When you’re looking for a new job, you write – and send –many cover letters. And if you’re not getting the response you hoped for, it makes sense to take another look at those cover letters to make sure they are portraying you and your unique skill set in your best possible light.
Here are five “quick fixes” that can help your cover letter do its best work:
- Are you sending form letters? A generic cover letter reads like a generic cover letter. Resist the urge to send the same cover letter to every employer. Instead, spend some time looking at the company’s goals and culture; then write a letter to this hiring manager and team.
- Does your cover letter repeat your resume or the job description? While using keywords that appear in the job description is essential, your cover letter will waste precious space if it simply lists the same things that are on your resume or that appear in the job posting. Instead, choose one or two outstanding accomplishments to exemplify the skills listed in the job description, and tell a story about those accomplishments.
- Do you use space well? A cover letter that is a single paragraph or block of text can be difficult or impossible to read. Use white space between paragraphs to make the letter easier for the hiring manager to scan. And keep your paragraphs short to make vital information easier to digest.
- Is everything spelled correctly? Don’t rely on spell or grammar check software. Have a few friends look the letter over to make sure words are spelled correctly in context. And triple-check your contact information – you don’t want to miss out on a job because you accidentally typed your phone number wrong!
- Does the letter include a clear next step? At the end of the letter, include a statement of your next step, such as “I will contact you in a few days” or even “I look forward to hearing from you.” This makes it clear you’re committed to the hiring process and you want to be kept in the loop.
At THE RIGHT STAFF, LLC, our experienced recruiters can help you craft a cover letter and resume that stand out for all the right reasons – and help you land the Somerset, Wisconsin, job you’re looking for. Contact us today to learn more.
