Why A Cover Letter Is Important When Applying for A Job!

Just as you customize your resume for the job posting you should also customize your cover letter. With sometimes a hundred or more people applying for one single position, take any opportunity to show your voice and what you are passionate about. But do not lay it on too thick! It is okay to be excited about a job or an organization but if your language is too colorful or enthusiastic, it might give the wrong impression.

Think about it as just having a genuine conversation about why you are a great candidate and what skills and abilities you can bring to the table. In a tight job market, taking advantage of any way to set yourself apart from the other applicants is a good thing! Take some time to research the company and read relevant news articles. Look over the company’s website, learn what the mission statement, values, and history. You should incorporate how you are already living those values.

A cover letter is not just to restate what is on your resume, it is an opportunity for you to sell yourself and expand upon your unique accomplishments. What about your personality or background makes you especially good at what you do and will do in the future? Just as you tailored your resume for the specific job description, you should take that up a notch with the cover letter.

Do you have a bullet point on your resume you want to really bring home? Talk about how you approached a project or a complex task and how you accomplished the task. Maybe you have an achievement that you are truly proud of? Talk about why it means so much to you and how it shaped you.

How To Format Your Cover Letter

Start out with your basic contact information and keep the letter short, sweet, and to the point. Try and make it about half a page or a little longer. Do not write a letter longer than a page, with multiple applicants, less is more! Being able to be clear and concise is an admirable tool in business. Before closing out your letter, take a moment to thank the reader/hiring manager for their time and consideration.

Your Full Name

City, State Zipcode

Your Phone Number

Your Email Address

The Date: March 18, 2021

Greeting: To Whom It May Concern/Dear Hiring Manager/Dear Mr. John Smith,

I am an enthusiastic professional with a demonstrated history of strong organizational, management, and interpersonal communication skills. From my time as a former job to my experience in another former role, I will bring strong qualities as a job title at the company’s name. I. I have worked one on one with individuals, candidates and hiring managers where it was crucial to understand the unique situations and backgrounds of everyone.

So, why will I be a great Job Title? Because I have a passion for serving others and the necessary knowledge and skills to help each individual market their own unique qualities. I know the importance of soft skills like communication and personal character that really make the difference when it comes to example 1 and example 2. I’ve worked with blank and blank, and I understand the blank part of this process.

I understand the importance of presenting oneself as a professional and creating a personal unique brand. I want to take what I have learned and share it where it will help people every single day. I truly have the ability to make a difference and I bring that passion and that work ethic to fulfill my dream of helping others.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to learning more about this position and the company.

Signoff: Sincerely/All the best/Very Respectfully,

Your Signature

Your Printed Full Name

After you write your heart on the page, take a break, come back and review your cover letter. Double check your grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Ask a friend, roommate or even your mom to red ink it. Once it is good to go, pair it up with your detailed resume and apply for that job! But, don’t forget to prepare for your interview once you get that call back!