Cover letters do, in fact, get read. In fact, to some hiring managers, they’re the most important part of your job application. And yes, while it would be easier to let your resume speak for itself, if that was the case you’d completely miss the opportunity to tell prospective employers who you are, showcase why they should hire you, and stand out above all the other candidates.
It is your chance to shine! The all-important cover letter can land you an interview. The cover letter is a big piece of the puzzle. Here are some tips that will help you get your foot in the door.
Do’s
Include the Hiring Manager’s Name
The most traditional way to address a cover letter is to use the person’s first and last name, including “Mr.” or “Ms.” (for example, “Dear Ms. Lisa Ray” or just “Dear Ms. Ray”). If you know for sure that the company or industry is more casual, you can drop the title and last name (“Dear Lisa”). And if you’re not 100% positive whether to use “Mr.” or “Ms.” based on the name and some Googling, definitely skip the title.
Never use generic salutations like “To Whom it May Concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam”—they’re stiff, old fashioned and obsolete. If you can’t figure out the specific hiring manager’s name, try addressing your cover letter to the head of the department for the role you’re applying for. Or if you honestly can’t find a single real person to address your letter to, aim for something that’s still somewhat specific, like “IT Engineer Hiring Manager” or “Finance Executive Search Committee.”
Tell the company how you can help.
Dedicate a whole paragraph to explaining what you can do for the company based on your previous experience. A big mistake is when people focus on how perfect the position would be for them instead of how they can make an impact.
Talk about your skills.
Jobs titles or degree abbreviations do not tell the hiring manager what you are capable of doing. Even if you are applying for an entry-level job, talk about the skills you gained working in groups in your classes or through your internships or volunteer experiences.
Research the employer first.
Learn whatever you can about the employer before you start your draft. Anything that is company-, role- or department-specific that you can weave in will show the screener you did your homework. Use the company’s voice when writing the cover letter. It will help make a quick connection.
Customize your cover letter- Write a Fresh one for Each Job
Yes, it’s way faster and easier to take the cover letter you wrote for your last application, change the name of the company, and send it off. But most employers want to see that you’re truly excited about the specific position and company—which means creating a custom letter for each position you apply for.
While it’s OK to recycle a few strong sentences and phrases from one cover letter to the next, don’t even think about sending out a 100% generic letter. “Dear Hiring Manager, I am excited to apply to the open position at your company” is an immediate signal to recruiters and hiring managers that you’re resume-bombing every job listing in town. Mistakes like this can get your application tossed straight in the trash.
Even if you are trying to apply for several jobs, know that quality is better than quantity. If your cover letter is canned, the hiring manager may get the impression you do not care as much about that particular open role and are just looking for any open position.
Start with a catchy opening Line
No need to lead with your name—the hiring manager can see it already on your resume. It’s good to mention the job you’re applying for (the hiring manager may be combing through candidates for half a dozen different jobs), and yes, you could go with something simple like, “I am excited to apply for [job] with [Company].” But consider introducing yourself with a catchy first sentence that highlights your excitement about the company you’re applying to, your passion for the work you do, or your past accomplishments.
Write in the Company’s “Voice”
Cover letters are a great way to show that you understand the environment and culture of the company and industry. Spending some time reading over the company website or stalking their social media before you get started can be a great way to get in the right mindset—you’ll get a sense for the company’s tone, language, and culture, which are all things you’ll want to mirror as you’re writing.
Be honest.
Sure, you are trying to sell yourself. However, if you start stretching the truth, you may end up in an unfavorable position. If you are hired, and you can’t deliver on what you said you could, you might set yourself up for failure in a very short period of time. Be comfortable with where you are at in your career and look for a genuine next step.
Ask for a review.
It is a good idea to run your cover letter by another professional, whether that is a friend, your spouse or a mentor. Make sure it is someone you know will tell you the truth and provide helpful advice to improve it.
Have the person take a look at your cover letter, and ask him or her two questions: Does this sell me as the best person for the job? and Does it get you excited? If the answer to either is “no,” or even slight hesitation, go back for another pass.
Incorporate keywords in your cover letter.
Before a human even looks at your application materials, most companies use talent management software to sift through it. If you notice certain words repeatedly used in the job description, include them in your cover letter to ensure you pass the automated screening process.
Don’ts
Don’t repeat your resume.
The hiring manager will have your resume too, so use your cover letter to talk about the knowledge you gained from being in your last position, not the tasks you handled. Also, add the soft skills you used to do the job right. Use this as an opportunity to be a storyteller.
Don’t have grammatical errors.
You may not be applying for a position as an editor, but all professionals should take pride in their writing. After all, written communication is a soft skill necessary for most jobs.
Don’t make excuses for the skills you don’t have.
Focus on your strengths and do not point out where you fall short. If it is essential to the hiring manager, they will notice. Do the best you can with aligning the skills you do have with what is detailed in the job description.
Don’t use a template.
Looking online for inspiration is fine. But do not download a template and “plug and play.” A canned cover letter will make you blend in with all the other candidates – the ones that end up in the rejection pile.
Don’t make it too long.
You are in complete control of how long your cover letter is, so keep it to a page. Remember, they are going to be looking at your resume too. The cover letter should highlight your top-selling skills and not drone on about every detail of your career.
Don’t forget a call to action.
You will want to thank the hiring manager for his time at the closing of your cover letter. Then put the call to action in your own hands. Show your interest and motivation for getting the position by saying, “I will follow up with you next week to answer any questions you may have. Please contact me at [insert phone number here] in the meantime.” Then, follow through.
Writing a killer cover letter is definitely not an easy task – it requires thought, time and understanding to make you stand out from all the other candidates who are applying for the same position. So, take time writing the perfect cover letter for the job – it is a great opportunity to impress.
And finally study the job listing’s submission requirements
Read through all the requirements in the job description, and follow the instructions perfectly. Don’t miss any small details and risk looking sloppy (or having your application rejected immediately). Keep an eye out for instructions regarding:
- Subject lines: Is there a required format for the email subject line? e.g., [Name — Position]
- Required attachments: Have you included all necessary attachments, such as your resume, cover letter, and work portfolio? Don’t forget the spelling of “resume” is important. If the instructions call it a “résumé,” you should use accents too.
- Attachment naming conventions: Did you include your name in the filenames for all attachments? e.g., “Naomi Smalls — Cover Letter.pdf”
- Other: Did you follow all other instructions? Some companies will include odd instructions that you must follow to see if you’re paying attention — like including a specific keyword on your cover letter.
