4-Step Formula to Writing Better Cover Letters
[Source: Vault.com] For the full article, please click here: https://www.vault.com/blogs/resumes-cover-letters/4-step-formula-to-writing-better-cover-letters
Writing a cover letter when applying for jobs is the easiest way to improve your chances of getting the job. In fact, hiring experts believe good cover letters increase your chances of getting hired by about 90 percent. And these days, just like they use application tracking systems to scrape resumes, hiring managers use ATS software to scrape cover letters, meaning it's now more than ever before essential to write great letters. With that in mind, here are four simple steps you can take to create cover letters that will stand out.
Step #1: Impress within 30 seconds
First impressions are vital. A cover letter is the first interaction between hiring managers and applicants. Unlike your resume, your cover letter is your chance to get your personality across. The objective is to make the reader curious enough to read your resume or invite for a job interview. You have only 30 seconds to impress hiring managers—this is the average time they spend on reading an application. The maximum length of a successful cover letter is half a page or a couple of short paragraphs. One-page long letters are evidence of applicants’ inability to get their messages across concisely. It also shows a lack of respect for the recruiter’s time. On the other hand, the two-sentence message with little substance often ends up in the trash bin.
Step #2: Personalize
Don’t use the same cover letter for every job you apply for. To personalize your application, you should do some research on the company (website, articles, social networks), find the name of the person who’s recruiting (use Google, LinkedIn, and other social networks or call the company), and perhaps find a project you’re interested in at the company and tell how you can improve it by using your skills and experience. With your cover letter, your goal is to show that you took time and effort to write to the company—and to that company specifically. Your letter will stand out among the crowd of applicants if it contains company-specific information. Note that if you can’t find the name of the hiring manager, use “Dear hiring manager” rather than “To whom it may concern.”
Step #3: Remember, it’s not about you, it’s about them
Don’t start writing a cover letter with how good you are or what you want. You also don’t want to explain why you need the job. Instead, one of the most important cover letter tips is to tell the hiring officials what you can do for the company or a project. Avoid writing, “I am looking for a company where I can advance my career.” If you don’t have an idea on how you can be helpful in the position you’re applying for, use something like: “I am sure I would be a great set to your team, because …” Remember, you want to get across how you can help a company and what you can add to it, not what it can do for you. You would be surprised at how many applicants get this wrong, so remembering this will significantly improve your chances of getting the interview.
Step #4: Put it in the body of the email and check grammar
These days, you should almost never send your cover letter as an attachment. Attaching it adds an unnecessary step—which might never be taken. By attaching another document, you add obstacles for a manager to read your application. So make sure to send it in the body of an email. Also, it should go without saying, but you should always proofread your letter closely and check for any grammatical mistakes; you might want to use online services or a professional proofreader for that. Here are some things to look out for: make sure to use active sentences rather than passive ones, don’t use intensifiers like very or extremely, never use emojis, and use Mr. or Ms. plus a surname when addressing the letter, rather than a first name (and if you don’t know if it’s Ms. or Mrs. use Ms.).
Gies Career Services – Final Thoughts
- If you have any questions regarding cover letters or would like your letter reviewed, feel free to drop by Gies Career Services (1033 BIF) Monday-Friday between 10:00am-4:00pm or schedule an appointment on Gies Groups. A career advisor will be more than happy to assist you!
- We also hosted a cover letter workshop earlier this month so if you would like access to the slides “Preparing for the Job Search: Writing Cover Letters”, please click here
- Vault.com has an entire section on cover letter writing. There are cover letter samples and videos on cover letter basics. Here are some highlighted videos:
- Our office has subscribed to Vault.com and current students have unlimited access to dozens of career-related articles and career exploration e-guides (costs around $30 per guide but is available to current students for free). To register an account, visit the Gies College of Business Exclusive Vault Access URL: http://access.vault.com/career-insider-login.aspx?aid=279266
Regards,
Deb
Deborah Hom
Associate Director, Career Services
1033 Business Instructional Facility, 515 E. Gregory Drive, Champaign
217.300.3274 | dhm@illinois.edu