Discovering Dreams

In many cases, your cover letter will matter most to your interviewer and serve as a vessel to portraying your thought about the position to them. When writing your cover letter it is vital to consider the following items:

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• Keep it Short and Sweet: You don’t want your cover letter to exceed a page in length. Furthermore, you want to make sure you are only inputting the vital information and not fluff.

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• Don’t Start With Your Name: Your interviewer is already going to be aware of your name, so use your space wisely and get straight to the point.

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• However, Do Include Your Interviewer's Name: By including the name of your interviewer with the proper title (Mr., Mrs., Ms., etc.) you are creating a more personal connection with them as well as showing your respect. If you don’t know their name, perhaps use their title in addressing them.

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• Tell a Story With Your Cover Letter: Allow your cover letter to develop your background as to how you heard of the company, why you are interested in what they do, and why you believe you should be considered for the job. It’s great to tell your story, just remember to keep it brief and to the point.

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• Don’t Just Repeat Your Resume: Use your cover letter as an opportunity to explain your skills and experiences that you weren’t able to include in your resume. In your cover letter don’t just state the facts, expand upon what your experiences taught you and how your skills can contribute to your potential job.

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• Showcase Your Skills... Not Necessarily Your Education: You want to be able to show your interviewer why you are qualified for the job and what you can bring to the table, however, you don’t just want to tell your employer what you did in school. Many younger interviewees make the mistake of heavily relying on their education when, in reality, employers tend to look for work experience.

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• Stay Positive: Don’t apologize for skills you don’t have. Remember to stay positive and focus on what you are capable of and can bring to the company. You are more likely to make a good impression if you don’t draw attention to what you are lacking in and only highlight what you are capable of.

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• Don’t Be Too Formal: Make sure you come across as friendly, intelligent, and personable. Being overly formal can make you appear to be robotic or even cold, so by being polite and being yourself, you can greatly increase your chances at getting your desired job.

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• Consider Using a Unique Template: You want something that is appropriate but stands out. Look for different templates that can showcase your professionalism while also standing out to your interviewer.

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• Be Genuine: Employers aren’t looking for a cookie-cutter person! They want to get to know the person they are hiring for who they are and also see that they aren’t exaggerating their desire for the position. Be calm, be collected, and be yourself.

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• Know Your Audience: Make sure you know who you are are being interviewed by. You don’t want to go into a room full of farmers and speak in advanced professional jargon. Make sure you talk in a way they will understand and you will be able to get your point across.

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• Don’t Allow Your Fear of Boasting to Get in the Way: Make sure you tell your employer what you are capable of and why you are the most qualified for the position. You don’t want to come across as too prideful, but at the same, you want to make sure your interviewer gets the full knowledge of who you are.

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• Have Someone Proof-Read It: Allow a friend or a coworker to read your letter and verify if you described yourself how they would describe you. You want to be as genuine as you can during your interview, so make sure you are telling your interviewer the right information.

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• Edit: You want to make sure the letter you are sending in is as perfect as you can make it. Be clear, be concise, and be persuasive.

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• Most Importantly, Care About Standing Out: If you walk into an interview and have the exact same qualifications as everyone else, then there is nothing to differentiate you and ensure you a position at the company. By including information that allows you to stand out, you are increasing your opportunities to be accepted into the company and allow yourself to start on your path to your new life.

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Please click on the image to view the full cover letter example.

 

 

 

Don’t forget, making sure your point is clear and well received is vital in the creation of your cover letter. Most importantly, though, is making sure you stand out from the rest of the interviewees, increasing your chances at being given the job.

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