Though many think of it as nothing more than a typical job application requirement, a cover letter is something that can work greatly in your favor if written well. On top of helping you stand out from a crowd of your peers, your cover letter will afford you the chance to make a personal connection with the hiring manager and showcase why you are the perfect fit for the job.
Too many job applicants start with a generic cover letter and change little more than their contact details and the details of the company they’re applying to. But here’s what you can do to turn the most basic cover letter into a compelling document that truly highlights your strengths and showcases you as the ideal candidate for the position you want:
1) Do Your Research on the Company
To start, gather information about the company you are applying to. Knowing more about the company in question can help you tailor your cover letter to align with their goals. You can learn more about the business in question by visiting their website, reading news articles about them, and checking their social media profiles.
Avoid the one-size-fits-all approach when crafting a cover letter for a specific company. Remember: if the cover letter can apply to just about any company, it won’t make much of an impact on the company that you want to join. Instead of simply stating that you want to apply for a job vacancy listed by the company, you can write: “I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to your brand’s recent expansion into the renewable energy market, as highlighted in your latest press release.”
2) Know the Ins and Outs of the Job Description
Make sure to carefully read the jobs Philippines-based companies are posting to understand the key responsibilities and qualifications required of them, whether these are onsite or work from home jobs. Go over the posting twice and highlight the skills and experiences that the employer is looking for. Then, think about how your background matches these requirements. Don’t skip this step, as it’s essential forcreating a winning cover letter.
If the job description emphasizes project management skills, for example, you could write: “In my previous role as a project manager, I successfully led a team of 10 to complete projects ahead of schedule, demonstrating my ability to manage and deliver when it comes to complex tasks.” This will drive the point home that you are a good candidate for the task at hand.
3) Highlight Relevant Skills and Experiences
That said, your cover letter should also emphasize the skills and experiences that are most relevant to the job. Think about the top three to five qualifications the employer is seeking and how you meet these criteria. Instead of listing every single one of your skills and experiences, choose only those that are most relevant to the job.
You can go with something like the following if you’re contacting an SEO company: “My recent SEO and social media campaign increased our online engagement by 30 percent, showing my ability to drive results.” Such statements will immediately capture the attention of the person who is looking for results-oriented individuals who can contribute to their digital marketing efforts.
4) Address the Hiring Manager by Name
Whenever possible, find out the name of the hiring manager and address your cover letter to them. This small detail can make a big difference in showing that you have taken the time to personalize your application and show your respect for the person handling your job application.
Avoid generic salutations like “To Whom It May Concern” if you can avoid it. Instead of writing, “Dear Sir/Madam,” write, “Dear Ms. Garcia” if you know the hiring manager’s name.
5) Customize the Opening Paragraph
Grab the reader’s attention with your first paragraph and make them want to read more. Mention the job title you are applying for, how you learned about the position, and why you are excited about the opportunity.
For instance, you can choose to be specific and engaging by using a statement like the following: “I am thrilled to apply for the Marketing Coordinator position at XYZ Corp, which I discovered through your LinkedIn posting. Your company’s innovative approach to digital marketing resonates with my passion for creating impactful campaigns.” This will help give your cover letter some personality and make it stand out more to the reader right from the start.
6) Show Enthusiasm and That You’re a Good Fit for the Job
In the body of your cover letter, explain why you are interested in the company and the role. Be particular when demonstrating how your background aligns with the job requirements.
Allow your enthusiasm to come through naturally by avoiding clichés or flattery and instead saying something genuine like: “I am particularly drawn to XYZ Corp’s commitment to sustainability. My background in environmental science and my recent project on reducing carbon footprints in urban areas would make me a great fit for your team.”
7) Quantify Your Achievements
Whenever possible, use numbers to highlight your accomplishments. Quantifying your achievements makes your successes more concrete and impressive. Consider how saying that you “improved sales” is less powerful than you saying that you “increased sales by 20 percent in six months.”
8) Keep it Concise
Keep your cover letter shorter than one page. Be clear and straight to the point by focusing on your most relevant qualifications and experiences.
Don’t include every detail of your career, as you may risk coming across as arrogant or self-absorbed this way. Simply highlight the most important and relevant points that matter to the hiring manager.
9) Use a Professional Closing
End with a strong closing statement. Express your enthusiasm for the opportunity to discuss your application further and thank the reader for their time and consideration. End with a flourish and include a call to action. “Thank you for considering my application. I look forward to the possibility of joining your team” is a statement that can properly highlight your desire to find a place in the company you are applying to.
10) Proofread Your Cover Letter
Carefully check your cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. Perhaps you can ask a friend or mentor to review it as well so that they can spot any errors that you might have missed. It is, of course, also an option to take a break after writing the cover letter and to return to it with fresh eyes so that you’ll be able to see mistakes or areas for improvement that you didn’t see before.
Again, look at your cover letter not as a requirement that you have to pass for the sake of it, but a good opportunity to put your best foot forward. These steps should help you craft a cover letter that highlights your qualifications and enthusiasm, increasing your chances of landing an interview and, ultimately, the job you’re gunning for.
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