Job Search: The Cover Letter

Your job search will take you on a personal journey. One part of that journey will include writing a cover letter. The cover letter is typically the first impression you will make with the company’s hiring manager, so you will want to put in the effort to get it right. Here are a few tips on how to do just that:

Identify Your Purpose:

There are several different types of cover letters—knowing the kind you want to write will help you get yours right. You must identify your purpose in your letter. Your best course of action is to research a specific pain point that the company may have, and then in your letter, outline how you would be able to solve it.

Reflect the company’s culture:

Go beyond using the keywords from the job listing ad and find a way to make your letter reflect what the company is all about. For example, if you are applying for a data analysis job, your letter should be quantified and should appeal to data-thirsty readers. If you are applying for a job at a young, creative company, then your letter should be more casual and fluid. Use words such as “active” or “social,” or “fresh” to better demonstrate the ideals of your future employers.

Identify the Organization’s needs:

Focus on what the employer wants. Be specific in addressing the needs outlined in the job’s description, and show them how you will tackle those needs. Present yourself to the hiring manager as the solution to the company’s problem. Provide examples of how you can help the company. If you are applying for a job in sales, discuss how you will help increase the company’s revenue. For executive positions, talk about the problems you solve on a day-to-day basis. If you apply for an IT position, write about how you can improve the efficiency of the company’s software systems. Always think: “how can I help the company.”

Check Your Ego:

Focus on the company’s needs instead of your own accomplishments. Use the word “I” sparingly. Do not start every paragraph or sentence with “I.” Come up with different ways to get your message across.