Having a good cover letter is the first thing you need to do to make your resume stand out. However, there are some things to avoid when writing a cover letter, such as focusing on education and training, attempting to impress the hiring manager, and writing an impersonal letter.
Include a catch-all letter
Whether you are a recent graduate or an experienced professional, including a catch-all letter in your cover letter can be an effective way to stand out from the crowd. A catch-all letter is designed to provide you with a short outline of your experience and skills, letting a recruiter quickly skim your document. You don't need to overdo it, but your letter should be short and easy to read.
A catch-all letter can be used in a number of different ways. For instance, you can describe your volunteer experience or leadership activities. You can also mention a recent conversation or interaction that has helped you learn more about the job you are applying for.
You can also link to a portfolio website if you don't have one. This can include links to any published work, web sites you've built, or other examples of your work. If you're applying to a job in the music industry, you can include links to your prior experience in this field.
You can also include a call-to-action in your cover letter. This can be a good way to let a recruiter know you are interested in the position, and want to discuss further. You can include a statement about how excited you are about the opportunity, and how you look forward to a face-to-face interview. You can also ask questions about the job you are applying for. If you can't come up with any questions, you can ask someone else at the company who is familiar with the position.
Your catch-all letter should address the hiring manager directly, not just the recruiter. It should be brief, and include your contact information.
Don't write a cover letter that's too short
Recruiters want to hire candidates that will do well in the job, so don't write a cover letter that is too short. This is a mistake that is common. Hiring managers receive dozens of cover letters for each position. They don't have time to read each one. They need to know that you're the right candidate for the job. Here are a few tips to help you write a cover letter that will get you hired.
Make sure your cover letter is no more than one page. Never exceed the recommended length of 400 words. Recruiters won't read a cover letter that's longer than a page, and it may eliminate you from the selection process.
Start your cover letter with a strong introduction. Highlight the experiences that make you the best candidate for the job. Include specific examples from the job posting to show the hiring manager why you're the right candidate for the job. If you have specific industry experience, highlight that as well. If you don't have experience, focus on your education and extracurricular activities.
Make sure you follow up with a closing paragraph that is at least one page long. This will make sure that your cover letter won't be overwritten and will leave a good impression. It also gives you a chance to add any additional details that you think are important to include.
If you have more experience than the position you are applying for, you may want to double your word count. This will allow you to add more details and creativity. However, it's also important to be concise. You don't want to overwhelm the hiring manager with information. If you're applying for a position in the investment banking industry, for instance, you'll want to highlight your experience in that field, while making sure you avoid generic phrases.
