The fall semester is almost over, which means for soon-to-be graduates, there's only five or six more months before it's time for the real world. Whether you're gearing up to nab that last internship or preparing for the job for the rest of your life, you will need to know how to write a cover letter. Cover letters are the holy grail of job applications. Since your resume is only glanced over, your cover letter becomes the single most important aspect of your application. In fact, 91 percent of executives polled said cover letters are valuable when evaluating job candidates. But how do you write an excellent cover letter? These five tips will show how!
1. It's not about you.
Anyone in the field of argument and persuasion will tell you that an effective argument is about appealing to your listener's values. Extrapolate that further and you get that persuasion is about appealing to what the other person wants. This applies to job hunters. Job hunters aren't interested in hearing about you; they want to know how you can benefit them. An effective cover letter demonstrates that you understand what the company needs and that you are the best person to give it to them.
Of course, this entails that you do another thing . . .
2. Do your research
What is the job you are applying for? Is the description common, or is the job title more nuanced and needing research? Make sure to research what the position is for so that you can drop comments within your cover letter about how you are the best person for the position. Moreover, research the company and what they do so you can wow them with your knowledge in the introduction. This shows preparation and attention to detail.
3. Less is more
Don't spend so much time on your cover letter. The best type of writing is concise writing. Your cover letter should be between three to four paragraphs in length. Never over a page.
4. Tell a story
OK, it's the part in your cover letter where you explain to your potential employer that you are the best person for the job. How do you say that without rehashing your resume? You tell a story. Pinpoint a time from work, or an experience you had that highlights a skill employers are looking for. Describe a problem that this employer needs to solve, how you solved it in another job, and how you will keep using those skills to help your potential employer in their problem.
5. Finish up strong
I have a secret boilerplate that I've been using for my cover letters at the end. I write that I would love to be a part of the company and use my (skill 1, skill 2, skill 3) to their full potential. It's simple, concise, and it brings everything together and ties it in a nice little bow. Try and use something similar to end your cover letter on a high note.
Cover letters are the best way to show a potential employer your unique skills and personality. Use these tips to craft an excellent cover letter that will score you any job you want. Lastly, always make sure to check your cover letter for grammar or spelling mistakes. Happy writing!