10 cover letter don ts
Cover letters not only introduce you to new employers, but they also add value to your application. They elaborate on items discussed within resumes and also add a degree of personality, which can show employers who you are beyond your resume and if you're a good fit for the team. In this article, we discuss what a cover letter is, explain its importance and list a series of do's and don't's when creating one. A cover letter is a document that accompanies a resume and allows you to convey more of your personality. A resume tells employers your skills and your experience, but they only get to know you on a more personal level through a cover letter.
The best and worst things to put in your cover letter, according to 9 HR experts
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You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For more information, check out our privacy policy. Written by Caroline Forsey. But if you had to flip through a hundred cover letters a day, and each one began, "To whom it may concern, I am applying for the digital marketing position at your company," how important would you rank them?
A cover letter might not always be the most important thing to a hiring manager, but if your resume or connections aren't enough to get you through the door, a powerful cover letter could be the what gets you an interview. For instance, a hiring manager might only read your cover letter if your resume raised questions about why you're applying for the position, or why you're leaving your current role. In these cases, your cover letter can be a crucial factor in whether or not you move forward in the hiring process.
Your cover letter is an opportunity to showcase your personality, display your interest in the job, and include relevant information that otherwise wouldn't be surfaced in your application. But there's a fine line between standing out and coming across as brash or gimmicky. An ideal cover letter leaves the hiring manager with a positive and memorable impression of you, something a resume alone won't always do. So, where do you begin when writing a cover letter? More specifically, where should your beginning begin?
Recruiters read a ton of cover letters -- especially if the company is growing quickly and hiring non-stop. What does this mean for you? You need to get their attention right away. To help you overcome writer's block, and hook your reader right away, take a look at some sharp opening sentences you can use for inspiration. Read on to find out eight ways to grab an employer's attention with an exceptional cover letter introduction.
Employers are humans too, and they'll often appreciate a good joke, pun, or funny opening line as much as the next person. If done tastefully and respectfully, starting your cover letter off with a joke can be an excellent way to stand out. Plus, a joke can still include a powerful explanation for why you're the right person for the job, without coming off as boastful. For instance, think about something you love to do or something you're really good at, and then imagine how friends or family might make a joke about it -- if you're really good at analyzing data, for example, a joke or pun related to that might be a good way to exemplify both your skills and personality.
Right away, the personality displayed here grabs the reader's attention. Even better, this applicant uses humor to convey an important message to the employer -- she loves shopping, and she's well-versed in ecommerce as a consumer -- which might've otherwise not come up on her resume or phone screening.
For an employer to know you'll stay dedicated to the role and company, they'll want to ensure you're passionate about what the job entails. Passion is more incentivizing than a paycheck. For an employer, demonstrating how your passion matches the required skillset is a promising sign that you'd enjoy your job -- if you enjoy your job, you're more likely to stick around longer, help drive company growth, and become a dedicated member of the team.
Consider starting your cover letter with a few lines that showcase your passion: "I've been passionate about writing since I was ten years old. My love for writing has led me to write two personal travel blogs, get published in a local newspaper, and pursue two summer internships at publishing firms.
Now, I'd love the opportunity to combine my writing skills with my interest in storytelling as a content marketer at Company A. If you don't have extensive work experience in the industry you're trying to break into, but you've been unofficially preparing for years, let the employer know.
In the above example, the candidate's resume would probably look weak, with only internships indicating professional experience. Her cover letter introduction, however, shows the employer she's been writing for audiences and advancing her natural ability for years. Employers like seeing numbers.
It isn't enough to mention you're a "digital marketer with proven success in SEO strategies. Okay, can we see? It's more powerful to provide statistics. You want to show the employer you're capable of solving for long-term results.
How have you contributed to your company's bottom line? For instance, did your Facebook marketing campaign grow your social media following, or has your blog content increased organic traffic? Even if you don't have the work experience to report impressive numbers, you can still offer proof when opening with an accomplishment. Think about the qualitative feedback you've received from employers.
For instance, how would your boss compliment you or tell you you're doing a good job? An accomplishment can be as simple as your boss sending you an appreciative email regarding your diligent meeting notes. In this example from The Muse , the applicant provides an example of a skill for which he's been previously acknowledged: "My last boss once told me that my phone manner could probably diffuse an international hostage situation.
I've always had a knack for communicating with people -- the easygoing and the difficult alike -- and I'd love to bring that skill to the office manager position at Shutterstock. Even though the applicant doesn't offer numbers as proof of success, they do manage to highlight some proof of their past performance in the form of a former boss's praise.
The candidate's candid and funny explanation -- that his last boss liked his phone manners -- is another good way to brag about accomplishments without, well, bragging. Employers want to know why you like their company, and they'll appreciate an explanation on why you're interested.
But it's imperative your reasoning is thoughtful and considerate, and specific to the company. For instance, if you're applying for a financial position, don't write about your interest in finance; write about how your interest in finance relates to the company's goals.
You don't want to just say, "I'm excited to work at Company A because I'm passionate about finance, and I think my skills and experiences will be a good match. Instead, you'll want to mention something about the company and culture in correlation to your interest in finance. I've been waiting to find a company where I feel like I can make a difference while working as an accountant.
Not only are your clients awesome, but the overall mission of your company is something I believe in, too. This candidate shows they've done their research and care about Accounting Solutions in particular. Remember, employers want to hire people who have a demonstrated interest in working at their company. They want someone who will enjoy the nature of the work, but just as importantly, they want a candidate who enjoys the work culture and the company mission as well.
