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You know what they say: “You’ve got to put your best foot forward.” It doesn’t matter if you’re a job-seeker, an artist trying to make it big, or someone who’s just looking for a little bit of love — the first impression is crucial. And that’s why we’ve compiled 12 real-life tips on how to write the perfect cover letter that will make employers want to meet you. From making sure all contact information is correct and up-to-date, to giving potential employers a reason as soon as possible why they should hire you, these are tried and true methods for getting ahead in today’s competitive world!
1) Make Sure Your Contact Information Is Up To Date.
Nothing is more frustrating to a potential employer than sending countless emails and never getting a response. And that’s why the first step you need to take when writing your cover letter is making sure all of your contact information is up-to-date.
If you’re using a Gmail account, for example, make sure each email address format (e.g. [email protected], [email protected]) is correct and that you’ve also added an email address where people can contact you on your phone.
2) Create a Title That Says Exactly What You’re Applying For.
One of the biggest mistakes people make when writing cover letters is they write an introduction that doesn’t tell the reader exactly what job they are applying for. That’s not only annoying, but it also wastes precious time because the employer has to go back and forth trying to determine if this person is qualified for the position or not. To avoid confusion, simply create a header that says “Seeking a position as X” or “Seeking a role in Y.”
3) Tell the Employer Why They Should Hire You.
Nobody wants to be another cog in the wheel — and that’s why you need to tell employers exactly why they should hire you from day one. What makes you special? What qualifies you to make their business better? Everyone knows the most basic responsibilities of a job, but not everyone can describe how they would be an asset to a company with a fresh set of eyes.
4) Explain How You Can Add Value.
You already know what your resume says — now it’s time for you to show employers exactly what you can bring to the table. Do your homework and find out about their business before you send in your application. What are they trying to accomplish? What challenges do they face on a daily basis? And how can YOU help them get rid of those potential roadblocks?
5) Highlight Your Most Relevant Qualifications.
Employers don’t have time to read your whole resume — that’s why you need to make sure that the most relevant qualifications are listed in your cover letter. This may sound a little counterintuitive, but if you’ve been doing freelance work for a social media company on the side and have some great ideas on how they can better market themselves, highlighting those experiences first will not only give the hiring manager a good idea of who you are and what you can do, but it’ll also help them quickly determine whether or not you’re a viable candidate.
6) Proofread Your Cover Letter One More Time.
Once your cover letter is complete, let it sit for a day — then read it one more time before you send it off. Nothing screams unprofessional more than spelling and grammatical errors – so proofread twice to make sure there are no errors that could potentially cost you the job.
7) Show Concern for Their Interests.
Mentioning their company by name is a great way to show that you’re familiar with what they do, but it also offers them the opportunity to see how much research you’ve done in your cover letter. One way you can demonstrate that is by mentioning their latest project or campaign, and explaining why you’re excited about it.
8) Make Sure You Stand Out From The Crowd.
As we’ve all learned from watching “American Idol,” standing out is what really makes a difference. This is especially true if you’re applying to multiple positions with the same company, so one way you can ensure that you stand out from the pack is by articulating how your skills and experiences uniquely qualify you for that specific role.
9) Use a Simple Format That’s Easy to Read.
This may seem like an obvious point, but it’s important to note that not everyone is a great writer, and some people get intimidated when they sit down with the intention of writing something professional. Using bullet points and short sentences can make your cover letter easy to read and understand, which every company wants in an employee.
10) Use Common Sense and Consideration When You’re Ready to Send It Off.
Now that you’ve created a great cover letter, it’s time to send it out. The biggest mistake people make when they’re applying for jobs is sending their documents in without double-checking their work or exercising any kind of common sense — which is why hiring managers see so many instances of inappropriate emails and poorly written letters. When you’re ready to send your cover letter, make sure it’s professional and well-written — and that you’ve taken the time to proofread your work.
11) Make Sure You Keep Copies of All Your Work For Future Reference.
If you’re applying for other jobs, it’s a good idea to keep copies of all your documents so that when you send them out, they’ll be in pristine condition. Not only does this save time and energy on the back-and-forth emails sent between hiring managers and potential employees, but it also ensures that you’re 100% ready to go when you meet the employer face-to-face for an interview.
Making cover letters can be challenging, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be creative about it. One great way to make the best job application letter is to use Venngage — an online infographic maker that offers a wide range of free cover letter templates for every job seeker out there. Here are some cover letter examples from their website!
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Venngage
With so many people looking for work these days, it’s easy to see why creating a strong cover letter can be a challenge. But by following the steps above and taking the time to write a well-constructed document that clearly explains who you are, what your goals are, and how you can improve their company, you’ll have no problem being one step closer to the job you’ve always wanted. To start, click here!
