We all know how important a great looking resume is for your job search, but it’s the cover letter attached to it that can really make you stand out from the crowd! Your cover letter is where you can really express to a potential employer exactly why you would be the best person for the job. Here are some tips to write a cover letter that gets your foot in the door:
Always write one. Even if the employer doesn’t specifically ask for one, going the extra mile and writing a short letter or introduction can really make you stand out. It shows you’re willing to go a little further than the average candidate and that you have a genuine interest in the position.
Keep it original. Never, never, never recycle the same cover letter for multiple jobs! Employers can tell immediately if a letter hasn’t been written for that specific position. It takes a little more time and effort but it’s only in your best interest to start fresh every single time.
Be as specific as possible. It’s all about the details! If you know the name of the person who will be reading your cover letter, address them directly. This works better than the usual “Dear Sir or Madam”. More importantly, make sure you’re outlining any and every specific skill or experience relevant to the position you’re applying for. Things you couldn’t fit in your resume can be added and explained in the cover letter to your advantage.
Don’t be afraid to show your personality. Unlike the rigid layout of a resume, the cover letter is what you make of it! Feel free to write with your own “voice” so the employer gets a feel for who you are as a person. Of course, you should steer clear of slang and typos at all costs, but there’s no reason to write in a sterile manner if the job doesn’t necessarily call for it.
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