Cover letters serve as a personalized introduction about yourself to an employer. The introduction typically includes your interest in the opportunity and highlights your skills and experiences. An effective cover letter can help you stand out from other applicants.
How to craft an impactful cover letter
Creating an impactful cover letter is the first point of contact between you and the recruiter/hiring manager. It's about making a solid impression on why you are the ideal candidate for the job. A cover letter should be brief and limited to one page, and you should ensure it is shorter than an essay. A general rule of thumb is to keep your cover letter between 300 and 450 words. Initially, you need to tailor your cover letter to the specific job to ensure you address the particular skills and requirements mentioned and how you align with them.
The introduction should briefly summarize yourself and why you would be a good fit. If you have a connection at the company or a referral, mention this in the beginning to immediately establish interest. The body of your cover letter should highlight relevant experiences to the opportunity. Showcase how you used certain skills by providing specific examples and quantify your accomplishments with data. Typically, one body paragraph should describe your past job and a specific scenario of how you handled an issue.
Finally, you want to conclude the cover letter with a solid call to action. Briefly reiterate your interest and how your skills and experiences make you a perfect fit for the job. End the paragraph by expressing your desire to interview for the role and showcase your eagerness to discuss the next steps.
Common mistakes for writing a cover letter
One of the most common mistakes candidates make when writing their cover letter is using the same generic cover letters when applying to various roles. Generic cover letters can come across as impersonal and not impressive. Always customize your cover letter to show your interest in the opportunity. Overall, writing a generic cover letter is almost the same as not writing one at all.
The second common mistake candidates need to correct is just restating their resume. A cover letter should provide new insights or expand on your specific experiences, which is an opportunity to demonstrate your impact on the recruiter and hiring manager. Ensure that you are not making generalized statements about your experiences, as it is a missed opportunity to showcase your skills and how they apply to the tasks and responsibilities of the job you are applying for.
The third common mistake candidates make is establishing unclear motivation for the opportunity. If you cannot explain how this opportunity relates to your career aspirations and pathway, your application can come across as uninspiring. The candidate who shows enthusiasm and passion through their cover letters signals to the recruiter and hiring manager that they may be the best person for the role.
Do cover letters matter?
Sometimes, cover letters are optional for the roles you are applying for. It depends on the industry, job, and application processes. Generally, if a company mentions that a cover letter is optional, you can apply without one. Companies often receive hundreds of applications for one job. Recruiters and hiring managers typically have a limited window to find a candidate. They will usually ignore the need for a cover letter and review the resume to determine fit.
However, short-listed candidates with cover letters the recruiters may read can give you a potential edge in securing an interview. Given that many job seekers apply for many jobs, creating an impactful resume for every job may seem time-consuming. A good rule of thumb is that if a job doesn't require a cover letter, you wouldn't need to write one. However, suppose it is a position that you are intensely interested in. In that case, writing one may be in your best interest to get a potential edge in the hiring process.