The job market may be in a sad state but that doesn’t mean your career or job search have to be.

Stand out among other seekers by upgrading your cover letter.

  • You’re applying because you want to work for the company, right?
    • Sometimes we apply because we need a job but that should not be obvious in your cover letter.
    • Research the brand and truly believe that you want to work for the company because…
    • Make it apparent in your cover letter. Show that you know what you’re talking about.

  • Make the call to personalize your cover letter
    • Dear Sir or Madam, – Would you want to receive a letter that started out so vague?
    • Your answer is most likely, “No.”
    • Call the company and speak with the receptionist. Ask for the contact name of the person who is interviewing/hiring for the position.

  • How to start and what to mention
    • Begin with something familiar. Maybe you heard about the opening through someone who works at the company or a family friend of the person you are contacting.
    • Highlight the key points in your resume – especially the experience that meets all the job responsibilities in the job description.
    • Do not get ahead of yourself by talking about salary and title. These topics will present themselves once you are further along in the interview process.

  • State your intentions
    • Make sure you thank the hiring manager and state when you will be contacting them next to follow up. Make sure you do!

  • No Mistakes with a friendly format
    • There is no room for error here. Most of the time this will be the hiring manager’s first impression of you. Make it a good one, proofread, and make sure your cover letter is format friendly.

If you have any further questions about your cover letter please feel free to comment here or on our Facebook page.

We would like to thank CareerBuilder for their very insightful article, “Eight Ways To Maximize Your Cover Letter’s Power.”