The cover letter is a job application tradition that can make or break your chances at getting that elusive interview. Let’s face it: cover letters aren’t fun to write; it feels awkward to write about oneself so brazenly. There is a fine balance between flat out bragging and understating your skills, but the truth is, your cover letter is the only way to show your interest in a position and unique qualities to a hiring manager. At larger companies, computer programs often sort applicants into groups based on matching keywords found in submitted resumes. If your resume is deemed a good fit for the open position by the program, only then will human eyes see your resume and cover letter. So what are the keys to writing an eye-catching cover letter?
First, just like your resume, your cover letter must be tailored to each job application. Never write one form letter to send to many companies. Do a little research about the opening you are applying for, or speak with someone who has a similar position and ask them what the most important factors are in their particular job. Then, use this knowledge to explain why you would be a great fit for the position beyond the requirements outlined in the posting. Mention the specific company’s overall mission statement and how it aligns with your career goals. This kind of initiative shows the person reading your cover letter that you are genuinely interested in this position and are motivated to educate yourself about it. Taking the time to write a personalized letter can really go a long way in the eyes of the hiring manager reading several cover letters for a single position.
Back up your strengths. Tell them why you’re a perfect fit for the position and then give an example of when you demonstrated the qualities you state. The best way to convince someone that you have writing skills is to give them writing samples. This concept goes for any skills you have. Give specific examples of when you were in a similar position as what the company is looking for. If you are applying for a position which requires the use of a specific lab technique or computer program, you should explain a time when you used these skills, and what the outcome was. Talking about your skills and experience in a specific manner is the best way to convince someone that you actually do have the experience you claim.
Lastly, use your personality to your advantage. There is only one of you, as they say, and although there may be someone else out there with a very similar skill set, your personality can make your letter memorable. Try to stay away from the typical phrases such as “Enclosed is my resume...” or “I believe I am an ideal candidate for this position...” and opt for something you might actually find yourself saying in a real face-to-face conversation. It is important to be yourself, and you are unique, but do not let your letter become too casual, either. Your cover letter is your first opportunity of communication with a potential employer, so make it resonate with the person reading it.
Writing a cover letter can be tough, but trust me, it gets easier once you’ve written a few. There are plenty of additional resources online that can help you with overall outline, formatting, and composition of your cover letter, so don’t let yourself get stuck. Happy writing!