10 tips for a more engaging cover letter

As the years go by, many people are saying that cover letters are starting to become more

and more irrelevant to when it comes to your job search. Please know that this is not

true. Just because employers aren’t asking for cover letters directly, it is still important to

include one.

The cover letter is your way to show you personality. As you know, the resume is very

limited when it comes to expressing who you are. The cover letter is that perfect

opportunity to show the employer who you are beyond the resume.

Keep in mind, the cover letter has to be impressive in order to capture the recruiter’s

attention. There are certain steps you must follow to give yourself a better chance of

being selected for an interview, and having a memorable cover letter is a very important

step to impress the prospective employer. Here is a list of some of the top 10 tips for a more engaging cover letter.

1. Make Use of Sample Letters

The first thing you should do when writing a cover letter is search for some sample

letters. Try to find a common thread, or the basic element in all the cover letters you read.

The writing method should be modified to the specific job that you are applying to. It

should include your professional experience and skill sets which should be stated in

detail. If you lack experience in one area, highlight those areas where you have more

experience.

2. Select the Right Job

If you don’t believe you’re the best candidate for a job then the best option is to drop it

all together. You should apply for jobs that fit your qualifications. It’s better for you to

spend your energy and time in what will offer you the most value. If you are not fit for a

specific job, don’t waste your time on it. Move on and get the one that you are really

qualified for as this forms the basis of your cover letter and the entire interview process.

3. Be Brief and Simple

Cover letters should be as concise as possible. Employers just have time for snappy sights

before they move to the next application letter. Keep away from long collections of

memoirs and compose just what is relevant for the position you’re applying to.

4. Take note of important topics to be addressed in your cover letter. These are:

• The position you’re applying for.

• Where you found the job.

• Short introduction of yourself/personality.

• Why you are perfect candidate for the job

5. Make it Unique

I know how tempting it is to send the same cover letter to more than one employer,

especially when you are not sure of what kind of job you really want, and don’t have time

to write many different letters. However, this strategy will fail more often than not.

No doubt it’s tempting, but mass-sent cover letters are also mass-sent to the recycle bin.

The employers are professional people and can easily tell when they look at a non-unique

cover letter. No job is the exact same as another job, and the same goes for cover letters.

6. Avoid Grammar Mistakes

This is easy, yet difficult. In fact one of the most common mistakes on cover letters is

grammar mistakes. A cover letter full of grammar mistakes is guaranteed bin food. It

gives a bad impression. You will be suggesting that you don’t care, don’t pay attention to

details, or that you are not patient. So you should try as much as possible to do away with

any grammar errors as this negatively affects your reputation, and minimizes your

chances of being chosen for an interview for the position.

7. Be Clear With Your Intended Position

If you take a close look at a job description you will notice how much emphasis

employers place on providing a clear description of what kind of person they are looking

for. They will give you a detailed description of how they see their ideal employee. In

many cases, they exaggerate in hopes of attracting more than qualified employees. Their

mission is to let you know what kind of job it is and what kind of person it is suited for.

Do the same and give them a clear indication that you understand what the job is all

about. Don’t be so general when you’re matching your skills to the position. Avoid

phrases such as “I can do anything that is required of me”. Be specific of what you can

do, and what you want to do for the organization or the company you are applying to.

8. Let Them Know You’re the Best Candidate

This is where the war is either won or lost! Whenever you write a cover letter, don’t just

write that you are a good candidate with the right experience. You need to let them know.

Actually, you need to tell them you are the one they’ve been looking for. Highlight your

experience, capabilities, and other information you feel are significant for the position

and clarify how it will support you in getting the job done. Highlight exceptional abilities,

great results from past employment or achievements you have and present it in a manner

that is important for the position. If it’s a higher position you will have to present a

comprehensive presentation on how your management skills could help the company

grow. Again remember to be detailed and relevant.

9. Share What Makes You Stand Out

For every cover letter you write, bear in mind there are plenty of other qualified

candidates applying for the job. If it’s a competitive field, expect to have even more

people rivaling you for the vacancy. Without a doubt, most of the applications will head

straight to the recycle-bin within the first minute or two. Employers just don’t have the

time to read 30+ applications for every vacancy. They only need one person for the job

and will continue tossing until they see glimpses of well styled, written, and customized

cover letter. Make sure your cover letter stands out! Share all the relevant details that

make you the best. Don’t spare anything that could make you look better in the

employer’s eyes, they will hire the one that stands out from the rest. Make sure you are

that one.

10. Avoid Lengthy Letters

Lengthy letters are boring to read. Make them as concise as possible including all the

important facts. Keep it short and brief. Use fonts that are clear and easy to read (you can

never go wrong with Times New Roman).

Keep these ten tips in mind when you’re constructing your next cover letter and you

should be in good shape.