I once thought that the phrase “dos and don’ts” was a grammatical error, but I’ve since learned otherwise—thanks to Grammar Girl!
Now, let’s move on to today’s topic.
In our previous letter, we covered how to write an outstanding resume, which is just one part of the job application process. Today, we’ll explore the other crucial component: the cover letter!
Note: Much of the information in this letter draws from Kathryn Minshew and Alexandra Cavoulacos’ book, “The New Rules of Work: The Modern Playbook for Navigating Your Career.” I highly recommend this as an essential resource for anyone seeking career advice.
Dos
1. Tap Into Your Creativity
While your resume is data-driven and straightforward, your cover letter offers a chance to showcase your personality. Think of your cover letter as the creative side of your application.
This is your opportunity to express who you are and what sets you apart. Use this space to inject some creativity and originality, but remember to stay true to yourself. Humor and wit can be effective, but ensure they align with your natural style.
2. Personalize Your Letter
Just as there’s no “one-size-fits-all” resume, your cover letter should be tailored specifically to each job application.
Tips for customization:
- Carefully read the job description and include relevant skills and qualifications.
- Highlight transferable skills from past roles, even if they aren’t directly related to the position.
- Always address the hiring manager by name. If you can’t find it, address the department head instead (e.g., “Dear Sales Director”). Avoid generic salutations like “To Whom It May Concern.”
Tip: Maintain a “master cover letter” with all your key information, which you can adjust as necessary for different applications. However, sending the same letter to multiple employers is a mistake.
3. Capture Attention
Start with an engaging anecdote rather than the typical opening line like, “I’m writing to express my interest in…”
Your anecdote should be relevant to the role you’re applying for. For example, you might share how your experience helping classmates with their studies inspired you to pursue a teaching career.
If you’re looking for inspiration, consider browsing examples of impactful opening lines for cover letters.
4. Match the Company’s Tone
The language and style of your cover letter should reflect the tone of the company.
For instance, employing humor might work well for a company like Google, but it wouldn’t be appropriate for a more formal organization like IBM.
To assess the company’s tone, take a look at their website and marketing materials to guide the formality of your writing.
Don’ts
1. Avoid Copying Your Resume
Many people make the mistake of simply copying their resume content into their cover letter. Don’t fall into this trap!
Your resume presents facts and figures, while your cover letter showcases your personality. Instead of duplicating your resume, expand on a few key points, demonstrating how you’ve successfully utilized your skills. For example, you might say, “My experience with HTML enabled me to create the beta version of my previous employer’s website, which became a vital tool in attracting new customers.”
2. Don’t State the Obvious
Avoid the common mistake of explaining how much you want the job. It’s clear to the reader that you are interested!
Instead, emphasize what you bring to the table. Focus on your strengths and how you align with the company’s needs.
In Summary
Today, we covered:
- Dos for writing a cover letter: Channel your creativity, tailor your content, capture attention, and align with the company’s tone.
- Don’ts for writing a cover letter: Avoid copying your resume and don’t state the obvious.
Thank you for reading today!
Let me know if you need any adjustments or further assistance!