Write a cover letter that will grab the attention of a recruiter! At Dress For Success Indianapolis, our mission is to provide the resources and tools for women to thrive in the job market and achieve financial freedom. When navigating the job market, your resume provides a concise snapshot of your experience, skills, and achievements. Sometimes, these lists of credentials do not effectively communicate the transferable skills to the specific job you are applying to. Re-wording your resume for each application would be extremely time-consuming so when given the opportunity (not all job postings require cover letters), cover letters are a great way to align your abilities with the job requirements. They offer an opportunity to tailor your resume to meet the requirements of the job description.
When done well, cover letters are a great opportunity to showcase your unique story, differentiate yourself from other candidates, and secure an interview. There are three easy tricks to keep in mind to create an effective and professional cover letter: research, transferable skills, and layout.
Do your Homework
When applying for a job, showing off your company knowledge will help you stand out. Studying the website and job description will give you an advantage to directly relate your experience to what they are looking for in a candidate. Go to the company’s website and search for their values; Most of the time they will be located under an “About Us” or “About [company name]” tab. Some company’s websites will also have a section dedicated to promoting their culture. All of this information is to your benefit! Take note of the given values, some common themes include hard work, creativity, and community.
When looking at the job description, recognize the responsibilities and skills the employer wants. Do not worry if you notice that you do not have any directly applicable experience; Identify the non-technical skills they are looking for! Take note of the skill words used, to be able to successfully align your experiences to the job requirements. Here are some examples of non-technical skills that employer looks for: communication (oral and written), problem-solving, decision-making, teamwork, initiative, time management, adaptability, leadership, organization, and interpersonal skills.
When writing a cover letter, hiring managers will be impressed by references to company values and the specific skill sets required. Make sure you have a deep understanding of the type of candidate they are looking for. This puts you in the best position to properly align your skills with what they seek in candidates, embedding confidence in your abilities to thrive in the role. Directly mentioning company values also seizes the opportunity to showcase your interest and passion for the company and role.
Write a Cover Letter: Transfer your Skills
When you write a cover letter, effectively translating your skills and experiences can be extremely difficult. Now that you have a solid understanding of the company and the type of candidate they need, take a moment and think about how you can fulfill that role. Think of examples of times you have demonstrated some of the skills they are looking for. For example, if the job description requires strong communication ability. Think of a time you presented, taught, or explained something. If it is referencing written communication skills, explain a time you wrote, edited, promoted, or published something. These non-technical skills words, previously mentioned, are great ways to apply the desired skill to your relevant experience. Some more examples include:
- Organization → organized, coordinated, planned, categorized, maintained
- Time management → prioritized, organized, coordinated
- Interpersonal → coached, mentored, trained, listened, advised, guided
- Teamwork → collaborated, partnered, cooperated
- Initiative → created, started, established, introduced
- Leadership → led, directed, managed, guided, supervised, monitored
Make sure to incorporate the most relevant experiences that qualify you for the position. Include specific examples in your cover letter that illustrate these transferable skills to the recruiter. Having a well-written cover letter can be the factor that truly brings your name top of the between.
Cover Letter Structure
To write a cover letter, proper formatting is key to ensure professionalism. Making proper introductions with a strong opening will create a great first impression. Start the letter with your contact information, including name, [address if applicable], phone number, and email address. Include the date, company name [and address if applicable], and the employer’s contact information and title. For specific examples of how to address your cover letter, check out this article from Indeed.
When addressing the recruiter, using the specific hiring manager’s name creates a personalized touch that will make an impact. In your opening paragraph, grab the reader’s attention by explaining your interest in the opportunity, and the company. Specifically, note the job title and why you are excited about the role. If you can, provide some context on how you learned of the position.
The heart of your cover letter will be in the main paragraph(s). This is where you need to highlight your values and illustrate your cultural fit. You need to demonstrate your ability to meet and exceed goals. Transfer your experiences into the applicable skills they are looking for. If you do not meet all of the requirements, that’s okay! Explain how your other strengths can compensate. It is important to convey your enthusiasm for the opportunity and let your authentic self shine.
To conclude your cover letter, reiterate your interest and the value you can bring to the company. Close with confidence. Express your availability for an interview and provide your contact details. Sign off by thanking them for their time and consideration in the application process.
Cover Letter Format
When you write a cover letter, there are a few tactical things to remember before submitting it:
- Keep it to one page.
- Use clear formatting:
- an introduction paragraph, middle paragraph(s) with a summary of qualifications and explanation of your value alignment with the company and position, and a confident closing statement that includes your contact information.
- Use consistent styling (font, heading, etc.) that matches your resume.
- Align all information properly and check for any errors in spelling, grammar, and details carefully.
- If digitally sending, use a professional email signature after you sign your name.
- Check out this free Email Signature Template Generator from HubSpot
Write a cover letter that will be the reason you differentiate from other qualified candidates. With the proper preparation and tailored approach, your cover letter will help your authentic self shine and increase the chances of securing an interview. Putting in the effort to create an expectation cover letter is the key to success in your job search. For more cover letter guidance, check out our article providing seven tips for creating a cover letter.
Check out our Career Resource Center for more tools to help you navigate the job market. Schedule a free appointment with one of our career coaches today to help guide you in this journey!
