6 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR COVER LETTER STAND OUT

Cover letters do, in fact, get read!

So if you want your cover letter to stands out, try these 6 cover letter tips!

1. TAILOR EACH OF YOUR COVER LETTERS

Companies want to see that you really want to work for them. Don’t fall into the trap of sending the same letter to each job application – make sure you tailor the letter for each position you apply for. There’s nothing more off putting than reading a stock cover letter that is flat and impersonal, and those letters usually end up being thrown away.

 

2. ADDRESSING YOUR LETTER TO THE RIGHT PERSON

Address your cover letter to the name of the person recruiting. If you don’t know who the letter is going to, some quick research on Google or a couple of phone calls can uncover that information for you. Try to avoid addressing the letter ‘To Whom It May Concern’.

 

3. TELL THEM HOW GOOD YOU CAN BE FOR THE ROLE

Employers want to know what you are going to bring to the role and company and you can work this into your cover letter. Don’t make the mistake of telling them how good the role would be for you – rather tell them how good you can be for the role!

 

4. DON’T BE SHY, TELL THEM WHY YOU’RE A GOOD CANDIDATE

You need to be able to sell yourself and write how and why you are a good candidate for the role. For some people it’s hard to write about themselves so here’s a handy tip: imagine that you are someone else writing the cover letter about yourself. How would a friend or previous employer write about your skills and value? For example: “John would be a good candidate for this role because…” Once you’ve finished, just make sure that you rework your letter changing it to first person “I would be a good candidate for this role because…”

5. INCLUDE ALL THE INFORMATION REQUESTED

Be sure to include any information that has been asked for. If there is a selection criteria that needs to be addressed make sure you include that. Not including the information that the employer is asking is a sure way of being overlooked.

 

6. TRIPLE CHECK BEFORE YOU SEND

CHECK, CHECK, CHECK – carefully check your letter for any mistakes, errors or incorrect information. One of the biggest turn offs for an employer are errors on the application.

 

Once you have your cover letter sorted, check out what you need to include on your resume.

Good luck with your job search!

 

Anne Southall

 

 

 

Author: Anne Southall

Anne has worked in the recruitment business since the 1980’s and has a wealth of knowledge and experience.
Anne loves working with people and finding the right person for the job.

Cover Letters