How to Write a Killer Cover Letter

How to Write a Killer Cover Letter How to Write a Killer Cover Letter Youve found the perfect job, your resume is ready to go, but theres one last thing on your to-do list: the dreaded cover letter. While it might seem easy to write a one-page letter touting your  strengths, many job seekers struggle to understand what, exactly, an employer is looking for and how to translate that into a couple of paragraphs. Cover letters are unavoidable, and many employers consider them the most important part of  any job  application. As much as youd prefer to let your resume speak for itself, your cover letter is truly your chance to make the best first impression. This is your opportunity to showcase your talents, stand out  from competing candidates, and help hiring managers get to know you outside of your resume. Its time to give that cover letter the TLC it deserves. Below are a few simple tips to help you write a cover letter that lands your dream job: 1. Always Submit a Cover Letter This bit of advice might seem pretty obvious to you, but many people think cover letters are optional. Even if the job description doesnt specifically ask for one, you should still include one. Applicants who dont take the time to write a cover letter are typically seen as less motivated, and most hiring managers wont even look at an application that lacks one. Cover letters are a must! We all know the time and stress that goes into  writing one, but by going the extra mile,  you prove your interest in the job  while showing youre willing to put in the effort. 2. Dont Regurgitate Your Resume Yes,  its okay to talk about the things listed on your resume, but dont copy and paste them right from the document. Instead, elaborate on your previous experiences and highlight things that relate to the position youre applying for. A cover letter lets you put your skills into full sentences rather than just bullet points. Use this time to share additional details you werent able to squeeze onto your single-page resume and tell a story  about why youre the perfect fit for the job. 3. Dont Apologize for Skills You Dont Have This is one of the most common cover letter mistakes. For some reason, we all feel the need to apologize for our perceived shortfalls  - but why? If you dont meet all of the job requirements, dont draw attention to that fact. Instead, stay positive and focus on the skills you do have. Its better to highlight your strengths than to apologize for your weaknesses. 4. Dont Be Too Formal - Show Some Personality Remember the person receiving your cover letter is just that: a person. Spare the overly formal constructions  and put some personality into it. Reading  through  cover letters  can be exhausting, and employers often only skim them. Dare to get noticed. Make your cover letter stand out. Give employers a reason to stop and read your full letter. It just might be the thing that lands you an interview. 5. Pay Attention to the Details The smallest grammar mistake will most likely land your application in the no stack. It doesnt matter what job youre applying for; hiring managers are always looking for smart, detail-oriented individuals.  If you misspell a word or forget a comma, dont think it will go unnoticed. Be sure to proofread thoroughly your cover letter before submitting it. Consider having a colleague or friend review it as well for added security. 6. Be Yourself Last and most importantly, be yourself. There is nothing worse than someone trying to be something theyre not. If you land the interview after blatantly lying in your cover letter, the  employer is going to find out, and you wont get the job. Be confident in yourself and highlight your true strengths. An honest cover letter will go a long way. - While it can be stressful to write, a cover letter can make or break your chance of landing an interview. Be patient and give your letter the attention it needs. Youll be happy you did. Ahnaf Bashir is the vice president of human resources at Advance Financial.Master the art of closing deals and making placements. Take our Recruiter Certification Program today. We're SHRM certified. Learn at your own pace during this 12-week program. Access over 20 courses. Great for those who want to break into recruiting, or recruiters who want to further their career.