How To Make Your Cover Letter Stand Out In 12 Easy Steps

How to Make Your Cover Letter Stand Out in 12 Easy Steps

Crafting a compelling cover letter is essential in today’s competitive job market. Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to pivot to a new opportunity, effectively showcasing your experience and skills is crucial. Understanding modern writing techniques and common pitfalls will help you present yourself in the best light. So, let’s dive into how you can make your cover letter shine!

Here’s everything you need to make your cover letter stand out in 12 easy steps:

1Address Your Cover Letter to a Specific Person

Make an effort to find the name of the hiring manager reviewing your application. Personalizing your cover letter demonstrates initiative and genuine interest in the position.

If the name isn’t available in the job listing or on the company website, consider calling the company to inquire about the HR representative or hiring manager for the role.

Avoid outdated salutations like “Dear Sir or Madam” or “To Whom It May Concern.” Instead, use “Dear Hiring Manager” or a similar respectful alternative if you cannot find a specific name.

2Keep It Simple and Concise

While it can be a challenge to convey your qualifications in one page, aim to keep your cover letter brief. Most hiring managers prefer a cover letter that is concise, ideally around half a page. Avoid unnecessary elaboration; if you can effectively communicate your strengths in 200 words, do so. Aim for a maximum of 400 words, but staying under 300 is ideal.

3Leave Plenty of White Space

Ensure your cover letter is visually appealing and easy to read by including adequate white space. Use proper spacing between your greeting, body, and signature, and keep standard margins (1-inch is recommended).

A well-organized cover letter enhances readability, making it easier for the hiring manager to focus on your message.

4Use the Same Font as Your Resume

Using a consistent font across your application materials, such as Times New Roman or Arial, lends a professional appearance. Keep font sizes at 12-point and steer clear of distracting styles like underlining or excessive color.

While bold or italics can emphasize key points, use them sparingly to maintain clarity.

How to write a cover letter

5Don’t Just Rehash Your Resume

Your cover letter should enhance your resume by directly addressing how you meet the job qualifications and what you can contribute to the company.

Avoid repeating information from your resume. Instead, use your cover letter to highlight specific skills and provide a fuller picture of your candidacy.

Think of your resume as answering the “who, what, where” while your cover letter addresses the “how” and “why.” This is where you can showcase your personality, work style, and passion for the role.

6Open Strong

Start your cover letter by highlighting your most impressive skills and achievements. This initial impact can draw the reader in and encourage them to continue reading.

Refer to the job listing to tailor your opening paragraph to match the employer’s top requirements and show that you’re a strong fit from the start.

7Use Numbers and Statistics

Quantifying your achievements can significantly enhance your appeal to employers. Use statistics to illustrate the impact of your contributions, such as increases in participation or revenue.

Numbers add credibility to your experiences and highlight your results-driven approach.

8Give Examples of Your Skills

Employers appreciate concrete examples that demonstrate your skills in action. Instead of merely stating your abilities, provide a brief anecdote that illustrates how you’ve applied those skills.

“I have led operations and maintenance for utility-scale, high-voltage solar farms across the state, successfully repairing and maintaining solar inverters and installing panels as needed.”

9Customize Your Cover Letter for Every Application

Never use a generic cover letter for all job applications; personalization is key. Tailor each letter to reflect the specific company and role, including the company name and position title.

Your cover letter should act as your unique sales pitch, demonstrating what you can specifically offer to the employer.

Review the job description and highlight keywords to incorporate into your cover letter naturally.

10Leave Out Unnecessary Information

Focus solely on relevant information that showcases your candidacy for the specific job. Avoid including personal details or salary requirements unless explicitly requested.

Keep your cover letter professional and centered around your qualifications, steering clear of discussing past job terminations or negative experiences with former employers.

11Proofread, Proofread, and Proofread Again

Nothing is more embarrassing than submitting a cover letter with spelling errors or incorrect information. Carefully proofread your letter, read it out loud, and consider having someone else review it as well.

To catch awkward phrases, try reading your cover letter backward; this technique often helps you see mistakes more clearly.

12Include an Email Signature

When submitting your cover letter, include a signature with your name, email address, and phone number to facilitate easy communication.

Optionally, provide links to an online portfolio, personal website, or LinkedIn profile. Ensure that any additional information reflects your best work and professional profile.

Final Thoughts

Writing an effective cover letter can be challenging, but it’s a vital step in your job search. By showcasing your qualifications in alignment with the specific needs of employers, you can create a compelling narrative that resonates with hiring managers.

By following these 12 steps, you’ll be well on your way to impressing potential employers and securing interviews.

Never miss an opportunity that’s right for you.

Author

Maddie Lloyd

Maddie Lloyd was a writer for the Zippia Advice blog focused on researching tips for interview, resume, and cover letter preparation. She's currently a graduate student at North Carolina State University's department of English concentrating in Film and Media Studies.

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