Guest Author - Gwendolyn Thompson
A well written cover letter can substantially improve your chances of getting a job interview over other applicants in a competitive job market like today’s. Personalizing your cover letter will give you the opportunity to describe your unique qualifications when applying for your next job.
When a cover letter is written properly it will demonstrate your communication and organizational skills to a potential employer letting them know that you have done your homework and that you are a serious applicant. Following these cover letter tips will help you create a great first impression.
1. Calling someone by name gets their attention so personalizing your cover letter by addressing the name of the person reading it will get the attention of the reader. Make the cover letter sound natural by speaking directly to the named person in a warm and natural manner.
2. The opening paragraph of your cover letter needs to get attention. Start by focusing on something you found in your research or in the job advertisement that the company is looking for and figure out the benefit you will have on the companies need. Let them know what you can do for them.
3. Keep your cover letter conversational by showing your personality. Brag about your skills by selling yourself through previous accomplishments that are relevant to the job. Customize your cover letter by letting them know why you are right for the job and how you meet the requirements.
4. Make your cover letter as simple as it can be by being clear and concise. Using a block format flush to the left margin and unjustified will make your cover letter appear to have been individually typed and not computer generated. This in turn will make your cover letter appear more personalized.
5. Edit your work again and again checking your spelling, grammar and punctuation. Mistakes on a cover letter will get it and your resume a one way ticket to the shredder. Now show off your writing skills by making yourself the subject of each sentence and avoid starting your sentences with “I”.
These are what I consider to be the top five cover letter tips for making a great first impression and improving your chances of getting an interview for a job. Once you have secured the interview and you have the hiring person’s attention give them what they want, a reason to hire you.
