The cover letter is one of the hardest things to write, yet jobs are still requiring you to submit one with almost every application! This blog post will give you four cover letter tips to get you hired! Want an already-done-for-you cover letter?! Click here to grab my Fab Grad Career Bundle so that you don’t have to stress over it anymore!
Tip #1: Make it Easy to Read!
Although hiring managers aren’t reading cover letters as much as they use to, it is still very important to include a cover letter with your application! Two tips to make your future employer read your cover letter are:
- Bold one short sentence that clearly highlights your strengths!
- Example: My three years of experience in event planning, risk management, and team-building make a strong candidate for this position.
- Use 3-4 short bullet points near the middle of your cover letter to quickly list why you are qualified for the job!
See how your eyes went straight to black bolded statement? That’s what you want the hiring manager to do too!
Tip #2: Keep it Short and Sweet!
Yes, cover letters feel like writing a very annoying persuasive essay for school. However, it doesn’t have to be super long! Again, employers don’t read cover letters for very long, so get straight to the point and submit that application! Three to four short paragraphs on one page will do!
Tip #3: Answer Three Simple Questions!
Employers want you to get to the point; however, this is easier said than done. Here are three simple questions your cover letter should answer in three short paragraphs:
- Why is this job the job for you?
- What makes you qualified for the position?
- What makes you different from the other applicants?
Tip #4: Expand on Relevant Experience!
The #1 question I get with cover letters is how to make it different from your resume. The simple answer is: On your resume, you explain WHAT you did and on the cover letter, you explain HOW you did it! The key is to explain relevant experience! You do not have to explain every job or accomplishment!
Pro Tip: Give them one or two innovative ideas you would bring to their team if you had the job! This should only be about 2-3 sentences in your second or third paragraph!
Need help with your resume too? Learn how to write a hirable resume here!
