Writing a Cover Letter for Beginners
Posted July 23rd, 2019
If you are looking for a new job, being able to write a great cover letter can make a world of difference. Cover letters give you the ability to add some context to what you have on your resume or answer questions that you believe the hiring manager will have about your background.
Writing a cover letter might seem like a daunting task, particularly if you have never created one before. However, they don’t have to be a challenging undertaking. Here are some tips that can help even beginners nail their cover letter.
Use the Hiring Manager’s Name
Whenever possible, the greeting on your cover letter should include the hiring manager’s name. This makes it feel more personal, creating a stronger connection.
If you don’t know the hiring manager’s name, consider addressing your cover letter to the department head. In cases where you can’t find the name of anyone, use something somewhat specific, like the position’s title followed by “Hiring Manager” or “Search Committee.”
Create a Strong Opener
Your cover letter’s lead-in paragraph should be strong. Create a statement that genuinely entices the hiring manager to keep reading while providing them details about who you are and why you are applying.
For example, starting with, “I’ve always had a passion for [field, skill, or industry]” and then explaining why the role caught your eye. This allows you to show your excitement in an engaging way and is much more interesting than a standard opener.
Expand, Don’t Regurgitate
Many cover letter beginners default to restating what is on their resume. However, this approach means you miss out on an opportunity. Instead of going over what your resume already says, work to expand on key bullet points based on the hiring manager’s priorities (such as the must-have skills on the list).
Discuss related achievements and how you achieved results. Highlight why you were so successful in past roles by discussing your strengths and personality traits. Quantify the information whenever possible, as numbers stand out visually and give the hiring manager more critical details about your past performances.
The goal is to give the hiring manager more than your resume can describe in a precise way. Consider what they might want to know beyond your resume and work from there.
Make the Company the Priority
You don’t want to spend your cover letter focused entirely on why the job would be great for you. Instead, you need to concentrate on showing the hiring manager what value you could provide them if you are hired.
Consider what challenges the hiring manager faces and how the right candidate becomes a solution to those issues. Identify the pain points the company is battling with and how you can make a difference in those areas. This allows you to become a solution and not just a candidate, making your cover letter more impactful.
Ready for a New Job? Contact Bayside Solutions!
By following the tips above, you can write a great cover letter that is more likely to impress. If you’d like to know more, the staff at Bayside Solutions can help. Contact us to discuss your questions with a member of our recruitment team today and see how our cover letter expertise can benefit you.
