As an adult, it can sometimes be confusing to write a cover letter in the digital age. When you were a child, you only had a few sentences to say about yourself, but now you have to write an entire page or two. It can be overwhelming, but don't worry. In this blog, we will discuss the importance of cover letters in the digital job application era and provide a few tips on how to write a successful one.
What Should I Include in a Cover Letter?
Check the points below that you shouldn’t skip in your cover letter:
- Express your interest in the specific job and company. This is your chance to show the hiring manager that you've done your research and that you're genuinely interested in the position.
- Highlight your relevant skills and experience: Don't just list your job duties; explain how your skills and experience make you a qualified candidate for the job.
- Quantify your accomplishments: Whenever possible, use numbers to demonstrate the impact of your work. This will make your accomplishments more impressive to the hiring manager.
- Tailor your letter to each job you apply for. Don't send out the same generic letter to every job. Take the time to customize each letter to the specific position and company.
- Proofread your letter carefully. Make sure your letter is free of typos and grammatical errors. These can make you look unprofessional and can decrease your chances of getting the interview.
8 Innovative Tips to Write Your Cover Letter
Aside from the basic tips for writing an effective cover letter, here are some innovative tips to help you stand out from the competition:
1. Use a creative format
You don't have to stick to the standard cover letter format. Try using a creative format that will grab the hiring manager's attention, such as an infographic, a video, or a portfolio website.
2. Tell a story
People are more likely to remember a story than a list of facts. So, tell a story about your experiences and accomplishments that will make you memorable to the hiring manager.
3. Use humor
A little humor can go a long way in a cover letter. But be careful not to overdo it, and make sure your humor is appropriate for the company culture.
4. Use data and analytics
If you have data or analytics that you can use to quantify your accomplishments, be sure to include it in your cover letter. This will show the hiring manager that you are results-oriented.
5. Get personal
Don't be afraid to get personal in your cover letter. Share something about yourself that will make you more relatable to the hiring manager.
6. Use a call to action
Tell the hiring manager what you want them to do next. For example, you could ask them to schedule an interview or visit your portfolio website.
7. Get creative with your closing
Don't just say "sincerely" and your name. Get creative with your closing, such as "I can't wait to talk to you about how my skills and experience can benefit your company." or "I'm confident that I have the skills and experience to be a valuable asset to your team."
8. Follow up after submitting your cover letter
Send a thank-you note to the hiring manager after submitting your cover letter. This will show that you are interested in the position and that you are professional.
By following these tips, you can write a cover letter that is innovative, memorable, and effective and know how to end the cover letter.
Why do cover letters still matter?
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Despite the prevalence of digital job applications, cover letters remain a critical component of a strong job application for several reasons:
- Demonstrate Personalization and Interest: A cover letter allows candidates to tailor their application to the specific job and company, demonstrating their genuine interest and understanding of the role's requirements.
- Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences: While resumes provide a concise overview of qualifications, cover letters offer the opportunity to elaborate on specific skills, experiences, and accomplishments that align with the job description.
- Showcase Writing Skills and Communication Style: Well-written cover letters reflect a candidate's communication abilities and attention to detail, which are essential qualities for many professional roles.
- Express Enthusiasm and Passion: A cover letter provides a space to convey enthusiasm for the company's mission and values, further emphasizing the candidate's fit for the organization.
- Differentiate from ATS Scans: Cover letters can help candidates bypass ATS filters that focus on keyword matching, allowing their applications to reach human eyes.
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