Are you sending your resume out but not getting responses? Or perhaps you’ve received a few interviews but didn’t get the job. This is probably because of your cover letter and resume – they probably need some fixing. Good thing we’ve put together these hacks to help you ace that job interview. A cover letter is one of the most important documents in any job application process because it serves as an introduction to your resume, which can often feel rather impersonal. In fact, according to recent stats from CareerVista, only 33% of recruiters say that a CV and cover letter are the most important documents when judging an applicant, so it’s no surprise that having the right one is pretty important for landing your dream job.
Read Also:
- Resume Nightmares: 7 Worst Resume Faux Pas and How to Avoid Them
- 5 Things to Double-Check Before Submitting a Cover Letter
Check the job ad
The best way to begin your cover letter writing process is to read the job ad carefully. This can help you identify the key skills, experience and education that the job requires. Take note of the company and job title as well to ensure that you address your cover letter to the right person. You can also use this opportunity to search for the company online and read through their mission statement, history and any recent news. This will help you demonstrate that you’ve done your research and have a genuine interest in the company as well as the position.
Use the Hello Interview hack
The best way to make your cover letter sound memorable is to use the Hello Interview hack. This is a technique that allows you to talk about your skills and experience in a way that directly addresses the needs of the company and position. You can use the following template to make your cover letter sound a lot more personalized and engaging: “Hello name of hiring manager>, I’m name> and I’m interested in position> at company>. Here’s why you should hire me: insert why you’re the best person for the job>” This method of cover letter writing makes your cover letter sound more personal and engaging, so it’s much more likely to get noticed.
Focus on your unique selling point
There are tons of other people applying for this job, so what makes you special? Focus on your unique selling point (USP) – this may be your previous experience or education, your skill set or your personality. Whatever it is, you need to make sure it comes across in your cover letter. You can do this by demonstrating how your USP matches up with the job requirements. If you have a skill that isn’t listed in the job description, you can speak about how you plan to use it to benefit the company. You can also use this section to talk about your passion for the industry and why you want the job at this particular company.
Don’t just list responsibilities
While a job description is a great place to start when writing your cover letter, don’t just list your responsibilities. Instead, talk about what you achieved while in that role and how your past experience can make you a perfect fit for the job you’re applying for. For example, if you were a team leader, talk about your role in managing and motivating a team. You can also talk about any projects you managed, what you learned from the experience and how it translates to this job.
How to use action verbs in your cover letter
You should always use action verbs in your cover letter – it’s a proven way to make your application sound more professional and engaging. The trick is to make sure you don’t overdo it – this can make your cover letter sound annoying and unprofessional. The best way to make sure you use the right number of action verbs is to read your cover letter out loud. If it sounds natural and flows, then you’ve done a great job. If it sounds awkward or robotic, you need to go back and edit your cover letter until it flows smoothly.
How to structure your cover letter
To make your cover letter really stand out, you need to engage your reader right from the start. You can do this by using an attention-grabbing opening sentence or by creating an interesting question for your reader. Another great way to grab your reader’s attention is by using stats or surprising facts. If you’re struggling to come up with an attention-grabbing opening, try one of these:
- What sets you apart from the competition?
- Why are you applying for this job?
- What are your career ambitions and how does this job help you achieve them?
Your next paragraph should be about your experience and skills. You can also talk about any relevant skills you have that aren’t necessarily listed in the job description. Conclude your cover letter by reiterating why you’re the best person for the job.
How long should your cover letter be?
There isn’t a set rule for how long your cover letter should be. You need to consider how long the job advertisement is and how long the job application is. Your cover letter should be no longer than two pages and it should be long enough to demonstrate your skills and experience, but short enough to keep the hiring manager’s attention. Generally, one page is sufficient, but if your letter is longer than one page, you can use subheads to break it up into sections.
What font and paper size should you use?
You should always use a simple, clean font like Arial or Times New Roman. You should also use single spacing and 12-point font size. You should select a font and paper size that is easy to read and that looks professional.
What if you don’t have any experience?
If you don’t have any experience but are applying for an entry-level job, it’s important to emphasize that you’re eager to learn and that you have the skills you need to excel in the role. You can also talk about any relevant skills you have that weren’t listed in the job description, like computer skills. You can also talk about any relevant skills you have that weren’t listed in the job description, like computer skills or language proficiency. You can also talk about any relevant skills you have that weren’t listed in the job description, like computer skills or language proficiency.
How to end your cover letter
The best way to end your cover letter is to reiterate why you want to work for this company and why you’re the best candidate for the job. You can do this by reminding the hiring manager of the company’s mission statement and how your skills match up with the job requirements. You can also talk about how you want to contribute to the company’s growth and what you’re looking forward to in this role.
How to format your cover letter
The best way to format your cover letter is to use an easy-to-read template. You can find free cover letter templates online and you should customize it so that it matches your experience and skills. Your cover letter should be double-spaced and written in letter format. Your letter should include the following elements:
- Your name and contact details
- The name of the hiring manager
- The name of the company
- The job title
- The location (if relevant)
- The date
The first paragraph should describe the job you’re applying for and the second paragraph should talk about your experience that makes you suited for the position.
