letter based on the requirements of the job you’re applying for.”
2. Have a Solid Opening That Grabs the Hiring Manager’s Attention
The opening of your cover letter is your chance to make a good first impression on the hiring manager. It should be clear, concise, and attention-grabbing.
Here are some tips for writing a strong opening:
- Don’t start by saying that you are applying for the job. This is obvious and wastes valuable space.
- Instead, start by saying why you are writing. What made you interested in the position? What do you know about the company?
- Then, briefly introduce yourself and your qualifications. What skills and experience do you have that make you a good fit for the role?
- Finally, end with a strong statement that shows your enthusiasm for the opportunity and your desire to work for the company.
3. Know the Company
Before you start writing your cover letter, it is important to take some time to research the company you are applying to. This will help you to understand the company’s mission, values, products or services, and target market. It will also help you to identify the skills and experience that the company is looking for in a candidate.
Here are some tips for researching a company:
- Visit the company’s website.
- Read the company’s mission statement and values.
- Review the company’s products or services.
- Look at the company’s social media pages.
- Read news articles about the company.
- Talk to people who work at the company.
Once you have done your research, you can start to think about how your skills and experience can benefit the company. You can also start to think about how you can contribute to the company’s mission and values.
As Harvard Business Review puts it:
“Hiring managers are looking for people who can help them solve problems. Drawing on the research you did earlier, show that you know what the company does and some of the challenges it faces.”
When you have information about the company and its needs, you can then highlight your relevant skills and achievements to show why you are the person for the job.
4. End With Enthusiasm
The closing of your cover letter is your chance to reiterate your interest in the position and the company and to express your enthusiasm for the opportunity. It is also a good place to thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration.
Here are some tips for writing a strong closing:
- Reiterate your interest in the position and the company. State why you are interested in the position and why you are a good fit for the company.
- Express your enthusiasm for the opportunity. This is your chance to show the hiring manager how excited you are about the job.
- Thank the hiring manager for their time and consideration. This is a professional courtesy that is always appreciated.
- State your next steps. Let the hiring manager know if you plan to follow up and when they can expect to hear from you.
How Not to Write a Cover Letter
Knowing how to write a cover letter for a job is essential. But just as important is how not to write a cover letter. Here are a handful of things you should leave out when composing your letter:
- Overused phrases like self-starter, detail-oriented, and team player.
- Unnecessary details such as activities you enjoy, personal history, and information unrelated to the job.
- Negative comments about current or previous employers and companies.
- Untruths about your skills, qualifications, and experience.
- Salary requirements or expectations unless specifically requested.
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The PERMA+4: A New Approach to Well-Being at Work
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in the article mentioned above are those of the author(s). They do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of ICS Career GPS or its staff.)
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