20 Smart Steps to Write a Stellar Cover Letter

Captivating Opening Lines: The Key to a Strong Start

The opening line of your cover letter is your chance to grab the recruiter’s attention and leave a lasting impression. Here are a few tips to make it count:

• Be specific and relevant: Clearly mention the position you’re applying for and how you learned about it.
• Show your research: Reference a specific project, accomplishment, or aspect of the company’s work that particularly excites you.
• Use a compelling anecdote: Share a brief, engaging story that demonstrates your skills or passion for the industry.
• Ask a thought-provoking question: Pose a question that relates to your qualifications or the company’s goals to spark curiosity.
• Showcase your enthusiasm: Express your genuine interest in the opportunity and the company.

Craft a Compelling Introduction: Highlight Your Value

The introduction is where you build on your captivating opening line and introduce yourself to the recruiter. Here’s how to make it impactful:

• State your name and profession: Clearly state your full name and profession, highlighting any relevant certifications or experience.
• Quantify your accomplishments: Use numbers and metrics to quantify your achievements, demonstrating the tangible impact of your work.
• Use strong action verbs: Use action verbs to describe your skills and experience, painting a vivid picture of your contributions.
• Connect your skills to the job requirements: Highlight how your skills and experience align with the specific requirements of the position you’re applying for.

Showcase Your Skills and Experience: Relevance is Key

The body of your cover letter is where you expand on your skills, experience, and achievements. Here’s how to make them shine:

• Tailor your content to each job: Customize the content of your cover letter to highlight the skills and experience that are most relevant to the specific position you’re applying for.
• Use the STAR method: When describing your accomplishments, use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to provide context, demonstrate your role, and quantify the outcome.
• Highlight transferable skills: If you don’t have direct experience in the specific industry or role, emphasize transferable skills that can be applied to the position.
• Use keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description into your cover letter, making it easier for applicant tracking systems (ATS) to identify your application.

Quantify Accomplishments: Numbers Speak Louder

When describing your accomplishments, numbers and metrics can make a big impact. Here’s why:

• Credibility and impact: Quantifying your accomplishments adds credibility and demonstrates the tangible impact of your work.
• Attention-grabbing: Numbers and statistics stand out in a sea of text, drawing the reader’s attention to your key achievements.
• Measurable results: By providing concrete data, you allow the recruiter to assess the specific outcomes of your efforts.
• Goal-oriented: Using numbers to quantify your accomplishments shows that you’re a goal-oriented individual who tracks and measures results.

Use Action Verbs: Power Up Your Writing

Action verbs are the workhorses of your cover letter, adding power and dynamism to your writing. Here are a few tips to use them effectively:

• Strong active verbs: Use strong active verbs that convey your impact and accomplishments.
• Variety: Avoid repetitive use of the same verbs. Explore a variety of action verbs to keep your writing engaging.
• Specific verbs: Choose specific verbs that accurately describe your actions and contributions.
• Results-oriented verbs: Use verbs that emphasize the outcomes and achievements of your efforts.

Tailor for Each Job: The Art of Customization

Tailoring your cover letter to each job application shows the recruiter that you’re genuinely interested in the position and have taken the time to understand the company and its needs. Here are some tips:

• Research the company: Visit the company’s website, social media pages, and industry news to learn about their mission, culture, and recent developments.
• Read the job description carefully: Pay attention to the specific requirements and responsibilities of the position.
• Highlight relevant skills and experience: Emphasize the skills and experience that are most closely aligned with the job requirements.
• Use company-specific keywords: Incorporate relevant keywords from the job description and the company’s website into your cover letter.

Research the Company: Demonstrate Your Interest

Demonstrating your knowledge of the company and its industry shows that you’re passionate about the opportunity and have done your homework. Here’s how to do effective research:

• Company website: Visit the company’s website to familiarize yourself with its mission, values, products/services, and recent announcements.
• Social media: Explore the company’s LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook pages to gain insights into its culture, industry involvement, and employee engagement.
• Industry news: Stay updated on the latest news and trends in the company’s industry, demonstrating your knowledge and interest in the field.
• Company reviews and insights: Read employee reviews and company insights on platforms like Glassdoor and LinkedIn to gain a better understanding of the company’s work environment and reputation.

Proofread Meticulously: Eliminate Errors, Boost Confidence

Before you hit the send button, proofread your cover letter meticulously to eliminate any errors and boost your confidence. Here are some proofreading tips:

• Read it aloud: Read your cover letter aloud to identify any awkward phrasing, typos, or grammatical errors.
• Check grammar and spelling: Use a grammar and spelling checker to catch any errors that you may have missed.
• Ask for feedback: If possible, ask a trusted friend, family member, or colleague to review your cover letter and provide feedback on clarity, impact, and overall effectiveness.