Is it still necessary to know how to create a cover letter in the age of digital recruiting?
The short answer is, yes, it is.
On the other hand, job seekers frequently treat the cover letter as an afterthought while writing a resume. Alternatively, they may choose not to write one at all.
A cover letter, like a resume, is no longer generally mailed to an employer in the printed copy. Even today's most savvy job seekers manage to include it somewhere in the body of an email message or an online job application. Someone who invests the time and effort to do so will gain an advantage.
Here are tips for writing a cover letter to convince hiring managers and HR professionals to interview you.
1. Write a fresh cover letter for each job
Use a different cover letter for each position you apply for instead of a one-size-fits-all template. If you do, you’re missing the point — only a letter specifically tailored to the job will make a great impression. By linking your cover letter to the aspects of the position that fit your unique skills and expertise, you'll create a cover letter that employers won't be able to ignore. What exactly are they looking for that you excel in? When drafting a cover letter, these are the points to emphasize.
Collecting facts and figures to back up your views is also crucial. For example, if you're going for a management position, indicate the size of teams and budgets you've managed. If you're applying for a sales position, give examples of particular sales goals you've met.
In addition to highlighting your talents, you can further personalize your cover letter by demonstrating your familiarity with the specific industry, employer, and type of position.
2. Include the hiring manager's name
The most common approach to address a cover letter is to include the recipient's first and last name, as well as the words "Mr." or "Ms." (for example, "Dear Ms. Jane Smith" or simply "Dear Ms. Smith"). If you know the organization or industry is more casual, you can drop the title and last name ("Dear Jane"). And if you're not sure whether to use "Mr." or "Ms." based on the name and little Googling, omit the title entirely.
Never use generic salutations like "To Whom It May Concern" or "Dear Sir or Madam" in your cover letters; they're stiff and outdated. If you can't find the hiring manager's name, address your cover letter to the department head for the position you're applying for. If you can't think of someone to address your letter to, try something vague like "Systems Engineer Hiring Manager" or "Account Executive Search Committee."
3. Craft a killer opening line
There's no need to start with your name because the recruiting manager can see it on your resume. It's a good idea to indicate the job you're applying for (the hiring manager might be looking at applicants for a half-dozen different positions), and sure, you could say something simple like, "I am excited to apply for [job] with [Company]." However, consider beginning with a snappy first phrase that showcases your enthusiasm for the organization you're applying to, your passion for the work you do, or your previous achievements.
4. Go beyond your resume
Many job applicants make the mistake of using their cover letter to regurgitate what's on their CV. Don't just say, "I was responsible for locating and re-engaging previous clients." Expand on those bullet points to offer a complete picture of your experiences and accomplishments and demonstrate why you'd be a good fit for the job and the firm.
For example, "I was able to apply both a data-driven approach and a human touch to the mission of re-engaging former clients by evaluating past client surveys, NPS scores, and KPIs, as well as simply picking up the phone."
5. highlight the right experiences
Don't know what abilities and experiences to highlight? The most critical work criteria will usually be put first in the job description or addressed more than once. You'll want to make sure you explain how you'll meet those primary objectives.
Another trick is to use a word cloud tool like WordClouds to identify what stands out in the job description.
6. Keep it brief
The constant flood of information bombarding us nowadays makes lower attention spans than ever before. There are no exceptions to this rule when it comes to cover letters. Because managers are frequently flooded with applications, word economy is critical. If you're printing your cover letter, keep it to one page. It's better to keep things simple.
7. Proofread your cover letter
Last but not least, proofread your work once you've satisfied yourself that you've presented a compelling case for your candidacy. To an employer, typos indicate carelessness or a casual attitude. Even a single misspelling can jeopardize your chances of getting an interview.
After you've given your letter a final polish, ask a friend with solid grammar, punctuation, and spelling skills to review it. Consider providing a copy of the job posting so your friend can make sure you've hit all the right points.
Now try these steps and get that job! If you would like to learn more advice for any self-development topics, you could also consult with us! Also, follow us at Instagram @baikgp and @ayureadypodcast for more information and extra insights!