Why You Should Spiff Up Your Cover Letter

In a world of excessive self promotion and aggressive job hunting, it is important to stand out.

Once you realise it’s your difference that sets you apart, rather than similarity, composing a concise, unique and well articulated cover letter is the best way to get noticed.

“But I’ve already crafted an impressive resume”, I can hear you say. “Why bother with a cover letter?” Despite what you may think, a cover letter does not serve to recap what you have already stated in your winning resume. Think of it as a chance to present yourself to the hiring manager in a more personalised way.

Here is a little metaphor: If your resume is your commodity, your cover letter is the packaging that ultimately sells the product. And while there are many practical and effective cover letter writing tips, it is essential that you tailor it to the specific needs of the position you are applying for. Also, bear in mind that the resume focuses on you and the past. The cover letter focuses on the employer and the future.

And not only should you introduce yourself to a particular hiring manager, you should do it with style, passion and determination. Effective communication is 20% what you know and 80% how you feel about what you know. In order to differentiate yourself from other candidates, write a compelling story that will highlight your strengths and achievements, show your motivation and explain why you would fit the position perfectly.

The importance of making a favourable first impression cannot be overstated. So, seize the opportunity to present your professional self in the best possible light. And at this stage of the recruiting process the only tool you have at your disposal is – the language. The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak. So, be clear, organised and succinct. Like Shakespeare said, “Brevity is the soul of wit”.

On the other hand, short does not mean shallow and superficial. You don’t want your cover letter to be lacking in structure and substance. A well written cover letter includes well organised paragraphs and is no more than one page in length. And it serves to complement rather than repeat or rewrite your resume. Your whole writing should centre around answering the two ways: 1. Why am I applying for this particular position? and 2. Why am I the perfect candidate for the role?

Be as specific as you can. Try avoiding any generic content that is not relevant to the position you are applying for. Conduct a thorough research on the employer and make an effort to sell yourself as an individual by telling them what you can do for them. Learn the company’s values and show them how truly passionate you are about the position. In today’s insanely competitive job market, a strategically tailored cover letter simply is a summary of your best job related selling points.

If a perfect resume is all about the right information, an interview-landing cover letter is about – communication. Although the two words are often used interchangeably, bear in mind what Sydney J. Harris, an American journalist, once said, “Information is giving out; communication is getting through.” Therefore, use your cover letter to communicate your ideas, concepts and a business vision.

Your cover letter is your chance to self-promote in a way that will tease the hiring manager into wanting to get to know you more closely. The more inspiring ideas you have to offer, the more attention you are going to grab. Once you make a compelling case for your candidacy, you are almost certain to land the interview. And it is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.

Finally, conclude your letter with a strong closing sentence. Make it sound assertive and infuse it with enthusiasm: “I am ready to take up the challenge and look forward to speaking with you personally”, or anything along those lines. Whatever the outcome, instead of regretting not achieving enough success in life, you should only regret not taking advantage of life’s many opportunities. Ultimately, your chances of success in any undertaking can always be measured by your belief in yourself.