How do you write a strong cover letter? Read 6 tips here.
You’ve made a great first impression! Your resume gave a good picture of who you are and why you’re a good fit for the job. Now it’s time for your cover letter. In it, you’ll explain why you want this position and why you’re the best candidate. A cover letter is more personal than a standard application letter and gives you the chance to really show who you are. But how do you write a cover letter? Here are a few tips to get you started.
How do you present your motivation in a way that employers can’t ignore? This blog draws on the experiences of the headhunters at Colourful People, who review countless cover letters and, unfortunately, all too often have to provide feedback before they can be submitted to an employer.
Don’t bother submitting a cut-and-paste version of previous cover letters—they’ll see right through it. And if this job is just another one on your list, then you’re just another one on theirs.
Introduction
Be enthusiastic and genuine: First and foremost, it’s important to write with enthusiasm and set aside any false modesty—but don’t come across as boastful either. Also, write as naturally as possible; you might be tempted to craft overly elaborate sentences, but just be yourself. Speak from a place of passion and authenticity—after all, what a recruiter or future employer really wants is to get a sense of who you are.
Start with a strong opening line: Make sure your cover letter starts off on a personal note; for example, stand out by beginning with an anecdote or by giving the reader a vivid sense of who you are. Start with a strong opening line that immediately grabs their attention. Often, you only have the first three lines to convince the recruiter that it’s worth reading on.
Center section
Make a connection: Next, try to establish a strong connection between yourself, the organization, and the position; this will show that you’re a good fit for the opening. Before you start writing, make a list of the most important criteria in the job posting and address them. Give concrete examples of the skills you possess and demonstrate the value you’ll bring to the role. This will help you avoid falling back on poorly substantiated clichés like “I’m a coaching leader” or “I’m a results-oriented go-getter.” It might help to view yourself from a third-person perspective: what makes you unique according to your family, friends, colleagues, and previous employers? What do they base this on?
Be clear and specific: Be sure to share your vision; don’t be afraid to get into the details and show that you’ve thoroughly researched the position. To that end, take a look at the organization’s website to see how your vision aligns with theirs. In addition to your skills and vision, take time to discuss what you’d still like to learn, where your ambitions lie, and how this job within this organization would help you achieve them. It’s a cover letter, so it’s perfectly fine to actually use the word “motivation.”
Closing
End on a strong note: Conclude with a sentence that sums everything up and hints at a follow-up conversation. Reread your letter and make sure the most important points are at the top. Keep the letter short and to the point—no more than one A4 page.
Check for errors: Finally, be sure to proofread your letter for spelling mistakes, or have someone else do it if this isn’t your strong suit. Flawless spelling is often still a requirement and a measure of how seriously you’ve taken the task of writing your cover letter. It can also help to read the letter aloud (or have someone else do it), so you can identify any parts that don’t quite flow. As you reread it, try to put yourself in the reader’s shoes: how does what you’ve written come across? What kind of impression have you managed to create, and does it match who you are?
With these tips, you now know how to write a strong cover letter. Good luck with your application!
With tips from René Burgler, Fatima Bouhriani, Sandra Lutchman, and Monique Spaansen.
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