Last week we shared some ideas on how to write a good cover letter; one that reflects who you are in a friendly and professional tone. A good cover letter isn’t a rehash of your resume; it is a way to make a good first impression. Below are two more tips.
Highlight the skills and experiences that are relevant to the job. Present your skills and experiences that are most related to the job you want. For those with more job history, summarize several key accomplishments that qualify you for the job, then tie those accomplishments to the job responsibilities. For entry level or recent graduates, elaborate on one key accomplishment that highlights certain skills necessary for the job. When tying your accomplishments to potential job responsibilities, show the recruiter exactly how you’ll contribute to the company.
Learn about the company and show how it relates to you. Researching the company takes time and effort, but it will distinguish you from other candidates. Read blog posts, social media, financial statements, etc. to understand what the company is doing, what it wants to accomplish in the future, and how you can connect to their efforts. If you learned about a particular area or project that you are interested in, mention it. Then say why you are interested and how you can contribute. Tie their work to who you are and what matters to you.
Try these tips with your next cover letter. You will introduce yourself in a unique way and stand out as a candidate.
