5 Tips to Improve Your Cover Letter
Your cover letter is a persuasive writing document that allows you to introduce yourself and make a positive first impression. It allows you to include information that might not be captured within your resume and helps to demonstrate how your expertise can add value to the specific position.
Your cover letter should highlight your most relevant skills, qualifications and personal characteristics and it should also help the company understand why you want to work there.
Cover Letter Structure
The structure of a cover letter consists of an introduction, body and closing. In the introduction do your best to capture the reader’s attention so that they continue reading your entire letter. In the introduction, include a statement of intent, that identifies the intention of the letter.
For example:
“I am excited to express my interest in applying for the Store Manager position and use this opportunity to apply my skills in team development, inventory management, and guest and supplier relations.”
The body paragraphs should include the supporting details for the statement of intent, and should also provide a summary of relevant qualifications, strengths and supporting evidence.
The closing statements of the cover letter should summarize your main points and include a call to action for the reader. Think about what you expect the reader to do after reading your letter. If you are asking them to contact you, make sure that you provide your contact information.
5 Tips to Improve Your Cover Letter
1. Use keywords from the job posting.
The job posting will typically contain an overview of the characteristics and qualifications that the job requires. Make it easy for the hiring manager to identify that you meet the criteria for the position by including the key words and skills from the posting in your cover letter.
2. Avoid dense paragraphs.
Use small paragraphs of 1-3 sentences each and get to the point quickly in order to avoid losing the reader’s attention. Your entire cover letter should be no more than 1 page.
3. Customize.
One cover letter does not fit all. Customize your cover letter for every job application and make sure to highlight skills relevant to the specific job/company/industry.
4. Don’t plead or exaggerate.
Don’t project any desperation by begging for a job. Use confident language that demonstrates your value. Don’t overestimate or exaggerate any of your abilities or experience. Hiring managers know exactly what to look for and if they find out that you were less than honest, it will damage your reputation and sacrifice your opportunity for the job.
5. Camouflage first person pronouns.
“I” is often overused in cover letters and it can make the letter come off as being self-centred or autobiographical. Use a variety of vocabulary to construct a professional letter and avoid using “I” or “My” at the beginning of sentences.
And don’t forget to proofread… twice! Make a great first impression by avoiding any grammar and spelling errors.
Good luck!
