Do you know what’s more boring than watching paint dry? Writing a cover letter. So, How to Write a Compelling Cover Letter that Hooks Attention? What if I told you that you can make it fun and get hired in the process? Yup, it’s possible!
How to Write a Compelling Cover Letter that Hooks Attention The Right way
Do you feel a little overwhelmed by all that you might have already researched about cover letters? Try not to stress too much; writing a cover letter is really a piece of cake as long as you keep a few things in mind.
Show Off Your Personality
Forget about being formal and stiff. Let your personality shine through in your cover letter! Use humor, be relatable, and show the hiring manager who you really are. After all, you want to work with people who share your vibe, right?
Do Your Research (But Don’t Be Creepy)
Before you start writing your cover letter, do some research on the company you’re applying to. Check out their website, social media, and reviews. But don’t be creepy and don’t start stalking their employees on LinkedIn. Keep it professional, but show them that you’ve done your homework and you’re genuinely interested in their company.
Use Buzzwords (But Not Too Many)
Do you know what hiring managers love? Buzzwords! But don’t go overboard and start using all the buzzwords you can find. Use them sparingly, and only if they apply to you and the job you’re applying for. Plus, if you use too many buzzwords, you’ll start sounding like a robot again.
You Are The Product!
As you are more than aware, your cover letter is more or less a sales letter. You are the product that you are selling. In a nutshell, your cover letter needs to show the employer why they would be crazy not to hire you. Your letter will need to demonstrate the specific qualifications that make you better than any other candidate for that position. Your letter allows you to personalize your resume.
Another thing to keep in mind when writing your own cover letter is to keep it short and to the point.
Remember you are not the only person applying for the position. Chances are the employer or hiring manager has a stack of resumes and cover letters sitting on their desk. It is unlikely that they are going to sit and read a long cover letter that goes on and on. They will more than likely get through a sentence or 2 and lose interest and toss your resume with your cover letter aside. Therefore your cover letter should never be more than a few paragraphs long and it should never, under any circumstances be longer than a page. Anything longer than a page is almost guaranteed to make a trip into the black hole of cover letters that never get a second glance.
Start your first paragraph off with your introduction.
Address the letter to a specific person whether it’s the hiring manager or HR Rep. It’s important to remember to have this name spelled correctly and their correct title. This is where you introduce yourself and your reason for contacting them. It’s here that you tell them exactly why you want to work for their company. It’s a good idea to have done some prior research on the company and include that in this paragraph.
In your second paragraph, you should incorporate some highlights from your resume that demonstrate how qualified you are for the position.
It’s key here to keep in mind that you don’t need to write your resume word for word. Only highlight those parts that pertain to the job. This is where you really sell yourself. This is the paragraph where you should dress it up to impress. Put yourself in the employer’s shoes, and ask yourself if you meet the company’s needs and how you meet them. Chances are this will be your longest paragraph but don’t get too carried away. There is no need for the employer to know that you volunteer at your local community center every weekend teaching young kids how to play ball. Remember, these employers are looking for that one person who best fits their needs. Use this paragraph to show them that you are exactly what they are looking for.
Your final paragraph or your closing paragraph is where you make yourself readily available for that interview.
After all, the whole purpose of the cover letter is the land the interview. A good idea is to tell the employer to expect a call from you at a specific time to discuss the opportunity further. End your letter thanking them for their time and that you look forward to meeting them.
You might be tempted to use one of the free samples of cover letters that you can find anywhere online. I don’t recommend this. Writing the cover letter yourself is much more personable than a generic sample letter. A cover letter written by you is customized by you for that specific company and position. If you were to send a basic letter, chances are it will just be tossed aside. One last thing to remember is to keep the page itself simple. Make sure your spelling and grammar are all correct. There is no need to go crazy with funky fonts and strange margins. It’s key to keep the cover letter neat, basic, and easy on the eye.
Wrap it Up With a Bang
Don’t just end your cover letter with a boring “Thank you for considering my application.” End it with a bang! Leave a lasting impression by adding a catchy one-liner, a joke, or a fun fact about yourself. This will make you more memorable and increase your chances of getting an interview.
Below are some great external articles you may find interesting as well
7 Powerful Ways to Start a Cover Letter
6 Ways to Craft an Attention-Grabbing Cover Letter
Grab Attention with a Compelling Cover Letter
Conclusion
There you have it, folks! Writing a cover letter doesn’t have to be boring and tedious. Use these tips to spice up your cover letter and make it stand out from the crowd. Remember, a little personality goes a long way! Good luck with your job search and go get ’em, tiger!
Writing your own cover letter is nowhere near as hard or as intimating as it seems. Keep in mind these simple tips and your cover letter will be opening doors for countless opportunities.
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