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The cover letter is your last marketing piece. Just like your resume, it needs to be customized for each job you apply for. Your Fourth Workbook (pages 10-12) has sample templates you can use to get started.
You want your letter to be personal and show that you have researched your dream job company. If you take the time to write one worthy of an HR managers time, you’ll definitely stand out. You want to grab their attention and show why they need to hire you. The worst thing you can do is send a boring, generic letter.
Make sure you have the job posting and description in front of you. You’ll want to reference it as you write. Do a little leg work and find out who the hiring manager is if possible. The more personal you can make the letter, the better. It’s even ok to call the company and ask who you should address hiring inquiries too.
I like to think of these letters in 3 parts.
First is your introduction. Here you’ll introduce yourself and make sure you mention what position you are applying for. Also use this area to tell them why you are the ideal candidate (use words that match the skills they mention).
Next is where you use your one-liners or accomplishments. It’s time to show and tell. Explain how you previously excelled in your former position and how you will benefit them when they hire you. Bullet points are also fine in this area. Make sure you start each one with the action verbs we talked about earlier. This is your chance to sell your value and brag on your accomplishments. You mom might have told you it’s impolite to talk about yourself, but it’s a necessity in the job search.
Make sure you close out with something memorable and impactful. Summarize why they should hire you and ask for the interview. In fact, tell them you’ll follow up with a call or look forward to meeting to discuss the opportunity.
Then it’s up to you to follow-up. You should email or call within a week of applying (especially if it is an online submission since it’s easy for emails to get blocked). By reaching out you emphasize your interest in the position and anytime you can make personal contact, you can use it as a chance to move to the front of a HR managers mind.