What with all the importance given to the resume, the value of a strong cover letter is often neglected. However, the key to securing that dream job is a combination of a well-crafted resume and a winning cover letter. While the resume lists your important achievements and skills, the cover letter coerces your prospective employer into hiring you. The cover letter very finely articulates your desire to work for the firm. To stand apart from the competition and make yourself an attractive hire, you need to draft a killer cover letter. So how do you draft the all-important cover letter? Here’s how:
The cover letter functions as a window to your personality and qualifications. But apart from that, it is also a way to demonstrate how much you really know about your prospective employer. To do this, you need to research on the company, the financial growth statistics, the industries that your employer serves, etc. Learn about your potential firm and showcase that. Only when you know what they want and who they are looking for, will you be able to portray that in your cover letter.
When you are searching for a job and have zeroed in on one, make sure you find out the name of the contact person. Beginning your cover letters with formal salutations such as “Dear Sir or Madam”, gives the impression that you don’t know whom the letter should be addressed to. Personalize your cover letters while retaining a semi-formal tone. Lack of knowledge in these areas can significantly impact your chances of getting the job you want.
Avoid hackneyed opening paragraphs and instead strive to make an impact with the introduction. In a powerful opening paragraph, you have to briefly state your objective in applying for the job and how you heard about the opening. While being creative in your openings, don’t forget that cute introductions do not work. Give your cover letter the necessary force without being too sycophantic.
After the introduction, comes the body of the cover letter where you detail your achievements without repetition. In this part of the cover letter, you are expected to expand upon your achievements as mentioned in the resume and provide further examples of how you can help your potential company grow. For example, if you are applying for marketing positions then be sure to explain how you can develop a marketing strategy to bring in additional revenue for the company. Simply said, put your best foot forward.
The closing of the letter should definitely express gratitude for the HR manager’s time and patience. End the letter by elucidating the next steps on your part. Never expect a potential employer to follow up with you. Demonstrate your proactive streak by stating that you will follow up for the job. This will also indicate your enthusiasm for the job. Remember to include a phone number or email address so that the firm can get in touch with you first if required.
The motivation behind taking up any job is compensation. To be happy in your job you need to be paid well. Don’t become hasty and quote any figures in the letter. Wait for a formal meeting to discuss salary issues.
Remember to spell-check your cover letters and get them proof-read from friends or family. Be sure to thoroughly check your cover letters till you are completely satisfied with them.
In case you are submitting your cover letter by email, make use of word processing software such as MS Word. Write your cover letters in Word, making use of a standardized format. Align the text correctly and ensure that the letter is cleanly formatted. Punctuation should be in place. While you spend a tremendous amount of time on preparing the resume, you sometimes end up neglecting the cover letter. Formatting is essential otherwise the HR manager reading your cover letter might just have to spend his or her time deciphering it.
Make sure that you adhere to grammar rules and make use of them while writing your cover letter. Incorrect grammar used in the wrong places can not only create a wrong impression, but also change the meaning of what you intended to convey.
These are such simple steps to write a winning cover letter. Draft your letter so that it highlights your skills, achievements, goals, and motivations. Don’t meander from the main topic. Stick to the basics and be direct in your approach. Do the above and nothing can stop you from getting that job!
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Article written and published by Sun Maag. Visit ResumeEdge.com for Resume Writing and Editing Services.
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