How to write a Cover Letter
How do you write a cover letter? Why write it? Is it worth it? Yes. A resounding Yes!
There are a number of cover letter examples and cover letter templates available to review but only become effective when you make it your own.
“I’m swimming with a sea of applicants, how can I make my application stand out?” She asked. As a career coach, I have the great fortune of partnering 1:1 with numerous clients who are in the midst of a competitive job market search. This experience provides me with real time insight allowing me to answer her question: Row your own boat and write an authentic and thoughtfully crafted cover letter.
Use it to differentiate your application while making it clear that your experience and skills are aligned with the position you are seeking. That being said, it's not easy to write, review the below suggestions to help write a cover letter.
To ensure an effective cover letter, follow this 4-point advice.
Avoid AI, ChatGPT, and generic templates so it doesn’t literally read like 100+ of other cover letters. Hiring managers can also tell immediately if it was generated by AI. Don’t insult the reader by sending along a generic cover letter.
Research, connect and then infuse your personal style. Take the time to research the role, colleagues, company, and the industry. Reach out and connect with a team member at the organization. Share your connection in the letter. And then, curate a cover letter that reflects your personal style, tone, and genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity. Share why you are drawn to this opportunity in an authentic and personal way.
Cover Letter Format: Be succinct, craft 4 paragraphs, ideally using between 200 and 400 words. Ensure the organization’s address is accurate and the name of the hiring team or manager is spelled correctly.
Cover Letter Template:
1st paragraph, a 3-sentence introduction: Catch attention of hiring manager with a strong opening line. Briefly explain why you are writing, the position you are applying for and how you learned about the opening.
2nd paragraph, Why you? Craft 3 sentences that demonstrate you have the qualifications (spelled out in the job description) that they are seeking.
3rd paragraph, Why them? Provide a genuine explanation, based on your research and understanding
4th, closing. Keep it simple.
4. Customize the letter to the specific job description: Share an accomplishment that shows you can address a challenge that the employer is facing. Pull in keywords from the “Qualifications” section including them in both the 1st and 2nd paragraph. Be clear, demonstrate the alignment of your skills and the position. Your tailored approach also demonstrates your understanding of the role.
This cover letter template will capture the attention of the reader, make a memorable impression, and encourage further outreach. Please do take the time to craft a personalized and authentic cover letter ensuring it outlines and highlights your unique value-add and enthusiasm for the opportunity.
Reach out to Mary @ https://www.cannoncareercoaching.com/ to further discuss and just for the fun of it, share an example of an eye-catching opening line! Looking forward to reading your suggestions. #jobsearch #careercoach #coverletter