On average, it takes about nine weeks to find a new job once you’ve started sending out applications. During this time, your cover letter and resume are the starting point for getting interviews and callbacks.
While your resume is focused on your experience and achievements, your cover letter should expand on who you are. The cover letter should explain how your experience would fit with the details laid out in a job description.
Read more to learn how to write a cover letter that stands out. We’ve included the top four tips to keep in mind as you start your job hunt and application process.
- Tailor Your Letter to the Job
Your cover letter should only be a page long, so it needs to be brief. Instead of explaining your entire career history, only keep information relevant to the job you’re applying to.
Along with your work experience, you can also include relevant education and training like SafetyFOCUS. Include examples of what you’ve done and what you’ve achieved within the past few years.
- Make It About Them
When it comes to how to write a cover letter for a job, there’s a fine balance you should strike between writing about yourself and the company or organization. Yes, the cover letter is about you, but even more, it’s about how you can help them.
One of the best cover letter tips and tricks is to watch how many times you use the word “I” in your cover letter. While there’s no avoiding it, you should include a balance of what you’ve done as well as how it applies to the company’s goals.
- Find and Address the Hiring Manager
Learning how to write a professional cover letter also means finding the balance between personal and professional. While it’s an important explanation of your skills, it shouldn’t read like a technical document.
One way to make your letter more personal is by addressing it to the hiring manager. You may need to do some research, but you can usually find them on the company’s About page.
Address your cover letter to a specific person, and keep them in mind as you’re writing the letter. Consider what they’re looking for and what they’d like to hear as it relates to the job opening.
- Keep It Simple and Well-Written
One of the basic principles of how to write a successful cover letter is to keep it readable. Watch out for some of the most common grammar and spelling mistakes as you’re writing.
Proofread your letter when you’re done and remove unnecessary sentences. Make sure everything has a point and is simple to understand.
How to Write a Cover Letter That Stands Out
The secret to learning how to write a cover letter that stands out is proper research and revision. The more research you do about the company, the more you can tailor your cover letter and make it personable. If you spend the proper time revising, you can also make sure your letter reads well and stands out from others.
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