Considering the exceeding number of job seekers and fewer opportunities, it’s no less than a miracle to find a job within a few weeks of your search. But what if we tell you there’s a way to increase your chances of getting an interview? Well, it’s called a cover letter. You’ve probably heard of it but always deemed it unnecessary.
Many job hunters think a cover letter is not important since it’s mostly not mandatory when submitting a job application. However, this seemingly unimportant document can work wonders at convincing employers to give you a call. Surprising, right?
In this blog, we will go over a few ways a cover letter can help you land your dream job. Let’s dive in!
But First, What is a Cover Letter?
To put it simply, a cover letter is a formal sneak peek into your professional life. It’s a way to introduce yourself to an employer when they see your job application. Your resume is only a brief overview of your professional experiences.
And if someone with more experience than you comes along, you will be moved to the bottom of the list immediately. But you can prevent that with a cover letter. Here’s how:
3 Ways Attaching a Cover Letter with Your Job Application Can Prove Helpful
Employers Appreciate Them
Even though recruiters don’t normally ask you to accompany your CV with a cover letter, they still expect you to do so. Many people think employers don’t even read them, and while that’s not entirely false, you still shouldn’t pass on the opportunity to make an impression.
Every candidate would follow all the steps in the application process. But only a few are willing to go the extra mile, and those are the ones that stand out! So, make sure to write a concise yet informative cover letter or get it written from cover letter writing services the next time you apply for a job!
Builds an Instant Connection
Cover letters act similarly to references. It creates a sense of familiarity before the employer even meets you in person. Would you prefer a complete stranger over someone you know something about? Probably not.
Besides, CVs frankly don’t do a good job at introducing you properly. They will just help the recruiter gain insights on your skills and experience. However, landing a job requires more than that. Otherwise, wouldn’t everyone with the right skills and relevant experience get a job straight away?
Gives You a Competitive Edge
Many people have eyes on the same vacancy. So, how do you make sure to get selected out of a pool of qualified candidates? You don’t want to be ghosted simply because someone with a few months more experience got the job you had been aiming for.
Since cover letters give employers a chance to get to know you on a bit more personal level, they are more likely to prefer you over other applicants who didn’t attach one. Consider it as a form of preliminary interview where you will be talking about everything that a recruiter might be interested in knowing about you.
Now that you know all the ways a cover letter can be helpful, let’s give you some tips for writing a cover letter!
5 Tips for Writing a Killer Cover Letter to Impress a Potential Employer
Avoid Generic Cover Letters
One of the biggest mistakes that candidates make is submitting a generic cover letter with their resume. Not only is it ineffective, but it also delivers a bad impression. It makes you look lazy and apathetic. If you are unwilling to put extra effort into a cover letter, it is better to submit your application without one.
Remember, a cover letter is supposed to show your passion and interest in the role. If you fail to do that, then there’s no point in writing it. So, make sure to customize your cover letter according to each job you apply for.
Go Through the Job Description Thoroughly
Another key to writing a compelling cover letter is reading the job description thoroughly. Extract the keywords in the text and strategically place them in your cover letter to make it look like you fit the role perfectly. This is something that even professional CV writers do.
Moreover, the job description may also contain any specific skills or qualifications needed for the role, make sure to discuss those in your cover letter, too. Sometimes, a description also outlines some guidelines for the application format and stuff. If you don’t go through it thoroughly, you might miss these important instructions and end up getting rejected.
Do Your Research
Simply including the right keywords in your cover letter is not enough for convincing the employer. Anyone could have done that; it’s not rocket science! But we have something that could make your cover letter shine.
Look up the company’s website, employee reviews, social media channels, and hiring history if you can find one. These things can provide you with enough information on the company’s culture and values. Employers are often looking for individuals who can fit into their workplace like a piece of the puzzle.
Hence, if you can figure out what personality traits are needed for the job, you can easily reflect them in your cover letter, ensuring the message gets across!
Make It Captivating
Honestly, hiring managers have a lot on their plate. And they might not even read your cover letter if it bores them to tears. Now, you don’t want it to get tossed out only because it wasn’t engaging enough.
To avoid this, make sure to incorporate powerful sentences to motivate the reader to continue reading. Include your best selling points to catch their attention and talk about how you are the perfect match for their company.
And while you should avoid bland sentences, remember that there’s a thin line between interesting and casual. You want to captivate the employer while still maintaining a professional tone!
Keep It Short
You’re not writing an autobiography; it’s just a simple intro. One page should be more than enough for a cover letter. As a general rule of thumb, it shouldn’t exceed 400 words. If it’s any longer than that, you will quickly lose the reader’s attention, and they will move on to something more important that requires their time!
Bottom Line: Writing a Cover Letter Can Make All the Difference
In a nutshell, most people don’t tell you this, but cover letters are more important than we were led to think. And if a job application form has marked it optional, know that they really don’t mean that. It’s a small test to see if you’re willing to go above and beyond to secure the job.
So, it’s time for a change if you are tired of waiting to hear back from hiring managers. Start experimenting with cover letters and notice the difference for yourself. However, make sure to follow the tips mentioned above to write a truly compelling cover letter!
