You may have the credentials the company is seeking, but the recruiter may not even read your resume if the cover letter is poorly written.
The cover letter is an important factor in determining whether a candidate will be asked for an interview. Most recruiters will spend about 30 seconds scanning a resume and cover letter before putting it in the "yes" or "no" pile. Creating a dynamic cover letter will secure a spot in the "yes" pile.
Get the Basics Down
A killer cover letter should be clearly written, personable and provide a direct message highlighting your skills and goals. Most importantly, it should be easy to understand.
Readability is the most noticeable portion of a cover letter. If your writing isn't clear, your work probably won't be either. Spell check isn't a reliable method of catching errors. Having a friend or professor read it over is a fresh pair of eyes that can catch something that has been overlooked.
The cover letter is the best opportunity to showcase your personality. A recruiter will be interested in someone who has piqued their interest. Personal experiences and achievements can be explained and expanded upon in a fun and creative way.
The Tailored Approach Works
Writing a standard cover letter and substituting different names and companies will end up in the discard pile quickly. Specific skills and objectives should target the needs of the employer. Professional goals should be stated clearly by using a direct approach in writing style. A recruiter shouldn't wonder what type of job you are looking for after reading a cover letter.
Looks aren't everything, but they are when it comes to professionalism. The type of paper used, font style, and contact information should all be consistent. Using a different font or font size might give the impression of disorganization.
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Final Do's and Don'ts
Cover letter "do's" are important to keep in mind, but there are some "don'ts" to avoid. The "no" pile for cover letters is usually a lot higher than the "yes" pile.
Restating the facts of a resume, babbling in the cover letter and using an arrogant or inaccurate tone will most likely turn the recruiter off from the candidate.
After the cover letter and resume are sent to the recruiter or hiring manager, don't forget to follow up with a phone call.
You have taken the time to compose the perfect cover letter. It deserves to be read!
