After your resume, the most important job application document for the perfect position is the cover letter. Not all applications require one but it is a great opportunity to make a first impression.
You will need a specific cover letter for every job application; a one size fits all letter is not the answer if you want to convince a potential employer to call you for an interview. The goal of your cover letter is to specifically highlight the reasons why you are an appropriate candidate in a dynamic way.
We have provided you with a few tips to make it easy for you. Apply some of the rules of thumb below and you’ll be on your way to an interview before you know it.
General rules that apply to cover letters:
- Always send a business standard letter not an email (unless instructed to).
- Be honest and to the point or concise in your choice of words.
- Target and address the correct individual.
- Make a personal connection with the potential employer.
- Use the letter as an opportunity to say something you resume doesn’t.
- Demonstrate that you understand what makes the company tick (products, services, history, market standing, goals, challenges, mission statement, industry, client base and culture).
- Address key selection criteria if relevant.
- Only one page is necessary (anything longer is too much information).
- The objective of the cover letter is to convince a potential employer to call you, which brings you one step closer to securing an interview.
If you choose to apply some of these tips, your well written cover letter should sell the idea that you’re a good fit for the company you’re applying to.
The initial impact should be good enough to grab the potential employer’s attention right away. Your introduction will have engaged the decision maker or individual who holds the influence you need.
The reaction you want is something like, “Here’s the kind of person I want on the team” or “This is a person who knows what they are talking about!” If you can achieve this kind of response, you have a potential employer that wants to call you and to meet with you.