Tailoring your cover letter for each job you apply to adds a bit of time to the application process, but yields excellent results. Customization means personalizing the message to the recipient, which makes you stand out from your competitors.
Appeal to the Person Responsible for Hiring
You should customize your cover letter with the hiring manager in mind. Since that’s the person who can make your dreams come true, it pays to target them precisely. You should have very little trouble finding information when performing standard research. Add the person’s name, and if you’re feeling adventurous, add something personal based on insights you’ve gleaned.
Drop Names for Bonus Points
The world of business runs on personal connections, so don’t be afraid to drop names. If you know people at the company, especially those who would recommend you, add their names in your customized cover letter.
Sometimes a personal recommendation is the fastest way to ensure employment. If you have the potential to tap into existing workers for a kind word, use it.
Clarify Where You Learned About the Opportunity
It’s worth going over where you heard about the opportunity. Most companies are interested in learning how active their job postings are, so this bit of extra information will give them needed insights. It could earn you a bit more attention during the application process.
Display Your Expertise
Ultimately, potential employers are looking to hire the most qualified applicants. Point out why you’re that person in the cover letter. Doing so will help cement you in the mind of the hiring manager as an expert.
Take the extra time to match your qualifications with each of the individual job requirements. That saves the manager from having to dig through too much material. It also elevates your standing because it demonstrates how pro-active you are and the fact that you’re thorough.
Mention Your Results and Skills
It’s also worth recapping your skills and results early on in your cover letter. That helps reinforce that you’re the best candidate and ready for the position.
If possible, you should also match your skills to the requirements. That way, your potential employer will immediately know you’re perfect for the job. It should always be your goal to get the message that you’re the best candidate through in your writing. It may take some time to craft the ultimate letter but think about the rewards.
Don’t Neglect Formatting
Despite wanting to put as much information as possible in the letter, it’s also essential to format it correctly. That means breaking up the message into sections and using techniques like unstructured lists to make things more transparent.
People tend to avoid reading a wall of text. They’re more likely to absorb the details of a letter with excellent formatting.
Double Check Everything
It’s also on you to turn in a mistake-free cover letter and application. Errors will alert your potential employer to the idea that you’re sloppy. That’s the last image you want to present to a long-term employer prospect. It’s worth checking for grammar and factual errors at least a few times before you decide your letter is complete.
With a well-constructed cover letter, it will be easier to get interviews. Hiring managers see all sorts of messages and applications, so many that they may start to blur together in their minds. That’s why it’s worth putting together a composition that forces them to recognize your prowess.
Finding a new job is challenging, but represents an ideal way to move up in the world. Put effort into the initial process, and securing your new job will become more straightforward. A fantastic custom cover letter will help immensely.