We’ve talked about why you need a cover letter (hyperlink to article 1), now let’s make sure you’re including all the necessary elements to help your cover letter stand out, illuminate your resume, and land you that interview.
#1 – Grab Their Attention
Regardless of the formatting, it is absolutely necessary that you grab the reader’s attention right away. Remember, the hiring manager may only skim your cover letter initially before deciding whether or not to view your resume next. Let them know how you found out about the job opening. Were you referred by a current employee? Are you a customer and you saw it while shopping on the company website? Include reasons on why you are interested in the position to help them understand that direct connection you have to the organization. Make it personal here if you can, and definitely illustrate your enthusiasm up front.
#2 – Share Your Accomplishments
Immediately after the introduction, move on with your accomplishments in an incredibly attention getting manner. Focus right away on the connection between your accomplishments and what the company needs. How can you help them? Listing some key previous accomplishments provides the proof that you can do what you say you can. Be careful not to simply restate accomplishments from your resume, but rather tell the story behind the numbers. Use the cover letter as an opportunity to showcase your alignment with the requirements of the position you’re pursuing. For example, if you’re applying for a sales position, provide accomplishment data that shows you’ve grown sale revenue, or expanded the customer base.
#3 – Follow Directions
Re-read that job posting one more time. Did you remember to include in your cover letter anything specifically requested in the job posting? This is the third must-have for your letter, and a crucial one. For example, maybe the posting asked for salary history or your desired salary for the position applied for. (Do not, as a pro tip, include salary information unless you are specifically asked for it.) Other times, the hiring manager might ask for some specific information that might include scheduling availability, willingness to relocate, or references up front. If you fail to include asked-for information in your cover letter, your application will likely be discarded because you’ve already shown yourself as someone who can’t follow directions. Make sure you’re demonstrating the ability to follow along, do what they’re asking for, and give them the specific information that they have requested in the posting.
#4 – A Call to Action
Lastly, your cover letter needs a strong closing statement. The best closing statement is actually a call to action. You’re either inviting the prospective employer to contact you or – even better – letting the hiring manager know when you will be contacting them for a following up. Always include your preferred contact method, as the easier it is for a hiring manager to reach you, the easier it will be to schedule your interview. You may also want to use the last bit of cover letter real estate to address why it is that you’re looking for a new position. Keep it professional – don’t overshare personal details or lead the conversation in a negative direction. But many hiring managers do wonder if you’re good at your job, why you are leaving your current position, and why you want to come work for them.
A great cover letter is the key to grabbing the hiring manager’s attention, highlighting key accomplishments, giving the hiring manager the information they requested from you, and most importantly, facilitating the next steps in the interview process.
