Want your cover letter to hit the mark? Tailor it to the business and role in 6 steps 🎯

Have you ever wondered why some job applications stand out while others get lost in the pile? 🌟

Imagine Rachel, fresh out of college, on her way to her first-ever job interview.

She's nervous but confident because she knows her cover letter is tailored perfectly to the company she's applying to.

Tailoring your cover letter to the specific business and role you're applying to will increase your chances of getting hired.

Here are some tips to make your cover letter stand out!

A cover letter is your introduction to a potential employer. It provides context to your resume and explains why you are the best fit for the job, setting you apart from other candidates.

Benefits:

• Personalization: Gives you the opportunity to tailor your application to the specific job and company, showing that you've done your research and are genuinely interested.

• Highlighting key skills: Emphasizes the most relevant skills and experiences

• Demonstrating enthusiasm: Shows your enthusiasm for the role and the company.

• Addressing gaps on your resume: Allows you to positively address gaps in your employment history or other concerns.

So, a cover letter is the same as a resume, right?

So, what's the difference?

Cover Letter

• Narrative format: Written in a more conversational and narrative style.

• Personal touch: Allows you to show your personality and passion.

• Very specific to the job: Tailored to each specific job application, addressing the company's needs and how you can meet them.

• Length: Typically one page long.

Resume

• Structured format: Follows a structured format with bullet points and sections.

• Objective and factual: Focuses on listing your skills, experiences, and achievements in a concise manner.

• General overview: Provides a general overview of your career history and qualifications.

• Length: Usually one to two pages long, depending on your experience.

Company Research

In the cover letter, you'll want to mention any recent news or projects the company has been working on.

That's why understanding the company you're applying to helps you tailor your cover letter to align with their values, culture, and needs.

Start with the company's official website, social media profiles, and recent news articles. Networking with current or former employees on LinkedIn can also provide valuable insights.

Identify Key Points

Identify the company's core values, recent achievements, and specific job requirements. Mention any recent news or projects that impress you, and highlight how your skills match the job description. This shows you're well-informed and genuinely interested!

Format and Layout

• Header: Include your contact information and the employer's details. For example, list your name, address, phone number, and email at the top, followed by the employer's name, title, company, and address.

• Salutation: Address the letter to a specific person, e.g., "Dear [Hiring Manager's Name],"

• Introduction: Grab attention with a strong opening, e.g., "I am excited to apply for the [Job Title] at [Company Name] because my goals align with your mission to [company's goal]."

• Body: Highlight relevant skills and experiences, e.g., "In my previous role at [Previous Company], I successfully [achievement], demonstrating my ability to [skill/experience]."

• Conclusion: Summarize your interest and express enthusiasm, e.g., "I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to [Company Name] and believe my skills make me a strong candidate."

• Closing: Use a professional sign-off, e.g., "Sincerely, [Your Name]".

Check out this example cover letter and these job-specific samples.

Writing a tailored cover letter is crucial because it shows that you've taken the time to understand the company and the specific role you are applying for.

Use your research to enhance your letter and align it with the company's core values.

For example, highlight creativity if they value innovation, or discuss teamwork if they emphasize collaboration. This shows you are a great cultural fit.

Customize it to the specific job and company, incorporating keywords from the job description to pass through Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS).

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) are software applications that help companies manage their recruitment process by scanning applications for specific keywords.

Incorporating keywords from the job description is essential because many companies use ATS to screen applications. These systems scan for specific keywords related to the job.

By including these keywords, you increase the chances of your cover letter passing through the ATS and being seen by a hiring manager.

Imagine this: Our friend Alex is applying for a project manager position at a renewable energy company. The job description highlights the following keywords: leadership, sustainability, and innovation.

Let's look at some examples to see how you can effectively incorporate key information into your cover letter:

A. "I have strong leadership skills, a passion for sustainability, and I am always looking for ways to innovate. I believe these qualities make me a great fit for your company."

B. "In my previous role, I led a team to complete a solar project ahead of schedule, reducing our carbon footprint by 20%. I also innovated energy storage, increasing efficiency by 15%. I'm excited to bring my leadership, sustainability focus, and innovative mindset to your projects."

Language and Tone

Maintain a professional yet personable tone in your cover letter.

This means being formal enough to show respect and professionalism, but also letting your personality shine through. Avoid overly complex language and jargon — instead, aim for clarity and sincerity.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid generic statements that could apply to any job or company.

Tailor your cover letter to the specific role and organization. Don't repeat information from your resume. Use the cover letter to provide additional context and highlight your most relevant experiences.  

Proofreading

Proofreading is crucial to ensure your cover letter is clear, concise, and error-free.

It helps eliminate mistakes, enhances professionalism, and improves credibility. Read your letter out loud to catch any awkward phrasing or mistakes.

Tools like Grammarly can also help identify errors and improve your writing.

Ready to craft a standout cover letter?

Follow these steps to make a lasting impression on your potential employer! Best of luck!