Mentioning company news in your introduction indicates you've done research on the company. Plus, including company news might give you the chance to incorporate your own values, as well. If the company just won an award for its innovative solutions in the computer industry, for instance, you might add how you value forward-thinking methods in technology, as well. Here's an example of an introduction that uses a newsworthy event, from Indeed : "When I saw that Company ABC was featured in Fortune Magazine last month for its commitment to renewable energy and reducing waste in the workplace -- all while experiencing triple-digit revenue growth -- I was inspired.
The candidate does a good job demonstrating how Company ABC's news aligns well with the candidate's personal achievements. She shows she's done her research on the company, and also indicates she values similar environmental efforts in the workplace. According to one seasoned hiring manager , a cover letter that begins, "I am writing to apply for [open position] at [name of company]" is grounds for nearly instant rejection.
Your cover letter should never directly state what they already know -- or restate what's already listed on your resume. Impress employers by telling them something about your skills or experiences they don't already know. To offer new information not displayed on his resume, one of my colleagues at HubSpot wrote this cover letter introduction: "My resume will tell you I'm Content Marketing Certified.
Your records will tell you I've interviewed for a few different HubSpot positions in the past. What neither one will tell you is that I've been working with your customer success team to build a new campaign strategy for my company--one of your latest and largest clients.
The candidate wrote an introduction that captured the reader's attention and demonstrated he wasn't interested in wasting anyone's time. This is a memorable and impressive tactic. Consider writing a similar introduction, where you provide information absent from your resume.
A hiring manager here at HubSpot told me she always looks for cover letters to tell her how the company and applicant can benefit each other. Any employer is going to want to know why you think you can grow from the position you're applying to.
An employer is more inclined to hire you if she thinks you have a genuine, intrinsic motivation to work hard in the role. A hiring manager is also going to want to know how you'll contribute to the company's larger vision and goals.
It's important for the manager to know what you want to get out of the role, but it's equally important to know how you'll help the company grow. How will the company benefit from you, over someone else?
Here's an example: "I am seeking opportunities to improve my writing ability in a forward-thinking environment, while growing organic traffic and optimizing content to beat out competitors in search engines. At Company A, I believe I will find that match. See how it works?
Avoid these common mistakes when writing your cover letter. Don't forget to update the company, job and contact information—if Mr. Jones is addressed 10. Forgetting to sign the letter. It is proper business etiquette (and shows attention to. Cover letters can sometimes be the first thing a hiring manager sees. Learn how to win over the hiring manager with these successful cover letter tips.
Your cover letter is the first thing employers see when they open your materials. Avoid these 10 mistakes, and make your first impression a good and lasting one. Your cover letter is not your autobiography.
Cover letters can be the deciding factor between getting called for an interview or being passed up for another candidate who submitted something better. Why Choose Us?
Congratulations to all the graduates and soon-to-be graduates on completing your college degree. Now the real challenge begins as you enter the job market.
Resume and Cover Letters: Do's and Don'ts
The closer to perfect your letter is, the better your chances are of impressing the hiring manager. Follow these tips and techniques for sending a top-notch cover letter, and you will increase your chances of getting an interview. For example, there are traditional cover letters also known as application letters , which are written to apply for specific job openings. There are also letters of interest also known as prospecting letters , in which you ask about possible job openings at a company. Be sure to choose a type of cover letter that reflects what you are applying for, and what you are requesting. Your cover letter should not be just another version of your resume.
10 Things You Should NEVER Do In Your Cover Letter
A cover letter is an important piece of job search document which you can use to impress an employer or a hiring manager before the interviewing process begins. Very often, the way your cover letter is written could mean the difference between landing an interview and losing it. Therefore, you should always take cover letter writing very seriously and use it to stand out from the pack. Cover Letter Dos. Do Personalize Your Letter: Find out the name of the HR manager or the interviewer and address them by name in your cover letter. Write a new cover letter for each job that you want to apply for. Do Mention the Job Position: Which job position are you interested in? Mention it in your cover letter and focus your writing around that specific job position. Do Make it Succinct: A cover letter has to be short and sweet.
While your resume is meant to summarize why you are qualified for a role, the cover letter is what shows the employer why they should want you at their company. Strong cover letters portray a mix of your character, enthusiasm for the role, and unique background that qualifies you for this job above all others.
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Do’s and Don’ts of Cover Letter Writing
It is your chance to shine! The all-important cover letter can land you an interview — or not. The cover letter is a big piece of the puzzle. Here are some tips that will help you get to the interview stage every time. Dedicate a whole paragraph to explaining what you can do for the company based on your previous experience. A big mistake is when people focus on how perfect the position would be for them instead of how they can make an impact. Jobs titles or degree abbreviations do not tell the hiring manager what you are capable of doing. Even if you are applying for an entry-level job, talk about the skills you gained working in groups in your classes or through your internships or volunteer experiences. Learn whatever you can about the employer before you start your draft. Anything that is company-, role- or department-specific that you can weave in will show the screener you did your homework. It will help make a quick connection. If your cover letter is canned, the hiring manager may get the impression you do not care as much about that particular open role and are just looking for any open position.
Cover Letter Do's and Don't's
Or at least I used to. Probably because I always felt like they were so stilted and formal and just not me. Then I figured out that the boring old cover letters I learned to write in high school are not the standard anymore. Instead, you get to make your cover email engaging, personal, and memorable. All you have to do is avoid the ten things below that you might be doing in your cover letter to totally blow your chances of landing an interview! Real people have used this guide to land interviews! When cover letters first appeared in job listings in the s, it was was often the only chance you had to convey your personality, experience, or personal connections when applying for a job prior to getting an interview. The Atlantic. These days, your personality and identity is everywhere online, from your Twitter profile, to your personal blog, to your LinkedIn page.
