The Recipe for the Perfect Cover Letter

Rebecca Serviss

A cover letter is a critical and often make-or-break part of the application process. It’s your chance to convince an employer that you are the most qualified candidate for the position, and ideally, it should also show how you stand out from other candidates. For these reasons, writing a compelling cover letter that concisely describes why you are the best fit for the job is essential.

Details and Specifics

Include specific highlights from your resume that help demonstrate how you can improve the company’s current operations. For those who are applying for a specific job or position, it’s important to give the name and address of the company and how many people work there. You also need to highlight how you can add to the value of the company and make it more profitable. Explain how your skills, background, or personality will be a good fit for this job.

One of the most effective ways of being detailed in a cover letter is to discuss specific events throughout your career when you overcame a challenge. Be sure to include details about the event from start to finish and each step you took to solve the problem. Make sure to explain why you were successful in each situation instead of simply stating your accomplishments.

Concise is Key

While it’s important to be very detailed in your cover letter, it is just as crucial to keep it compact and avoid over-explaining. Remember that cover letters should be no longer than one page and use short paragraphs to make it easier to read. It will be easier for the reader to see how qualified you are if you keep the letter brief.

Keep your cover letter focused on why you would be perfect for the job. Your resume should show exactly what kind of experience or education you have, so there is no need to reiterate it in your cover letter. You should include a summary of your professional background and then dive into why you are the right person for the job.

Keep it Organized

When it comes to writing a cover letter, it is important to stay on track when getting your point across. Sometimes, having a brief outline to refer to as a resource is helpful. It can include where you will spend your time and what kinds of skills or experience you will bring to the table.

You should also keep a straightforward, chronological writing style because it makes it easier for the reader to quickly get a sense of what you are trying to communicate. Just make sure that information is in the proper order to make sense for the employer to understand what you are saying.

Be Creative

Creativity is a great skill to use when crafting the perfect cover letter. When used correctly, it can help potential employers remember your letter among the many they receive. That creative touch can show employers that you took the time to draft your cover letter. It will also show that you are willing to take the extra step to make your application stand out from the crowd.

When looking for ideas of where to start with creativity, one of the best places to look is Pinterest.Pinterest is used for sparking creative ideas for parties, interior decorating, and other things outside of the profession, but it can also be a great resource when looking for ideas on how to format and add a little sparkle to your cover letter. You can do this by adding a unique header or color scheme.

It’s important to keep your creativity on a professional level and not use slang or jargon that might confuse the reader. While it’s important to be creative, it’s equally important to be professional and ensure the recipient understands what you are trying to convey.

Proofread, Proofread, Proofread

It is essential for you to look over your cover letter several times before sending it to an employer. Ensure all the relevant information is included and all the grammar and spelling errors are corrected. Tools such as Grammarly come in handy for easy spelling and grammar editing. Grammarly will detect any errors or typos in real-time when using online word processors such as Google Docs, and for those looking for other options, Grammarly has premium plans so that you always have it as a resource, even offline.

There’s no need to make any last-minute changes to your letter, but having a fresh set of eyes is a good idea to ensure that your cover letter is error-free. Ask a friend, a family member, or someone you trust to take a look before sending it in.

Wrap Up

Cover letters are a great chance to demonstrate your writing ability and to be creative. While it can be daunting to write a cover letter, plenty of resources available online can help make the process easier. You just need to find the right site and cover letter template that is right for you. If you can write an effective cover letter highlighting why you would be a great fit for a job, you can greatly increase your chances of being offered an interview.

Your cover letter can make or break your application, so give it your best effort and tailor it to the position you are applying for.

If you, or someone you know is looking to join the ICONMA team, check out the job portal on ICONMA’s website for new job opportunities posted daily and remember to follow us on social media @ICONMA via Facebook,Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn for daily hot jobs postings.