5 Useful Tips You Can Use To Write A Winning Cover Letter
5 Useful Tips You Can Use To Write A Winning Job Application Letter
Most of us job seekers often struggle when we have to write cover letters and at times the little mistakes we make can cost us the job that could have been ours.
Here are some tips you can use to write that winning cover letter:
1. Donβt Repeat Your Resume
A lot of people write cover letters as if they were paragraph-form resumes. Fact is, your letter will be stapled (or attached to the same email) as your actual resume, so you can assume that theyβll at least glance at it (and probably with a keener eye than your cover letter). Instead, use your cover letter to show personality, curiosity, and an interest in the field you are applying to work in. My favorite pro tip:Β GoogleΒ around for the history of your field or company, and sprinkle some cool historical facts into your cover letter (or even use one as a lead).Β If I was applying for a job in tech, I might talk about how thrilling it was to see Mooreβs law transform technology before my eyes, and how thrilled I am to be a part of this transformation. If I were applying for a job in fashion, I might talk about how much fashion has changed since the 80s (a lot!). Everything has a hidden history. Use it to show expertise and interest
2. Keep It Short
Less. Is. More. Three paragraphs, tops. Half a page, tops. Skip lengthy exposition and jump right into something juicy
3. Address Nobody
Sometimes, you donβt know exactly who you should be addressing your letter to. Nix the generic and bland βDear Hiring Managerβ or βTo Whom It May Concernβ. If you absolutely donβt know who you should be addressing, then donβt address anybody. Instead, just jump right into the body of the
4. Never ever, ever use the following phrase
βMy name is _, and I am applying for the position as β.They already know this, and youβll sound inexperienced
5. Β Close Strong
Finish off by quickly (and I meanΒ quickly) explaining how your experience or worldview will help you at the job. Thatβs key. Thatβs the closer. And it can be done in one to two seconds. If it goes any longer, youβre just rambling
