What are the best tips for writing a cover letter? This list ranks the top cover letter writing advice that will help you land an interview and hopefully a job. What is the importance of a cover letter? How do you write a better cover letter? It's time to tackle the mysterious cover letter and how to improve yours.
Cover letters are used by employers to assess several things. First, they want to get an image of who you are and your personality. Cover letters should express you, and be tailored for specific jobs. For example, if you're writing a cover letter to a law firm, keep it professional. However, if you're writing a cover letter for a position as a comedy writer, it's important to let your humor shine through. Second, cover letters are an easy way for employers to see how well you can communicate and write. With this in mind, cover letters are an essential part of the application process. A good cover letter entices a hiring manager to pick up the phone and offer an in-person interview.
What should you avoid in a cover letter? What are the biggest cover letter mistakes? A letter that's too vague is an easy dismissal. On the other hand, a cover letter that's long and wordy is easy to skip over. Read on for more tips on writing a better cover letter and cast your votes below for the best cover letter tips.
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Tailor It
Never send a cover letter to a job without tailoring it for a specific position. Even if it's similar, update it with the correct job title and to whom it's addressed.
Address Company Values
Try to create parallels in your cover letter by reinforcing how much you know about the company and how your past experiences apply to their position. It's a simple way to impress employers.
Show What You Can Offer
Don't highlight why the opportunity would be great for you, instead explain why you'd be great for the company. Show the company why you'd be a good fit.
Show Off Your Writing Skills
Your cover letter should be a sample of how well you communicate, so be sure to kick it up a notch. You don't have to be Hemingway, but take the opportunity to make the best impression you can.
Be Clear
Show that you're genuine and that you're interested in the position. Be direct, be precise, and be reasonable.
Summarize, Then Write
Brainstorm three bullet points that you want to address and create a small outline. Fill out those headlines with experiences that can back up your claims.
Send It to the Right Person
Don't mistakenly address your cover letter to someone who isn't in the right department. It looks sloppy and gives off a bad impression that you don't know who you want to work for.
Don't Add Unnessecary Attachments
If you're emailing your resume and cover letter, write your cover letter in the body of the email itself and only attach your resume and any relevant (and requested) work samples. Attaching your cover letter as a separate document is a great way to ensure it won't be read.
Follow the Application Instructions
If the application tells you to answer specific questions, be sure that they're answered in your letter. Not following instructions is an easy way to land in the "no" pile.
Find a Contact
Generally, try your best to find the name of the hiring manager and address it directly to that person. Only use "To Whom it May Concern" in a pinch.