A cover letter is arguably your best tool for getting your foot in the door with a hiring manager and getting them to take notice. It’s often the first document they look at and is designed to quickly highlight your qualifications and what you bring to the table.
Here are some strategies for writing a letter that will catch the eye of a recruiter and make you stand out.
Use an Eye-Appealing Format
Getting noticed is largely about aesthetics, so it’s important that you structure it in a way that looks good, and the information is easy to absorb. For example, you’ll want to stay away from using one large block of text. Instead, it’s better to break it up into smaller paragraphs with a maximum of four sentences per paragraph.
Be Personable
You should remember that a hiring manager may be shuffling through dozens, hundreds or even thousands of cover letters. Make it a point to find as much information as possible to make your cover letter personal. Ideally, you’ll find the individual’s first name when addressing them.
It’s also advisable to avoid beginning your cover letter with the traditional “To whom it may concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam” because it reads as generic. If you’re unable to find their first name, you’re better off just getting right to point and skipping the salutation.
Incorporate Action Verbs
Throwing in a few action verbs is an effective way to highlight your skills and qualifications and can really bring your cover letter to life. Just be sure to use them in a natural way, and don’t go overboard to the point that it sounds ridiculous. You can check out some examples on this list.
Send It as a PDF File
One of the most common mistakes that can kill your chances of landing an interview is sending in a type of file that has to be downloaded in order to be viewed. This is problematic because it can cause formatting issues, which can make your cover letter look terrible.
The best solution is to simply convert the document to a PDF file so it can be viewed with a single click without downloading anything and without creating formatting problems.
Writing an excellent cover letter is by no means rocket science. With the right strategies, you can impress hiring managers and increase the likelihood you make it to the next round of the hiring process.
Learn more about streamlining your job search and making yourself more attractive to employers on our blog or reach out to our professional recruiters at Encadria Staffing Solutions.