A cover letter for job application purposes or any cover letter for resume use is not just a formality. It’s an opportunity to speak directly to your potential employer and impress them with your skills and experience.
Research shows employees with strong cover letters are more likely to land an interview, so it’s an essential part of your job search strategy. Whether you’re looking for a temp-to-hire position or a full-time job, your cover letter is one of the most important parts of your application.
The Purpose of a Cover Letter
A cover letter provides immediate value. The primary function of your letter is to grab your potential employer’s interest, so they look at your resume and offer you an interview. A clear and concise letter is your opportunity to make a great first impression because you can immediately showcase your key strengths.
Tips for Writing a Strong Cover Letter
The most important thing to remember is that you should create a unique cover letter for each job. This approach will take extra time, but it’s necessary to be seriously considered for the position. Here are some other tips for writing a strong cover letter that will lead to an interview:
- Be honest about your skills and experience
- Keep it professional
- Address your letter to a specific individual with the correct title when possible
- Proofread for grammar, punctuation, and spelling
- Keep it to one page in length
- Break your letter up into three or four paragraphs, so it’s easy to read
- Include your necessary contact information
- Make sure your margins are equal, and you use an appropriate font
- Address the needs of your employer and illustrate why you can fulfill them
When you take the time to write a strong letter, you’re investing in a strong first impression. There’s no better way to get your foot in the door, so don’t skimp on this essential step.
The Benefits of a Strong Cover Letter
Your cover letter’s impact depends on how well you can make yourself stand out to your future employer. When you write a strong cover letter, there are a lot of benefits. First, you can show how you’re a unique fit for the job. Anytime an employer opens up a desirable position, there will be a lot of applicants. Your job is to show your unique qualifications and set yourself apart from the group.
This strategy means you need to review the job post carefully and specifically reference the needs of your potential employer. Then, you must showcase your experience and current skills to show your unique ability to fill the role and be an asset to the company. The wording of your cover letter for job application use lets you express your personality in a way you can’t do on your resume. This expression can help your employer determine whether you might be the right fit for the company culture, which is essential even for remote employees.
You can also showcase your enthusiasm for the company in your cover letter by referencing things you’ve researched. Not only can you explain why you’re the best technical fit for the position, but also why you’re excited to work for the company specifically.
Find The Right Position
At SMART Staffing Group, Inc., we consistently connect professionals to the right opportunities for their skills and experience. With more than 20 years of collective expertise, we are the go-to experts for talent consultancy and services.
We’re proudly a Certified Minority and Woman-Owned business that has served the Mid-Hudson Valley and Tri-State areas since 2014. Contact us today to get started.
