Your cover letter is often the very first chance you have to make an impression on a prospective employer. The hiring manager who opens your application may see your cover letter before any other information, including your resume. As a result, it is crucial to create a cover letter that cuts through the clutter and delivers the core of your professional capabilities to those who make the hiring decisions.
Many job-seekers believe that their cover letter is the place to discuss or explain items that aren’t included on their resumes. However, this approach often results in cover letters that are rambling, hard to read, and largely irrelevant – hardly the first impression you want to make on a prospective employer!
Instead, your cover letter should focus on answering one question: What do I offer this employer that nobody else can?
To create a cover letter that puts the answer to this question front and center, consider the following tips:
- Think in Terms of Keywords.
Do you have every credential asked for in the job description – including the ones in the exhaustive list of “preferred” credentials? Don’t just discuss these in your cover letter: discuss them in the same words and phrases used to describe them in the job posting. For instance, if the job posting calls for an individual who can “Communicate effectively with diverse audiences,” describe how your current or recent work requires you to “Communicate” with “Diverse audiences”, rather than “Talk to a wide range of people.” - Boast of Your Skills.
Have you received awards for your contributions at work? Did a recent project you managed or performed solve a sticky client problem or increase profits? Talk about your accomplishments in your cover letter and give hiring managers a reason to learn more about you and what you offer. - Use Formatting Effectively.
Paragraph breaks, subheadings, and even bullet points help a hiring manager skim your cover letter quickly while also gathering the information they need to see you as an indispensable interviewee. Use formatting to highlight your strengths.
At ABA Search, our experienced recruiters will help you put your best foot forward when communicating with prospective employers, from writing a polished cover letter to accepting a job offer professionally. Have additional questions? Contact us today to learn how we can better assist you in your job search.