Writing a Cover Letter Spells the Big Difference!
When it comes to applying for work real-time or online, one question comes to mind: What does it take to make that big impact? First impressions truly matter when it comes to applying for a job and for this, you may not want to miss your chances simply because of a poorly written cover letter. Writing that killer cover letter makes the huge difference between getting hired and getting rejected for that dream job. In fact, it takes an HR manager eight seconds to decide if your application is a treasure or a trash. Without a compelling cover letter, your resume may not even get a look.
We have all fallen into the pitfalls of writing generic cover letters, since it is easier to do and faster to send out. Writing a killer cover letter may come with the golden rule of karma in mind – if you don’t invest time in writing it well, chances are, you might not get the interview you so eagerly crave. A solid cover letter is not really a tedious task to do, specially if you know how to address each job opening the right way. Your resume can be full of high-flying colors and impressive lingo, but without that pitch to make you stand out of the crowd, it is like aiming for the target without a gun in your hands.
How Can You Write a Killer Cover Letter?
Your cover letter is your selling point on why an employer should hire you in the first place and you can make that impact by simply following these time-tested, easy steps ( and I personally attest to it as well ):
1. Know Your Employer
Do away with general addresses like “ To Whom It May Concern, “ since it is a major turn off to many employers. It shows laziness on your part. Instead, address the person in charge of the job application process. If you don’t know how the name is spelled, you may verify over the phone or make an email query.
2. Make an Introduction
The first paragraph of your cover letter should indicate why you are applying for the post in the first place. Make a short list of your top qualifications and use power words in describing your skills ( example: lead, manage, inspire ).
3. Sell
Your cover letter is definitely NOT your autobiography and stick to the main points why an employer or a service buyer should hire your services in the first place. Do explain why you will make the best fit for the job opening and what benefits your employer can get if he or she hires you.
4. Mirror Your Employer’s Language
Make a quick research on your employer’s website or read any publication about the company. You will definitely see phrases and key words they use in their company vision and mission statements. Adapt those words in your cover letter.
5. Let Your Personality Shine
Wrapping up your cover letter with a simple “thank you” shows good manners on your part and will never be missed. Also, by proofreading your cover letter for any mistake before sending it out will show your professionalism. Be confident with your skills but never go beyond the line and exaggerate, or worst, lie. Your employer will know it anyway.
Any savvy job seeker needs to know that a killer cover letter gives an upper hand in the dog-eat-dog competition.. in the hunt for that dream job in the global marketplace. A good cover letter can help you get that interview among hundreds of candidate. Still, at the end of the day, an employer will hire the right person who he or she feels is the best candidate for the job. Write that Cover Letter Well!
A Video on How to Write a Cover Letter:
Something Interesting:
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