Despite that “easy apply” button on some hiring sites (sorry, LinkedIn) think twice before blindly sending off your resume. Why? Tailoring your resume allows the employer to see your potential for the specific role they’re posting. To stand out, you need to avoid generalizing your skills. So, where does a cover letter come in? A cover letter, in addition to your resume, communicates how your unique combination of skills and experience makes you the best candidate. 

As the saying goes, you only get one chance to make a great first impression. So how do you ensure your cover letter positions you above other applicants? Is there anything you should leave out of your cover letter? Let’s dive into our 4 Do’s for your cover letter and 4 Don’ts. 

Do’s: 

1. Explain exactly how you can help. 

This might seem obvious: you’re applying for the job because you possess the skills for the job. Right? Yes, and no. Don’t assume the hiring manager knows how your skills and experience relate to the job. Spell it out for them.

Start your cover letter with a short introduction of yourself. Then, state what you do and how those skills match the needs of the job. How many years of experience do you have in the career field? Or, what accomplishments do you have that match the needs of the company? Explain how the skills you possess align with the needs of the company.  

2. Include specific keywords.

Look at the job posting and select three to five keywords that match your experience and the skills you possess. Using keywords from the job posting informs the hiring manager of your attention to detail. Plus, if the company uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS), keywords help push you past the initial screening process. Remember, you don’t have to meet 100% of the qualifications listed in the posting, but it is necessary to highlight those you do possess.

3. Show some personality.

Your cover letter is a chance to highlight your communication skills and provide a glimpse of who you are outside the formality of your resume. Now, that doesn’t mean it’s time to break out your favorite Kevin Hart joke. Instead, it means you can match the tone and voice of the company to which you’re applying. 

Since you’ve researched the company, you’re aware of the company culture and its goals. If possible, make a unique connection to a project they’ve been a part of or charity event they’ve hosted, or a conference of theirs you’ve attended. Hiring managers seek out candidates who will mesh well with the company dynamic. Bonus points if you have a personal reference to mention.

4. End with a statement of intent. 

This piece is simple. Let the reader know you are looking forward to the opportunity to interview for the position. Make connecting easy by letting them know the best time to reach you. Also, let them know that you plan to follow up. Follow through on the follow-up shows that this wasn’t just 1 of 763 jobs you applied for, but that you’re serious about pursuing this role.

Don’ts: 

1. Regurgitate your resume. 

While it may be tempting to restate the qualifications and skills in your resume, don’t. Your cover letter is meant to work in addition to your resume, not in place of it. Think of your resume showing how you can perform the job, whereas your cover letter shows why you want the job. 

Plus, since a cover letter gives more insight than your resume, you can explain any gaps in employment or career transitions. There is no need to go in depth, just an honest sentence about what leads you to seek out the current position. 

2. Make it longer than one page.

Everyone’s time is valuable. As wonderful as your accomplishments, certificates, and past work experience may be….no one is reading a two-page cover letter. Sorry, sis. In fact, according to Indeed.com, you have less than 10 seconds of the hiring manager’s attention before they’re on to the next job application. Keep yourself in the running, and keep it short and sweet. A cover letter of 200 - 400 words should cover it. 

3. Be generic.

You want your cover letter to stand out. One way to do that is to avoid generic language and cookie-cutter templates. If you’re able to simply swap out the company name on a cover letter to submit it for a different role, it’s probably not worth the read. While you shouldn’t have to spend hours customizing for different positions, the key is to elevate the language so your expertise and interest are relevant and memorable for the role at hand. 

4. Make it all about you. 

While you want to highlight your skills, experience, and interest, the goal is to show how you and the company are a good fit for each other. What about the company piqued your interest? Speak to your excitement to join the company, your interest in their mission, your appreciation for their past accomplishments, etc. You want to highlight how bringing you on board will be a mutual benefit. 

Next Steps

It’s time to ditch the cover letter templates you found via Google search! Grab our dynamic cover letter and resume template to create brand documents with flair. The cover letter template provides guidance on how to tailor to stand out for each position you pursue.