As human resources leaders, we’ve helped thousands of job seekers land their dream jobs by teaching them the secrets of a great cover letter. In this blog post, we’ll share the exact cover letter formula that will make your cover letter concise and effective.
First, let’s tackle the question of whether anyone even reads cover letters. If you’re applying to a large, well-known company, the chances of your cover letter being read are slim. However, attaching a cover letter helps you stand out from the crowd as it shows you really put in effort into your application. Small to medium-sized organizations often place a higher value on cover letters, as they provide insight into a candidate’s passion and understanding of the company and its work.
When it comes to addressing your cover letter, ditch the formal “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam” and opt for a personalized approach. Try addressing the hiring manager or recruiter by name, or use the company name and team. Just make sure to double-check the name to avoid any embarrassing mistakes.
Now, let’s move on to the body of the cover letter. Most cover letters sound generic and don’t provide any unique insights into the candidate. To stand out, your cover letter should answer key questions such as why you’re a great fit for the specific role, why this role is the logical next step for you, and what makes you unique.
The perfect cover letter consists of three parts: an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. Your introduction should grab the reader’s attention and explain why you’re the best fit for the role. The body of the cover letter should provide specific examples of your experience, skills, and achievements that make you stand out from the crowd. Finally, your conclusion should wrap up your letter by expressing your enthusiasm for the opportunity and reiterating your interest in the role.
In conclusion, a great cover letter doesn’t have to be a lengthy, painful, and tedious process. By following this three-sentence cover letter formula, you’ll be able to write a cover letter that not only gets read but also lands you the job interview.