Cover letters, most people don`t like writing them and when they do, they’re never the focus of the application. A lot of people believe that the cover letter has lost its relevance today and are reluctant to input time and effort into its creation. The cover letter is as important as it was ever been if not more! Here, I aim to offer an insight into the importance of a cover letter, along with some solid advice on how to write an attention-grabbing one.
In today`s job market every open position receives high volumes of applications. Most big companies today use a combination of applicant tracking software and a recruiting officer to find suitable candidates. A cover letter is an important tool in separating you from the crowd, it’s an insight into your personality and a way of bringing some life to an otherwise dry application. In a sea of resumes with similar expertise, a good cover letter will tell the hiring manager “Hey, I am the right person for the job and the right person for your team!”
To write a good cover letter you need to address a few key points, let`s explore a bit to give you the best possible chance for an invite to an interview.
Research the company you are targeting, and try to go beyond their about us page, focusing on their core values. Show the recruiters the ways in which your expertise and personality align perfectly with the company, and why you want to work for them. Maybe it is their special environmental policy, or you are fascinated by some research or project they are pioneering. Maybe you love the fact that it was the first one to implement a new way of working, whatever it is, it should display you as an answer to what they’re seeking.
You need to assure the recruiters that you will be a good fit for the team and the overall corporate culture. This is why you should be yourself when writing the cover letter while still maintaining a professional tone. Again, take the time to get to know the company, If they regularly play a sport as a team or have some recurring activity that you also like don`t forget to emphasize that fact. Most importantly put in focus what are the unique advantages of what you will bring to your new team!
Recruiters are reading hundreds of these letters on a daily basis so always be precise. It is the quality, not the quantity that counts.
There you have it, now that you understand the importance of a good cover letter, be sure to implement this advice when applying for your next position. If well written, it could be the tipping point.
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