A cover letter is a written document that accompanies and complements your resume or CV. It is your chance to introduce yourself and express your interest in a specific job or company. It is pretty much an opportunity for you to highlight the skills and experiences you possess that are likely to be attractive to your potential employers.
In a bid to position yourself well, it’s important that your cover letter provides a good first impression so as to compel your potential employers into believing that you are a great candidate for their open role.
Why are Cover Letters Important?
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It elaborates on the information on your resume.
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It makes you stand out from other applicants.
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It expresses your interest in the vacant position.
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It shows the level of knowledge you have acquired in relation to the company, business organization or industry.
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It depicts how your skills and experience can assist the company.
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It proves you understand the needs of the company
Now that we have established how important a cover letter is when applying for a job, let’s move on to the elephant in the room. Selling yourself!
The art of selling yourself in a cover letter refers to your ability to effectively communicate your qualifications, skills, and experiences in a way that makes you stand out as the best candidate for the job. I hate to be blunt, but the fact is that no recruiter will invite you for an interview if you fail to impress in your cover letter.
Tips for Effectively Selling Yourself in a Cover Letter:
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Tailor your cover letter to the specific job and company: Doing this shows your potential employers that you have done your research and understand exactly what they are looking for in a candidate. For example, if the employer mentions leadership skills as a requirement in the job description, you may want to discuss instances when you took charge of a project and motivated your team.
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Say more about the information on your resume: Think of your cover letter as a way to add depth and personality to your resume. It’s a chance to expand on the highlights of your professional background and give a more detailed picture of who you are and how you can contribute to the company. Instead of just listing your experience and skills, your cover letter is where you can show how you plan to put them into action. For example, you can explain how your previous role at XYZ makes you a suitable candidate for the position you are applying for.
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Exhibit your passion for the job and the organization: In your cover letter, it’s important that you explain why you’re interested in the job. Your potential employers need to know why you chose them over their competitors, and you need to convince them that you are not only qualified but highly motivated to work for them.
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Show your understanding of the industry or field where the company operates: In your cover letter, you need to show your potential employers that you are well-versed in the industry in which they operate. For example, you can write that you have three years of experience working in the industry. This will help in convincing them that you are a good candidate for the job and thus, earn you an interview.
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Keep it concise and on one page: A cover letter should be one page long. Hiring managers don’t have all the time in the world! Thus, it’s important to go straight to the point and only include the most important information. Ensure to use simple language in your cover letter. There is no need for fancy grammar.
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Include your contact information: Just so the employer can reach you. This could be in the form of a header with your name, phone number, and email address, or in an email signature if sent electronically.
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Close with a strong call to action: End your cover letter with a call to action, such as asking for an interview or requesting a follow-up call from your prospective employers.
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Proofread the cover letter: Ensure to go through your cover letter carefully before submitting it. Trust me, the last thing you want to do is submit a cover letter filled with spelling, punctuation, or grammar errors. So do yourself a favor and make use of proofreading tools such as Grammarly. It’s also a good idea to have someone else review your cover letter.
BOTTOM LINE
By following the tips discussed above, you will be able to write an effective professional cover letter that will help you stand out from the competition and finally get that interview call for your dream job.