Alright everybody, it’s co*cktail hour again! As always, I’m pouring up some actionable career advice in a way that is as delicious and fun as a watermelon margarita. Today’s topic is cover letters.
Have you ever been to a fancy co*cktail bar that had a large menu of drinks you’ve never heard of? To learn about the beverage, you’ll scan the menu for a description of list of ingredients that give you the gist of what you’re about to get yourself into.
Your cover letter does the exact same thing.
One interview, please!
A cover letter is a simple, one-page brief that entices the reader (recruiter or hiring manager) to read your resume and order an interview. Cover letters aren’t always required so having one will give you a leg up on the competition. People tend to view cover letters as an unnecessary additional document, but I’m spilling the tea: you should always have a cover letter on your job application.
Now, let’s land you that interview with this recipe for a killer cover letter:
1. Length & format – 1 part
Your cover letter should be no more than 1-page long. It should be very easy to read with a simple font, neat aesthetic, and a balanced layout of sh*te space and text.
2. Introduction – 2 parts
If the recruiter’s name is available to you, be sure to address them, personally, in your intro. If you aren’t sure, open with “Dear Hiring Manager,” or “Dear Recruiter,” and never use Dear Sir/Madam.
Your first paragraph needs to make an impact and encourage the recruiter to keep reading. It should highlight your most impressive accomplishments as well as explain your interest in the company and position that you’re applying for. Make your statements persuasive, logical, and specific - interests that are geared toward the company’s mission or values typically make the most impact.
Try to match the company’s vision and mission with your personal goals and ambitions to make an impression. The more the recruiter sees a connection between you and the company, the more likely they’re going to move on to your resume.
3. Interest/intent – 2 parts
In the next section of your cover letter, you should further express your interest in the position by offering your intentions. The best way to do this is to showcase your experience, skills, and achievements as they relate to the position you’re applying to. By explaining how you can use what you know and apply it to the position, the recruiter will be able to understand exactly why you are the best person for the job.
In your explanation, be sure to include the keywords and required skills that are listed on the job posting and give an example of a time you put a particular skill into practice. Again, it’s all about strengthening the connection between you and the position that you’re applying for.
4. Call to action – 1 part
In your final paragraph, provide a call to action to the reader by expressing how eager you are to hear back from them. Do not offer to follow up about scheduling an interview as this is seen as presumptuous and impolite. If you strike this chord with a recruiter, they may move on to the next cover letter.
Offer thanks for their time and consideration, and chose a professional closing such as, “Sincerely,” “Best Regards,” or “Thank you for your consideration,” before closing with your full name.
5. Contact information – to garnish
Provide your contact details at the very top of your cover letter, mentioning your name, email address, contact number, mailing address and LinkedIn Profile URL.
As always, I invite you to utilize this recipe to hopefully ease some of the anxiety that comes with crafting a cover letter. It can be tough to pack so much vital information into only a few paragraphs and do so in a way that is enticing to read. So, print out my recipe card and keep it at your desk so you’ll always have a little guide to help you along.
Do you have any tricks for some delicious treats? I know we’re all looking for ways to stay entertained at home this fall, so drop your favorite fall-themed recipes below! Cozy co*cktails, spicy soups, delicious dinners – you name it!
